Dietmar Hopp Quotes

Powerful Dietmar Hopp for Daily Growth

About Dietmar Hopp

Dietmar Hopp (born March 23, 1940) is a German entrepreneur, software pioneer, and philanthropist, known for co-founding the software company SAP SE, one of the world's leading business software companies. Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Hopp displayed an early interest in technology. After studying mathematics and physics at Heidelberg University, he began his career in 1962 at IBM, where he gained valuable experience in the burgeoning field of computer programming. In 1972, Hopp co-founded SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) with five other colleagues, aiming to create software that could help businesses manage their operations more efficiently. SAP quickly became a global success, revolutionizing the enterprise software industry. Hopp served as its CEO until 1998 and continued as chairman of the executive board until 2002. Today, SAP employs over 100,000 people worldwide and has a market capitalization of over $150 billion. Hopp's influence extends beyond the business world. He is a significant philanthropist, donating millions to various charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and sports. In 2014, he established the Dietmar Hopp Stiftung, which supports numerous non-profit organizations in Germany. In his personal life, Hopp is an avid football fan and co-owns the Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim. He also enjoys sailing and has participated in several regattas. Despite his many achievements, Hopp remains humble, attributing his success to hard work, perseverance, and a bit of luck. Quotes from Dietmar Hopp often reflect this pragmatic approach to life, such as "Success comes from having the courage to believe in yourself and your ideas."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is not the destination, it's the journey."

This quote suggests that success is more about the process or journey towards achieving one's goals rather than just reaching the destination itself. The journey refers to the experiences, learnings, and personal growth that occur along the way. It emphasizes enjoying and valuing the progress made during the pursuit of success, as well as the skills acquired and relationships formed throughout the process. In essence, it's about finding joy in the chase and understanding that the journey itself can be just as rewarding as the end result.


"The more you succeed, the more mistakes you can afford to make."

This quote by Dietmar Hopp suggests that as one's success increases, they have more room for errors because their resources and reputation are already well-established. In other words, being successful allows you to take risks and learn from mistakes without the same fear of negative consequences that someone starting out might experience. It implies that failure is an inevitable part of success, and it's important to embrace learning opportunities from those experiences rather than avoiding them.


"Entrepreneurs have a responsibility to build companies that last."

Dietmar Hopp's quote emphasizes the ethical and sustainable nature of entrepreneurship, suggesting that founders should prioritize longevity and durability in their business endeavors. By focusing on building companies that endure, entrepreneurs can create meaningful, long-lasting impact in their industries while ensuring jobs and value continue to be generated for a more extended period. This approach encourages responsible corporate stewardship, sustainability, and an emphasis on building strong foundations that will enable businesses to adapt and thrive through the challenges and changes of time.


"I don't believe in luck. I believe in preparation, work ethic, and determination."

Dietmar Hopp's quote conveys a strong belief that success is not solely dependent on luck, but rather on the combination of thorough preparation, diligent work ethic, and unwavering determination. In other words, one should focus on developing skills, consistently putting in effort, and maintaining perseverance to achieve their goals, rather than relying on happenstance or chance.


"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." (Adapted from Winston Churchill)

This quote, adapted from Winston Churchill and emphasized by Dietmar Hopp, highlights the importance of persistence in the face of success or failure. The meaning lies in the idea that success is not a definitive end point but rather a stepping stone towards further growth, while failure does not have to be a fatal setback if one has the courage to continue pursuing their goals. It encourages resilience and determination, suggesting that it takes great bravery to keep going despite obstacles or setbacks. Ultimately, it's the ability to persist and maintain courage in the face of adversity that truly defines success.


When Ralf Rangnick was in charge, you could see he was out to force a pressing game.

- Dietmar Hopp

Game, See, Charge, Pressing

The biotechnology wave is similar to the information technology wave of the 1980s and 1990s.

- Dietmar Hopp

Similar, Biotechnology, 1990s

I'm not someone who puts their money in a fund that earns 2 to 5 percent a year. I'm a man who tries to change things, move something with my money, to create jobs and, of course, at the same time earn more money with it.

- Dietmar Hopp

Percent, Year, Tries, Change Things

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