Munich Startup: What motivated you to start the company?
Julia Miller: I would classify myself as "purpose-driven." Therefore, I was particularly motivated by the social problem that we can solve with home equity. We create financial independence for property owners and thus make a meaningful contribution to retirement planning. In addition, I enjoy getting things done and quickly realized that I'm not the type for the traditional career path in a large corporation or investment bank.
Not the type for a classic career
Munich Startup: What would you have liked to have known before you started your company?
Julia Miller: I would have liked to have had an even better understanding of cap table structuring. This is always important at various stages of a company's development.
Munich Startup: How has your company been financed so far?
Julia Miller: We launched with seed financing and a mix of business angels, family offices, and VCs. Last summer, we successfully closed a Series A in the low double-digit million range. Our investors include Frank Strauß, Yabeo, Amavi, and IVC.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Julia Miller: I actually get particularly good ideas in the evening, when I'm relaxing and ideally after exercising beforehand. As a founder, you're constantly thinking about the company, so I've had some really good ideas even in the middle of the night. I then jot them down on my phone.
Munich Startup: What are your 3 favorite work tools?
Julia Miller: I swear by Notes, Slack and Miro.
Julia Miller's pitch tip: "The other person must feel real passion"
Munich Startup: Your top tip on pitching?
Julia Miller: Actually, there are three points that are always important in a pitch in my opinion:
- Your counterpart must feel real passion.
- Know your numbers!
- A clear answer to how your business will make money in the long term.
Munich Startup: Does this seem like a good time to start a business? Why?
Julia Miller: Yes, absolutely! With the right idea, it's always the right time to start a business. The personal return on investment is simply incomparable. Given the current rather difficult economic environment, experience shows that more resilient startups emerge in tougher times. And by the time you reach the true scaling phase, the market will most likely have already turned around.
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry would you focus on for your next startup?
Julia Miller: Speaking of purpose: I would focus on cleantech and healthtech, as well as, quite clearly, AI applications.
Forced efficiency
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what could be improved at the Munich startup location?
Julia Miller: The salaries and high cost of living in the region can be a challenge for young companies, but that's something that can't be changed. The positive side of this is that the conditions force startups to work very efficiently.
Munich Startup: Which founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Julia Miller: I'd actually really love to talk to Kris Jenner and ask her about her business secrets and what motivates her. She launched her career at over 50 years old with five children and, together with her children, built a billion-dollar media empire – absolutely impressive.
