We spoke with founder Christina Polleti to learn more about her motivation, prejudices, and conflicting expectations. We also talked about quick exits, exploitation, and comfort zones.
Munich Startup: What motivated you to start the company?
Christina Polleti, Cluno: Freedom and independence are my biggest drivers. I want to be able to decide for myself what I work on and with whom. I've also always been driven by the desire to gain as much experience as possible as early as possible so that I can draw on this wealth of experience for the rest of my life. I believe the earlier you gain it, the better. For me, there's no steeper learning curve than starting your own company. You're challenged in all professional and personal areas. The experiences you gain and the challenges you overcome contribute to freedom and independence. You know you can handle any situation and task. That's the best freedom of all!
Christina Polleti: “Starting a business is something very individual”
Munich Startup: Did you have any role models when you started your business?
Christina Polleti, Cluno: No, I don't have any role models. In my view, starting a business is a very individual process; everyone has their own path. I've always focused on myself.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Christina Polleti, Cluno: In conversations with others, while jogging… The plan for Easyautosale was born in conversation with my husband. The idea for Cluno came to mind again during a conversation with a Munich VC.
Munich Startup: Your greatest talent?
Christina Polleti, Cluno: Recognizing trends and relevant developments early on. In our founding team, I'm the one who intuitively assembles the many small pieces of the mosaic into a picture, giving me a keen sense for future opportunities and challenges. I initiate measures and initiatives early on that prove important later.
Focus on what can be influenced
Munich Startup: The biggest mistake you have ever made?
Christina Polleti, Cluno: That a lot of communication always leads to a solution. I thought that you only needed to talk long enough to have the same understanding of an issue, to clear up misunderstandings and to find a common path. I had to learn that everyone lives in their own reality, which can be just as right or wrong as my own. That's why at some point, even with the best communication, things can't go any further. That was hard to accept. You have to let things take their course and see what happens. I don't fight a battle I can't win, but rather focus on what I can influence.
Munich Startup: Your secret weapon when networking?
Christina Polleti, Cluno: Probably because I've never considered networking crucial to my advancement. Networking for the sake of networking bores me incredibly. I can't stand it for more than ten minutes. I think this attitude helps me to start conversations with people in a relaxed and open manner, which then leads to a truly honest, interesting exchange.
Conflicting expectations
Munich Startup: Was being a female founder an advantage or disadvantage for you? What was easier, what was more difficult?
Christina Polleti, Cluno: Both. But I'd tend to say it's harder for a female founder. The expectations placed on a woman are very diverse and, above all, very contradictory. That's why I stopped trying to fulfill other people's expectations or worrying about gender issues. I want to go my own way; that's the most important thing to me. You achieve success by offering a great product that delights customers. Not by pleasing a few individuals.
Munich Startup: The three worst prejudices you have encountered in your everyday life as a founder?
Christina Polleti, Cluno: You start a company only to, firstly, sell it again very quickly and then, secondly, lie in the sun.
First, building a company can be a long and arduous process. It requires a completely different motivation than money. It's rewarding to watch a company grow and accompany it through its development.
Second, a true entrepreneur won't simply bury their greatest passion. Yes, they might lie in the sun, but then they'll work with their laptop on their lap.
And a third misconception: In startups, employees are exploited in terms of vacation time, salary, etc. This came from a family member who didn't know how we handle HR policies in our companies. I've been self-employed in Munich for over ten years. Salaries and benefits have increased significantly since then. A startup simply can't afford to pay below market value anymore. Furthermore, a business model that only works if employees earn very little or work unpaid overtime isn't sustainable. I realized this ten years ago. In that case, you should choose a different business model.
Munich Startup: What’s on top of your desk right now?
Christina Polleti, Cluno: I am currently working a lot on the further development of the Price model of ClunoThis is exciting because, in a sense, it's the core of every company. What service do you offer at what price? Of course, this question must be answered in such a way that pricing contributes to key KPIs like growth, retention, margin, and unit economics. What's great about this topic is the cross-functional collaboration with many different teams.
Munich Startup: What have you always wanted to say to the people of Munich?
Christina Polleti, Cluno: The city has everything you need for professional success. Whether you want to start your own business or work for a great company, all options are available.
I often see young people heading for their comfort zone far too quickly and getting stuck there. And in a sense, they surrender to the luxury of the city. They pull the handbrake before they've really put their foot on the gas. What a shame – take advantage of the city's opportunities!
