Dr. Therese Tönnies, who holds a doctorate in neuropsychology, worked for a corporation as a human-machine expert in the healthcare sector for some time. In 2016, however, she and her partners founded Qolware GmbHto enable the detection of emergencies and health changes in chronically ill people and seniors using wearable technologies such as smartwatches. In this interview, the French native talks about her talents, mistakes, and the advantages and disadvantages of being a founder.
What motivated you to start the company?
The decision to start my own business ultimately came from a confluence of two factors: First, my enthusiasm for the subject matter – I found and still find it incredibly exciting to see the untapped potential offered by the rapid technological developments of the last six to eight years. Second, I've always had a preference for self-employment: I enjoy a very varied daily routine. And where others might see too little security, I value the opportunity to take control and continuously develop myself.
Talking about uncertainties
Did you have any role models when you started your business?
I don't really have any role models. I don't do all this to be like someone else, but rather to continually bring out the best in myself. However, I always seek out conversations and advice from people who can share experiences or relevant expertise with me. I believe it's also important to talk openly about your own weaknesses or current insecurities in such conversations. Because if you've already done everything and seen everything, no one wants to share anything with you.
When and where do you get the best ideas?
Ideas for innovative features or services usually come to me when I've immersed myself in a topic for a few hours and my mind starts to draw its own conclusions. Sometimes, something useful comes out of it 😉
Recognizing true potential as a non-technician
Your greatest talent?
My greatest strength is that, as a non-technical person, I have a very good understanding of technologies and am able to assess their potential for actually supporting specific groups of people. These are often uses that weren't initially intended or planned.
However, it often also means that the latest trends aren't necessarily at the top of my list, as some of them are very innovative and technically exciting, but have been developed completely outside the needs of the target audience. Technological achievements are only as good as the actual added value they offer for specific users.
The biggest mistake you have ever made?
Although I know that working at a startup isn't for everyone, I was definitely not consistent enough in one case. I now assess early on whether employees are suited to working at our startup, or whether a structured daily routine with less personal responsibility is more important to them. Ultimately, I've learned to recognize such signs early on and make much more consistent decisions that move the company forward.
Efficient networking
Your secret weapon when networking?
When I want to talk to certain people at an event, I always explain why I'm approaching them and why I think a conversation would be interesting for both parties. This way, it's very clear whether I'm talking to the right person or not.
The three worst prejudices you encounter in your everyday life as a founder?
I can't really think of much to say about this.
What a doctorate can do
Was being a female founder an advantage or a disadvantage for you?
I have to mention a recurring theme up front 🙂 Fundamentally, there's not much difference between male and female founders. Both fall into the category of creative, risk-averse, and self-experiencing individuals, and this is largely practiced in the startup community.
I myself spent several years in industry. There, it was noticeable in certain situations that, as a woman, and especially a very young one, I wasn't always accepted as a "full-time" person right away. I probably had to prove myself a little more than would have been the case with comparable young men. Interestingly, having a doctorate made quite a difference in this regard, which I find somewhat sad.
What I've noticed with male founders is that they generally appear more confident and unfazed than female founders. In a company that is inherently uncertain and unpredictable in many ways, this is part of an attitude I've consciously trained myself to adopt over the past few years. I recommend this—equally—to every male and female founder!
What’s on top of your desk right now?
Since I'm currently on the train to Frankfurt, my temporary desk currently only contains my laptop, my phone, and of course a large cup of coffee!
Where are you going on holiday next?
I almost always plan and take vacations spontaneously. As a founder, you obviously have to focus very closely on what's currently on the agenda in the early stages, and pausing operations for two or three weeks simply isn't an option. On the other hand, we do have the freedom to spontaneously take a few days off during the week if there's nothing urgent to do. Accordingly, I've been traveling around Europe a lot lately, and I'll probably be traveling to Croatia in the next few weeks—together with my two co-founders, one of whom is originally from there.
What have you always wanted to say to the people of Munich?
Munich is great, both for work and for living. But I especially love its central location, which means you're not far from anywhere. Take advantage of it!
