Dieter Runge didn’t set out to lead a localization tech company. He started with cameras, not code.
But his story is the kind that only the language industry could write. A path built on creativity, hardship, and a drive to make communication easier for everyone.
Today, Dieter is one of the co-founders of Boostlingo, a fast-growing language access platform.
But the road there? It was anything but smooth.
“We were in our new offices. I was excited. Then our CEO walked in and said, ‘I don’t know if we’re going to make payroll this month.’”
The Accidental Beginning
Dieter was born in California to German parents. His background alone speaks to the global DNA of localization professionals.
From living in Canada and California to settling in Australia, he’s carried a bit of the world with him.
Before localization, he studied film and media in the Bay Area, working on training videos, music content, and TV projects.
Eventually, that work led him to interactive content, specifically, CD-ROM-based learning.
“I wanted to understand how people learn with technology. That curiosity led me to instructional design and then e-learning.”
Through e-learning, Dieter stumbled into localization by needing to sim-ship training materials in multiple languages.
That meant working with LSPs, managing projects, and learning the inner workings of translation workflows.
From E-Learning to Entrepreneur
As Dieter moved through roles at Lionbridge, SDL, and TTG, he noticed a serious gap: interpreting projects were messy.
- No consistent tools
- Tech was tied to specific vendors
- Interpreters couldn’t easily go mobile
- LSPs struggled with scheduling and access
So, he asked the big question: Where can this industry be disrupted?
“The world didn’t need another TMS. What we needed was a better way to manage interpreting.”
And that’s where Boostlingo was born. Inspired by Uber’s interface but mindful that interpreting is not a gig job, Dieter and his co-founders built an MVP and started pitching it.
The Breaking Point
Everything was coming together—until it almost didn’t.
“We had the product. We had the team. But we didn’t have the money.”
The team nearly couldn’t make payroll. The pressure was intense. Dieter describes the moment with clarity and emotion, the kind of make-or-break scenario that defines real startups.
But they made it through. They raised capital. And most of the core team is still there today.
- From 4 co-founders to over 200 employees
- Low attrition, high team loyalty
- Company culture built on respect, creativity, and transparency
“Twenty of our original 26 employees are still with us. That says everything about our team culture.”
What Makes a Leader
One of the most compelling parts of the episode is Dieter’s view on leadership. He’s not a command-and-control kind of founder. Instead, he believes in:
- Transparency – Let people in on the truth
- Trust – Don’t micromanage
- Mentorship – Give and receive guidance
- Letting go – Share responsibilities as you scale
“You have to trust your people. You don’t need to wear all the hats forever.”
Dieter admits there are still days when it's hard. But that passion, the drive to create something useful keeps him going. And so does the team.
“You’ll be in the foxhole with your team. Make sure you love those people.”
Tech That Lifts the Human Spirit
Dieter’s not just building software, he’s building human connection through technology.
“Language is the thing that unifies us. If you can’t communicate, you can’t succeed.”
Whether it's a doctor needing to explain a diagnosis or a business closing a global deal, language access matters.
Boostlingo isn’t just solving a tech problem, it’s solving a people problem.
Advice to Aspiring Founders
Javi asked the big question: What advice would you give someone who’s scared to start?
Here’s Dieter’s answer:
- Fear is normal
- You don’t need to know everything
- Surround yourself with smart, committed people
- Believe in your product but make sure it solves a real problem
- Create opportunities through relationships
“If you knew how hard it would be, you might never start. But it’s worth it. It’s uniquely rewarding.”
Final Thoughts
This episode of Merging Minds pulls back the curtain on startup life, language tech, and the humanity behind it all. Dieter Runge shows us that vision, vulnerability, and values can lead to something powerful.
Not every startup makes it but this one did. And it made a difference.
“If you can will it, if you believe in it, sometimes that’s enough to push it forward.”
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