Munich Startup: Who are you and what do you do? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
Carolina Habel, Granny Vision: We, Caro (32) and Daniel (38), had the idea in 2019, Virtual Reality with the senior area After initial trial runs in the private sector and in care facilities, we founded Granny Vision. Daniel, an MBA, covers the business side, and I cover content and customer service.
With VR glasses we let seniors travel, play, learn and relaxRelatives also have the opportunity to let grandparents participate in holidays, family celebrations or everyday situations up close and in 360° via VR.
Granny Vision brings a breath of fresh air to the everyday life of seniors
Munich Startup: What problem does your startup solve?
Carolina Habel: As mobility and flexibility become increasingly limited with age, the range of activities shrinks and daily experiences diminish. We encourage seniors to travel again, rekindle memories of past experiences, and bring them closer to their families. This not only brings a breath of fresh air into everyday life, but also keeps their minds sharp and improves their self-esteem.
The Granny Vision team Carolina Habel… 
… and Daniel Bendlin.
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Carolina Habel: The few concepts that go in a similar direction mostly come from the clinical field. However, we want to provide engaging content for seniors as a whole. Especially with personal content, which doesn't yet exist in this form.
A major challenge: Innovative concepts in care
Munich Startup: What have been your three biggest challenges so far?
Carolina Habel: The coronavirus-related ban on visits to nursing homes and the cancellation of the two leading trade fairs were certainly challenging for sales. However, the introduction via video call worked surprisingly well.
A general challenge is that only a small percentage of care facilities have the will or the means to introduce new concepts in their facilities. This is rarely due to budget constraints, but rather a mindset toward new and innovative concepts. A songbook from the 1970s and a tube TV are enough for entertainment...
Munich Startup: How are things going?
Carolina Habel: Despite the coronavirus restrictions, we were able to gain additional customers, and what's most rewarding for us: Our "old" customers are happy and look forward to more content from us. Our goal for 2021 is to increase our customer numbers into the triple digits.
Munich Startup: How do you rate Munich as a startup location?
Carolina Habel: We both feel very comfortable here and that's why it was always clear that Munich was our first choice.
Munich Startup: In person or virtually?
Carolina Habel: According to our business model, it's essentially virtual, but nothing can replace the personal (first) impression. And when a grandmother sees her grandchild playing on the beach via Granny Vision, that's a great combination of virtual and personal.
