About the Founders

We’re Vishi and Paul, the co-founders of Smartstep, a platform born from our shared belief in the power of connection and curiosity. We met during our time at RWTH University through a student initiative, and although we came from different backgrounds, we quickly bonded over our passion for exploring new ideas—whether it was politics, music, education, or technology. What we realized through our many discussions was that real learning and growth happen when you can immerse yourself in networks and find people who share your curiosity. This insight led us to create Smartstep, a platform where anyone with questions about their education or career can connect with people who’ve been in their shoes, offering the kind of guidance and support that traditional paths often lack. By tapping into these shared experiences, we believe we can make the journey toward further education more accessible, insightful, and empowering.