Seven questions, seven answers. Munich Startup talks today with Florian, Timo and Michael from BAM Original, the bamboo bike frame.
1. Who are you? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
We are Florian Holy (36), a physicist and at the end of his doctorate in Munich, Timo Fischer (25), who first studied industrial design in Munich (Bachelor) and is currently studying Creative Communication & Brand Management (Master) in Pforzheim and Michael Kosok (25), who after studying social sciences (Bachelor) is currently doing his Master in Robotics, Cognition and Intellegence (Master) in Munich.
The group met during the €5 startup competition and formed BAM. We originally only wanted to build bamboo bikes for ourselves and used the competition as an excuse to devote a lot of time to it outside of our studies. Then we came in second and had the first booking for a workshop spot. So we continued.
2. What product do you want to use to change the world?
We offer weekend workshops where participants can build their own bamboo bicycle frame, customized to their body measurements. The entire process takes place in the shop with a talented bicycle mechanic, who often helps participants complete their bike.
In addition to the natural raw material bamboo from which the frames are made, we particularly care about the user's commitment to their product. At the end of the weekend, each participant is proud of their own frame. They have invested time and thoroughly studied the product. They will treasure their bike and ride it for a long time, regardless of emerging trends. The emotional connection to the product is too strong to simply ignore.
3. But that's been around for a long time!
That's true. And it's been that way since the end of the 18th century. But that didn't matter to us. After all, initially, we were the only ones who wanted a bike like that, and we didn't give such things a second thought. As we received more and more requests, we decided to offer workshops. We've been doing that ever since, even though it's been around for a long time.
4. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Everything. Strictly speaking, our expertise in founding a company, slowly building it up, and now running it was rather limited. But nothing comes from nothing, and if you don't know how to do it right, you can't go wrong. So we simply started and did what we thought was right. Since everything worked out, it almost seems as if we did a lot of things right. Our skills have developed quite well since then. But that doesn't necessarily make everything easier.
5. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
We can't really complain. It's not like we can currently make a living from it, but the fun factor and the appreciation we receive from outside more than compensate for that. At the end of last year, we received the Environmental Award from the City of Munich. Such an honor is incredibly motivating.
To ensure the numbers are met: Last year, around 70 bicycle frames were built in our workshops. We're aiming for a significant increase in 2016. The excellent collaboration with our favorite bike shop, who runs the workshops, is just one reason for this.
6. What does Munich mean to you?
Even though we don't all currently live in Munich, it has become our city. Without the LMU's interdisciplinary commitment to the €5 startup competition, things would never have gotten this far, and we probably wouldn't even know each other. That alone is one reason why we feel a strong connection to the city. Not to mention the fabulous quality of life.
7. Schwabinger 7 or Bob Beaman?
When I read the question, I realized how long it's been since I've been to Schwabinger 7. It's about time, I think!
