Munich Startup: What does your startup do? What problem are you solving?
Seroton: Chronic stress and its consequences are no longer a fringe issue. Sleep disorders, digestive problems, circulatory complaints and exhaustion are part of everyday life for millions of people, whether at work or at home. Seroton guides people back into balance. Our smart audio-haptic technology for holistic regeneration, where meditation meets massage, synchronizes soothing audio content with gentle touch. In just minutes, a multisensory experience emerges that effortlessly brings body and mind to rest and stops the endless cycle of thoughts. This way, you bring the deep relaxation of a wellness area into your own four walls.
“Our technology creates an entirely new recovery format”
Munich Startup: But that already exists, doesn’t it!
Seroton: “So you’re making a massage chair and a meditation app?” Yes. And no. A user described it perfectly: “It’s like meditation 2.0, a massage for the soul.” Seroton is neither classical pressure massage nor conventional meditation. Our technology creates an entirely new recovery format: effective immediately, intuitive to use, deeply relaxing. You listen to guided exercises or nature sounds – and feel them simultaneously through finely tuned touches on your body. It feels like a reset button for body and mind.
Munich Startup: What’s your founding story?
Seroton: The idea for Seroton was born as part of an innovation project at the Digital Product School in Munich. Our founders – Markus Schwarz, Nastasia Gläser, Nico Vogler and Christoph Emmert – knew stress symptoms all too well. In their circle, issues like sleep problems and burnout were piling up. At the right time, two things came together: the growing societal need for effective solutions against stress, and access to high-quality, mature technology from the automotive industry, originally developed for seat comfort systems. From this connection came the vision to create an everyday-friendly, technology-supported solution that helps people reduce stress and promotes mental health. And that’s scientifically grounded, user-centric and free from clichés.
Munich Startup: What were your biggest challenges so far?
Seroton: Launching a product that you have to feel to understand was (and is) a huge challenge. Words, images and videos create interest. Those who experience Seroton feel the difference immediately, and the vast majority are not just convinced, but enthusiastic. Added to that is the technological complexity: we combine hardware and software, synchronize audio and haptic feedback, and have spent countless hours perfecting the experience. The goal: maximum impact, absolutely low-barrier.
Goal: established brand for smart recovery
Munich Startup: Where do you want to stand in one year, where in five years?
Seroton: In one year, we want to have built a strong early-adopter community and helped thousands of people relax better. In five years, Seroton should be established as a brand for smart recovery – in living rooms, fitness studios, rehab clinics and offices throughout Europe.
Munich Startup: How have you experienced Munich as a startup location so far?
Seroton: Munich offers great potential and outstanding talent, especially for healthtech, hardware and impact startups. We have a strong network here and see Munich as a great starting point with wide appeal.
Munich Startup: Hidden champion or shooting star?
Seroton: We’re not interested in quick hype, but in sustainable impact on one of the biggest challenges of our time: chronic stress. Our aspiration is to help people in their everyday lives in a tangible way and without barriers. Because we want to make this experience accessible to as many people as possible, staying a hidden champion isn’t enough. That’s why we’re striving for shooting star status, but without unnecessary stress. Our motto: Give your mind a hug.
