How two Munich computer scientists discovered a real gap in the market – and Expertiger have developed a successful business from this discovery. In conversation with Michael Geiger.
- Who are you and what do you do? Please briefly introduce yourself and your product.
My business partner Stefan Gersmann and I met while studying computer science at the Technical University of Munich. As computer scientists, we were often asked by family and friends for advice on computer problems. When we both worked as consultants, we were looking for a professional and straightforward PC service that could take some of the work off our hands, as we didn't always have enough time to help ourselves. We discovered a gap in the market. Therefore, we founded the company in July 2013. Expertiger, an innovative crowdsourcing marketplace that provides immediate assistance for computer problems. Certified experts offer this support easily over the phone and via remote support.
Stay in control thanks to remote maintenance
2. But computer service has been around for a long time!
When you have a computer problem, there are actually three options, and none is completely satisfactory. The first is to try it myself: I search for tips online and try to implement them. However, that only works to a certain extent. The second option is to contact a professional computer service provider. The problem here is that I first have to find one and then trust them. Because in the next step, I have to take my computer there and I don't know what will happen to it. If I have a technician come to me, I often incur very high travel costs, and here, too, I have difficulty understanding the specialist's actions. The third option is to ask friends and acquaintances for advice, but they don't always have time for this either. Our service is much more convenient: I just have to call from the office or home, I immediately see the expert's customer reviews on the website, I never let go of my device, and I only pay for the help actually provided. During remote maintenance, I can see exactly what steps the specialist is taking and always remain in control.
3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
In a marketplace model, you obviously need to build critical mass on both sides (in our case, customers and PC experts). To break through this, Stefan and I initially provided support ourselves. However, we've now been able to completely reverse the effect, and thanks to the steadily growing number of customers, we also have more and more people wanting to work for us. With more experts, customers are served faster and better, which spreads word and thus creates even more demand.
Tens of thousands of successfully served customers and well-known cooperations
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
Tens of thousands of successfully served customers and renowned partnerships with Focus, CHIP, and several major telecommunications providers demonstrate that there is strong demand for our service. Of course, we are always working on growing even further.
5. What does Munich mean to you?
We are now firmly rooted in Munich. We have both lived and worked here for many years, studied here, and were also in LMU Entrepreneurship Center.
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
Demand is high, and our customers are extremely satisfied. So we're on the right track and will continue to invest in our product and marketing to reach even more people.
7. Helles or Prosecco?
Light!
