DPW didn’t start as a polished brand or a five-year roadmap. It started with a risky decision, personal sacrifice, and a founder willing to burn the boats to see if an idea could survive. Matthias Gutzmann gave up stability, comfort, and certainty to build something from nothing, leaning on relationships, family support, and sheer persistence to get the first event off the ground.

Then the worst possible timing hit. Just as DPW found its footing, the world shut down. No events. No gatherings. No clear path forward. Instead of folding, Matthias pivoted, launching digital programs and virtual formats that kept the community alive while operating with almost no safety net.

What emerges is a clear throughline: DPW exists because the community demanded it and because its founder refused to quit when momentum disappeared. This is a candid look at what it actually takes to build something meaningful, not the highlight reel, but the uncomfortable decisions, quiet setbacks, and obsession required to push through when there’s no obvious next step.