Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Theodora Chatzipavlidis of Berlin

Theodora Chatzipavlidis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Theodora, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think many people are secretly struggling with feeling lonely but rarely say it out loud.
We live in a world that celebrates independence, productivity, and “doing it all on your own.” On the outside, everyone seems fine — traveling solo, working remotely, chasing goals — but deep down, many of us miss real, close human connection.

Loneliness has become one of the biggest silent epidemics of our time. It doesn’t just affect our mood; it impacts our health — increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and even shortening our lifespan. What’s heartbreaking is that it affects all generations, from young adults to the elderly.

I think what we’re really craving — beyond success or freedom — is belonging. Genuine connection. And I truly believe that when we start talking about it more openly, we can begin to heal it together.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Theodora, the Co-founder and CEO of Velout, a travel-tech startup based in Germany that combines the magic of travel with the magic of human connection.

Our app helps solo travelers find their perfect travel buddy — not just based on destination, but on their travel personality, values, and vibe. Because what really makes a trip memorable isn’t just where you go, but who you share it with.

The idea for Velout came from my own travels. Those moments of feeling both free and lonely at the same time. I realized how many people were silently craving deeper, more meaningful connections while exploring the world. So, together with my Co-founder Bhupendra, who holds a Ph.D. in AI, we built a technology that makes human connection feel human again.

We’re also partnering with research centers to study the psychology of connection and loneliness because our mission isn’t just about travel. It’s about fighting loneliness, creating safer and more sustainable ways to explore the world, and reminding people that “solo” doesn’t have to mean alone.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that truly shaped how I see the world was my very first solo trip to the United States when I was 20.

It was the first time I was completely on my own — far away from home, family, and everything familiar. That trip cracked something open in me. It was both exciting and terrifying, but in that space of uncertainty, I started to discover who I really was when no one else was defining me.

Later, I spent a year studying abroad in Mexico, and that experience deepened it even more. Being on your own in a different culture teaches you resilience, empathy, and presence. You learn to listen not just to others, but to yourself.

That’s when I realized the transformative power of solo travel. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about seeing yourself differently. Every solo trip became a mirror. Showing me what I value, what I fear, and what kind of connections make life meaningful.
And that realization is what ultimately inspired me to build Velout. Because when we travel alone, we often end up finding not just the world but ourselves.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was definitely a time I almost gave up.

When I first started building my company, I was bootstrapping everything. Working 60 to 80 hours a week while juggling a part-time job, freelance projects, and trying to keep my startup alive. There were months when the uncertainty felt heavier than the dream. I was exhausted, underpaid, and constantly questioning if I was doing the right thing.

But every time I thought about quitting, I reminded myself why I started — to make people feel more connected in a world that’s growing more disconnected. And somehow, that purpose kept me going.

There’s this saying I hold close: “You don’t build a startup just with money — you build it with belief.” And even when everything around me felt shaky, that belief stayed. It still does.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what really matters to me is following my dreams. Even when it means sacrificing time, comfort, or weekends together. They often joke that I’m married to my vision, but they also know how deeply I care about creating something meaningful and staying true to my values while doing it.

They’ve seen me work late nights, chase opportunities across countries, and pour my heart into building something that makes a real impact. And even though we don’t see each other as often as we’d like, they never stop supporting me.

Because they know that for me, it’s not just about success — it’s about making a difference, inspiring others to dream big, and showing that it’s possible to stay kind, grounded, and authentic while doing so.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
What I would truly regret is stopping to travel the world.

I’ve always had this deep fear — not of failing, but of not living fully. I don’t regret the things I’ve done, even the messy ones. What I would regret are the experiences I never gave myself the chance to have.

Life can literally change — or end — tomorrow. So postponing dreams for “later” has never made sense to me, because later isn’t guaranteed. Traveling, for me, is not just about seeing new places but about feeling alive, expanding my mind, and connecting with people who remind me how beautifully diverse this world is.

If I ever stopped exploring, that’s the one thing I know I’d regret. Because every journey reminds me what it means to truly live.

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