On the market since 2010, over Skoobe (backwards for ebooks) now offers over 175,000 books. Bookworms can read as much as they want with a flat rate through the joint venture between Random House and Holtzbrinck.
User reviews are largely positive. The only criticism seems to be that current bestsellers aren't necessarily available. However, this criticism largely applies to all eBook flat rates.
We are talking to Constance Landsberg, Managing Director of skoobe GmbH.
1. Who are you and what do you do? Please briefly introduce yourself and your product!
Skoobe is an eBook flat rate that transforms smartphones and tablets into a massive entertainment library with more than 175,000 books from all major German publishers. Anyone who uses Skoobe can read unlimitedly, anywhere, anytime, for a fixed monthly fee.
Skoobe is not a classic startup, but was founded by the publishing houses Random House Publishing Group and Holtzbrinck Publishing Group founded as an independent joint venture to ensure that books remain relevant in the digital age.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
We are truly the pioneers of the eBook flat rate worldwide. Since then, many have joined, and some have left. Flat rates have a long tradition in film and music, and have also been very successful with Netflix and Spotify. We will be the pioneers for books.
3. What are the three main ingredients for your recipe for success?
Our success is largely determined by our fantastic catalog and our very easy-to-use app. Anyone looking for good entertainment will find what they're looking for.
It is best to let customers speak: “I'm very happy with Skoobe! Huge selection, good updates, easy to use. Since using Skoobe, I've been reading a lot more. You can even read about topics that you wouldn't have bought specifically at a bookstore and that interest you spontaneously." writes a customer in the App Store.
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
Business is doing very well. With more than 1 million downloads, Skoobe is Germany's largest eBook flat rate and, with a current 5-star rating in the App Store, also Apple's most popular eBook app.
5. What does Munich mean to you?
Munich is a very attractive location for us. As an international team from five nations, everyone feels at home. At our team events, we enjoy the city, such as Oktoberfest, or the surrounding area, such as our group hikes. Munich also has a strong publishing industry, so we're right at the source.
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
We can clearly see how access models are developing in other media markets. For films, there's Netflix. For music, there's Spotify. And in the book market, we'll occupy that space.
7. Fish on a stick or pork knuckle?
Opinions are divided among us. A representative survey of employees yielded the highly significant result of 601, 1452,000 people favoring pork knuckle, 161, 1452,000 people favoring skewered fish, 121, 1452,000 people wanting both, and 121, 1452,000 people wanting neither. Everyone agreed on only one thing: a Helles beer is a must.
