Munich Startup: What has your career path been like so far?
Vera Meinert: I'm originally an industrial engineer and have worked as a consultant in various large companies on topics related to artificial intelligence and data. Throughout this time, I never lost sight of my commitment and passion for transformation and improving workflows. As a team leader, I had significant responsibility, but I realized that something was missing in the industry.
Motivation for the founding and the step towards Diafania
Munich Startup: What motivated you to start your own business?
Vera Meinert: I wanted to start my own company because I wanted to directly implement my passion for transformation and innovation. Long before artificial intelligence captured the public's attention, I worked on AI-related topics in large companies and saw that the industry was missing something crucial: data availability and quality, especially from unstructured data sources, remain unresolved issues.
With Diafania I can combine my knowledge and enthusiasm for innovation, Improve processes, create real social impact and actively shape the real estate industry.
For me, starting a business is not just about challenges and bureaucracy – it is above all the freedom to create something of my own that has an impact – for companies, people and the industry.
Munich Startup: What would you have liked to know before starting your first business?
Vera Meinert: Since I was quite close to some of the founders, I thought I had a pretty good sense of what to expect. However, I seriously underestimated two things: the uncertainty, which never really goes away, and how alone you sometimes feel at the beginning, even with a team.
For the first few weeks, I struggled with the financial uncertainty, then there were the questions of whether I was talking to the right people, whether the idea was any good, whether the customers would give truly honest feedback, and so on and so forth… Eventually, you get used to the fact that you never really know and can only make decisions to the best of your knowledge and conscience. Whether they were the right ones, you often only realize in hindsight.
Financing, security and first paying customers
Munich Startup: How is your company currently financed?
Vera Meinert: Currently, we are primarily financed through the EXIST start-up grant, which I can highly recommend, and our first paying customers. At the same time, we are keeping all our options open, but above all, we want to remain true to our product and our vision.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get your best ideas?
Vera Meinert: My best ideas come to me in the mountains: climbing over scree, pushing myself to my limits and enjoying the fresh air clears my head and inspires me every time.
Munich Startup: What are your 3 favorite work tools?
Vera Meinert: My favorite tools include Miro for collaborative work, especially with clients. I also really enjoy working with PowerPoint – from pitch decks and strategies to initial prototypes, I like to build everything in PowerPoint. Of course, there's Figma, but it will probably take me a while to reach the necessary skill level.
Last but not least, I place great emphasis on personal conversations: Direct exchange with people has always been my way of conveying ideas and has brought me to where I am today.
The right time to start a business
Munich Startup: Your top tip on pitching?
Vera Meinert: My most important tip for pitching: Take a deep breath and stay authentic. If you stay true to yourself and know what you stand for, you have nothing to fear – not even hundreds of strangers' critical eyes.
Munich Startup: Does this seem like a good time to start a business? Why?
Vera Meinert: In my opinion, now is a very exciting time to start a business, especially in the proptech industry. The sector faces major challenges: rising interest rates, a volatile geopolitical situation, and increasing demands for sustainability and digitalization require new solutions. This is precisely where founders can create real added value and simplify the daily operations of companies. Of course, it's not always easy, but the opportunity to achieve a real impact in the real estate industry with Diafania makes the current climate particularly inspiring.
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry would you focus on for your next startup?
Vera Meinert: AI and data are definitely my passion, but I always stay on top of current trends and am excited to see where technology – and especially this technology – will develop. Currently, my focus is on making Diafania a real success before I think about my next idea.
Cheaper rents
Munich Startup: From your perspective, what could be improved about Munich as a startup location?
Vera Meinert: Munich has a gigantic network. Sometimes the hardest part is getting an overview of everything that's possible and figuring out where to find answers to specific questions. Definitely a first-world problem. If only rents were a bit cheaper, everything would be perfect!
Munich Startup: Which founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Vera Meinert: Honestly? I'm thrilled to meet every female founder. Women are chronically underrepresented in this field, especially in AI. This is due to systemic reasons, so it's truly admirable when someone has the courage to realize their vision in this way. I don't have any specific questions, but I'd be incredibly interested to hear how she perceives the startup world and what we can do together to bring even more women into the field. For even better solutions!
