The Munich startup Blitzminds has developed a software solution that allows companies to find out, with just one click, which innovative projects were carried out by whom, when, where, and how within their company. Founded in 2016, the SaaS startup has seen a lot of progress since our last conversation. Cornelius Filbry, founder of the design thinking platform, answers our questions.
Munich Startup: Cornelius, please explain to us: What niche does Blitzminds serve?
Cornelius Filbry from Blitzminds: Innovation development is project-based in most companies. The knowledge gained is quickly lost, and I don't know of any company that can tell me which projects they are already working on in the field of artificial intelligence, blockchain, or Internet of Things conducted and what the results were. Our customers, however, can answer within seconds which projects they have already completed for which key technologies. This increases their innovative power by up to 20 percent with the same investment of time and resources.
Munich Startup: All beginnings are difficult, and sales was a challenge for you at first. You've since changed your sales strategy and have both other startups and corporations as clients. How did you come to change your mindset?
Cornelius Filbry: Our product can still offer enormous added value to large organizations. However, sales are extremely time-consuming and laborious. Therefore, it was important for us to increasingly offer real added value to smaller organizations or individual departments. We continue to develop our product in this direction, and this is how we gained new, smaller customers.
More team spirit
Munich Startup: We had last spoken two years agoAt the time, you were in the Ruffini House. Did the creative environment have lasting benefits for you?
Cornelius Filbry: Absolutely! Back then, we worked mostly at the university, and it was difficult for the team to always meet in Garching. This way, for the first time, we had an office that we could customize and lock to our needs. And that contributed enormously to the team spirit. Our time at Ruffinihaus ended two years ago.
Munich Startup: Today, your company is headquartered in the MTZ. How did you get there? And do you benefit from the proximity to other tech companies there?
Cornelius Filbry: After an odyssey through various offices in Munich Technology Center (MTZ) After our stays in the LMU Entrepreneurship Center and the Xpreneurs program of the UnternehmerTUM — both of which provided us with fantastic working environments — the MTZ was recommended to us. The modern facility with meeting rooms, reception, and the flexibility to rent additional offices as we grow was the deciding factor.
“Shark Tank B2B Software”
Munich Startup: Something has also changed in terms of financing, hasn't it?
Cornelius Filbry: That's right! We are fortunate to have the help of Baystartup and our own search, we are delighted to have two fantastic business angels on board. In addition to the money we immediately invested in product development, we benefit from the extensive experience both business angels have gained in their different fields. They not only bring a valuable network, but are also incredibly important sparring partners. They support us when we adjust our strategy or approach individual customers, or when it comes to turning setbacks into new strengths.
Munich Startup: What are you currently working on? What's next?
Cornelius Filbry: We're currently working on two particularly important features of our product: the automated import of innovation workshop results (mostly handwritten Post-Its) and the export of the results into presentation formats. The new version of our software could include such an export feature starting this Easter. We're also currently developing a new marketing strategy to skillfully position ourselves in the "shark tank of B2B software." These are definitely three highlights of our current development as a company.
