Seven questions, seven answers. Funded by the Exist scholarship, awarded in the ICT Innovativ start-up competition — it's running at evaluate, the sensor-based running trainer app. Munich startup in conversation with Bene from evalu.
1. Who are you and what do you do? Please briefly introduce yourself and your product!
evalu's vision is to make sport an integral part of everyday life. To this end, we develop intelligent training software with a focus on sustainability and fun. evalu.run is a sensor-based running trainer app that gives tips on running technique while you run — based on live measured parameters from the evalu sensor in the shoe. Additionally, individually relevant strengthening exercises are integrated into the training plan.
Our athletic and ambitious team consists of Elisabeth, Raphael, Max, Romano, Michi, Annemarie, Elmo, and me, Benedikt. Raphael and Romano are long-time friends, just like Max and I. Romano met Max during our studies at the student initiative Academy Consult.
Together we form a powerful group where ambition and fun are not neglected.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
There are a number of running apps and wearables that provide data on your running. However, none of the existing products address the runner's individual running technique or help runners overcome everyday running problems with easy-to-implement tips. For the first time, the intelligence of the training software comes from biomechanical studies and is made possible by the precise sensors in the shoe. Therefore, only we can directly help runners with pain.
3. What are the three main ingredients for your recipe for success?
Listen to customers: During product development, we listened to what the market and our potential customers were saying from the very beginning. Through surveys and one-on-one test runs, we iteratively tested our hypotheses and prototypes and refined our concept.
Use knowledge: To get to our topic, the 
To fully understand running technique, we conducted expert interviews, pored over literature, and participated in conferences and training courses. This enabled us to acquire the expert knowledge essential to giving our product the intelligence it needs.
Arouse enthusiasm: From the very beginning, we inspired others about our startup and our product. This allowed us to expand our core team early on and position ourselves even more broadly. Furthermore, we have developed fruitful partnerships that simplify many processes for us.
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
The first lucky beta testers are already running with the evalu.run running trainer. The next round of testing will start in June. The official market launch will follow, and the product will be distributed through partners and online stores.
5. What does Munich mean to you?
Bene and Max are native Munich residents, and Romano has lived here for over seven years. It's an impressive city where sports never go amiss. From the best football club in the world to the most beautiful mountains, the package here is top-notch. For sports startups like us, this is obviously a huge advantage.
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
We're fortunate that sports and technology are moving in our direction across Europe and around the world. Integrating sports into everyday life is and will continue to be a huge issue. Furthermore, sports are emotional, so our team can work on it with great passion. There's nothing better than working with the brightest minds toward a common goal every day.
7. Schwabinger 7 or Bob Beaman?
You can find evalu all over Munich. Just keep your eyes open for our guys and girls.
