klarx wants to revolutionize outdated processes in the construction industry. How does this work? The Munich-based startup creates innovative solutions for the online rental of construction machinery and equipment, thereby bringing digitalization to the construction industry. Florian Handschuh, one of the three founders, answered our 7 questions.
1. Who are you and what do you do? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
klarx is the online platform for renting all types of construction machinery and equipment. Renters can find construction equipment quickly and easily throughout Germany here. The idea came to my brother Matthias (29) and me (27), along with Vincent Koch (27), during our time at the LMU Entrepreneurship Center. We met there after graduating.
klarx aims to digitize the analogue construction industry
My brother and I had already experienced the pitfalls of leasing construction equipment firsthand through our first startup, Sugarparks. Vincent comes from a family of mechanical engineers and is very familiar with the construction industry. We noticed that the construction industry is still very analog.
We have not met anyone
We have set out to achieve more than leading this market into the digital revolution. To achieve this, we have developed an algorithm that finds available machines in over 2,400 rental parks and provides customers with a cost-effective rental process, including the calculation of all additional costs such as delivery and insurance. This holistic approach makes us unique in our industry.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
Of course, we didn't invent the principle of the online platform. However, the process we enable our customers to access in just a few clicks is very complex in the background. We have invested considerable expertise and effort in collecting and processing data from thousands of machines and rental fleets across Germany.
Book a construction machine including all-round support
Building on this, we've developed an online platform that makes renting construction equipment as easy as booking a flight or a rental car. However, our solution is difficult to compare with other rental platforms because our portfolio is extremely extensive.
Car rental, for example, is significantly less complex in terms of product scope. Other rental platforms with more extensive offerings are purely intermediary marketplaces, where the customer is forwarded directly to a rental company for each rental.
We support the customer throughout the entire process, from the initial search to calculating the total rental costs, to return and invoicing. A full-service online portal like this didn't exist in the construction industry before klarx.
Nothing works without trust, network and the team
3. What are the three main ingredients for your recipe for success?
Trust, network and the team!
- As a founding team, we can rely on each other. Without this Trust it would simply not be possible to invest so much time in a company and be successful with it.
- The NetworksThe skills we brought with us and have now also developed through klarx are extremely important for identifying the right problems and ultimately solving them successfully. This made us realize that our idea came at the right time.
- Our team is now very heterogeneous and, precisely because of this, incredibly efficient and fast in the development of our product. This ensures the long-term success of klarx.
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
We don't want to disclose specific figures, but we are more than satisfied with our current growth.
5. What does Munich mean to you?
For Matthias and me, as professional snowboarders, a location without mountains is out of the question. Munich is, of course, ideal. The rest of the team also loves to explore the Alps, whether on snow, on foot, or on two wheels.
For klarx as a startup, Munich means proximity to startup initiatives such as LMU Entrepreneurship Center or UnternehmerTUM, which are enormously helpful in establishing and recruiting talent. In addition, there is, of course, enormous economic power and a correspondingly strong network in the construction industry.
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
Given the current figures and, above all, the response from the industry, you probably won't find us at Epic Fail Night. The ESA and its Incubator ESA BIC Bavaria was so convinced of our unicorn potential that they supported us and a good cooperation developed.
7. Fish on a stick or pork knuckle?
Fish on a stick!
Note from the editors: If you want to have even more insights: klarx founder Florian Handschuh will be reporting next Tuesday, May 16, at the event series 'Startup Munich' about his experiences on the topic financing.
