Munich Startup: What problem does your solution address?
Daniel Wolf, Co-Founder: One in two people over 50 have shoulder problems. Yet to this day there is no training device that trains the shoulder the way it actually moves: three-dimensionally, rotationally, with uniform resistance. Therapists make do with resistance bands, cable machines, and free weights, but the results are difficult to reproduce, supervision is labor-intensive, and therapy progression is often inefficient. We developed the Rotator, a system that allows patients to train in a structured, independent way and finally gives therapists a tool that saves them time.
Munich Startup: What can only you do right now?
Daniel Wolf: The Rotator is unique in this combination: guided 360-degree rotation, constant resistance in both directions, over 30 exercises — purely mechanical, no electricity, no ongoing costs. Patent-protected and made in Germany. For practices, this means concretely: A compact device that takes up less than two square meters, allows patients to train independently after a brief introduction, and relieves the burden on the therapist. We analyzed over 30 providers worldwide and found no directly comparable system.
Founders bring entrepreneurial experience
Munich Startup: What triggered the founding?
Daniel Wolf: Christoph, my co-founder, is a trained carpenter, interior architect, and passionate athlete: tennis, martial arts, soccer as a goalkeeper. Shoulder problems have always accompanied him, not always for the good. During his carpentry apprenticeship, he worked with a workbench that had a large crank for height adjustment. The uniform resistance feel when turning the crank stuck with him. He wanted something similar for training. He looked: gyms, the internet, trade shows — nothing. So he went back to the workshop and built it himself. That was the beginning. Over years and several prototypes, this became the Rotator V3, a patented training and therapy system in its third generation. Christoph had previously run two companies in interior architecture, Hendrik brings entrepreneurial experience from the real estate industry, and I come from 25 years in startup sales. When the three of us recognized the potential, it was clear: This is not a product idea. This is a new category. Our experience helped us tremendously, but it didn’t protect us from every unexpected challenge.
Munich Startup: Was there a moment when you thought about giving up?
Daniel Wolf: To be honest: no. But it wasn’t always easy either. From the first sketch in 2022 to series-ready third generation, it took four years. The path from the workshop to series production demanded more of us than we thought — technically, organizationally, and sometimes mentally. But belief in the idea always prevailed. And when the first therapists stand at the system and say: “That’s exactly what we’ve been missing, that’s a real innovation” — the difficult phases are quickly forgotten.
Establishing a new category in shoulder training
Munich Startup: How would you know in a year that you’re on the right track?
Daniel Wolf: By the Rotator becoming part of everyday practice. When physiotherapy clinics, rehab centers, and medical fitness studios use it daily. When facilities keep it after our free four-week trial phase — not because it impresses, but because it works. Our first reference customers already confirm this today: higher training quality, less supervision effort, patients who train safely and independently. In twelve months, we want to have a relevant installed base in the DACH region and first distribution partners in European countries. Our goal is nothing less than to establish a new category in shoulder training.
Munich Startup: Would you found again in Munich and why?
Daniel Wolf: Immediately. I came to Munich with the new economy wave in 2000 and never left. All three of us are rooted here family-wise and professionally. The region offers us enormous sales potential, strong partners, research institutes, and universities in sports science and medical technology. And over 25 years you build a network that you can use well as a founder. We’re not 25-year-old first-time founders; we bring experience. And a little dreaming is part of it too.
Munich Startup: Bootstrapping or venture capital?
Daniel Wolf: Self-funded with complementary private seed investment and funding programs. We deliberately chose not to go the classic VC route. We wanted to bring the product to market readiness without time pressure. There is investor interest, and even the Lion’s Den had reached out. But for us, the right timing and the right partner matter. Currently, our full focus is on market entry: mid-April, we’re presenting the Rotator V3 for the first time at FIBO in Cologne, Europe’s largest fitness and health trade show.
