Munich Startup: What does Twaice do? What problem do you solve?
Stephan Rohr, founder and co-CEO of Twaice: Twaice offers companies working with batteries predictive analytics software to reduce risks related to health, safety, and warranties while unlocking potential throughout the battery lifecycle. Our customers can save time and costs while improving battery performance and lifespan. We combine battery expertise with artificial intelligence to generate actionable insights throughout the entire battery lifecycle. Ultimately, we want to increase the lifespan, efficiency, safety, and sustainability of batteries.
Twaice makes the battery lifecycle transparent
Munich Startup: What’s your founding story?
Stephan Rohr: Michael and I both did our doctorates at the chair for vehicle technology at TU München in the “Second Life” field. We looked at where second-life makes sense, when it makes sense, and what the technical challenges are. That’s when the topic of our current business emerged: batteries enable the energy transition and emission-free mobility, but they are also the Achilles’ heel. There was no transparency about battery aging or safety-relevant parameters. Creating this transparency and providing it to customers in a process-appropriate way was our goal. We then took it a step further and worked out how to build a business model and company around it.
Munich Startup: How has your solution evolved since founding?
Stephan Rohr: We now offer a ready-made software solution that meets industry standards. In addition to our analytics software for energy and e-mobility customers, we also provide battery simulation models. This allows us to cover the entire battery lifecycle – from battery development through battery use to second-life battery applications.
Munich Startup: Were programs like ESA BIC or funding such as the European Innovation Council relevant to your development?
Stephan Rohr: Of course, such programs are always valuable – both in terms of financial resources, contacts with potential customers, and as sparring partners for business model and go-to-market activities. Especially at the beginning, they play a very important role. You can learn a lot.
Munich Startup: How are your businesses running now?
Stephan Rohr: We are now a globally operating company with locations in Munich, Paris, and Chicago. We’ve also grown significantly in our workforce. Over 130 motivated and smart people now work with us. This is naturally reflected in our customer projects. We constantly receive new orders there, both in Europe and North America.
A market that barely existed…
Munich Startup: What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Stephan Rohr: Our biggest difficulty initially was that we were operating in a market that was very young or barely existed. Five years ago, when Twaice was still in its infancy, energy storage and electric cars weren’t such a big topic yet. So every pitch started by having to explain the added value and innovation potential of batteries. In the second step, we then had to show that batteries also represent a problem for which we have a solution. That’s a difficult balancing act in communication. Nowadays, hardly anyone questions that batteries are an essential component and almost everyone is aware of the challenges. We can therefore speak much more directly with our customers.
“Don’t be too impatient”
Munich Startup: What lessons has your founding team learned overall?
Stephan Rohr: One major learning is certainly not to be too impatient. We’ve already achieved a lot with Twaice. But you must never forget that the journey is long to build a large company. Of course, when we reach a goal, we already have the next goals in sight and want to implement them as quickly as possible. But sometimes it just takes time. That’s why it’s also important to plan time for recovery to always have enough energy for the marathon.
Also, you shouldn’t get in your own way or build overly high hurdles. The most important quality as a founder is perseverance. My advice is not to entertain thoughts like “What if it doesn’t work?” or “How would failure affect my resume?” Instead, just dive into the topic, learn, and stay motivated. Then after a few years, you realize what has been created.
Munich Startup: What milestones are you working towards next?
Stephan Rohr: Our goal remains successful internationalization. We’re on a very good path here with various large orders in the US. Now it’s about expanding and consolidating our presence in North America further. At the same time, the competition doesn’t sleep. So we continuously develop our products in close collaboration with our customers.
