Munich Startup: What motivated you to found your company?
Mareike Pfennig: Founding Mellow was an absolute labor of love for me.
In my personal environment, I repeatedly noticed that many people struggle with mental challenges, often silently. But I also see a growing need in society at large. Despite technological progress and connectivity, many people feel isolated and overwhelmed. At the same time, companies struggle with high absence rates and declining productivity. Mellow is my answer to these challenges – a platform that uses technology to connect people and strengthen their mental health.
Founders need resilience and patience
Munich Startup: What would you have liked to know before your first venture?
Mareike Pfennig: Looking back, there are certainly many things I would have liked to know before my first venture. But if I had to highlight one point, it would be the importance of resilience and patience. Founding is a marathon, not a sprint. There are ups and downs, unexpected challenges, and moments of doubt. Mental health plays a central role here. You have to learn to listen to yourself and your own needs, otherwise a venture can quickly become overwhelming.
Munich Startup: How has your company been financed so far?
Mareike Pfennig: We are 100% self-funded and bootstrapped.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get your best ideas?
Mareike Pfennig: My best ideas usually come to me while walking outdoors. Every now and then, I also like to challenge myself creatively by attending inspiring events. That’s when I step out of my own “bubble,” meet new people, and discover new perspectives.
Munich Startup: What are your 3 favorite work tools?
Mareike Pfennig:
- Trello: It’s great for team collaboration. It helps me plan projects, prioritize tasks, and stay organized.
- Canva: An absolute game-changer when it comes to creating designs. Whether it’s marketing materials, presentations, or social media posts, Canva is always my first go-to.
- Miro: The collaborative whiteboard is a great tool for brainstorming together or visualizing ideas.
Mareike Pfennig: “Know your target audience”
Munich Startup: Your top tip on pitching?
Mareike Pfennig: Pitching isn’t just about presenting an idea or product, but above all about telling a story that captivates and moves your audience. My top tip on pitching is therefore: know your target audience and appeal to their emotions. Adapt your pitch accordingly. A “one-fits-all” approach won’t get you far.
Munich Startup: Do you think it’s a good time to found a company right now? Why?
Mareike Pfennig: Yes, definitely. The current time is characterized by technological change, new work models, and growing awareness of societal challenges. This creates numerous opportunities for innovative solutions and business models. Those who found now can actively shape these changes, and I’m very curious about what ideas will come our way in the future.
Catching up on AI applications in healthcare
Munich Startup: What technology or industry would you focus on in your next venture?
Mareike Pfennig: AI is certainly a technology that will be indispensable in the future. In particular, I see significant catch-up potential in the healthcare sector. For example, with digital patient records or personalized treatment approaches.
Munich Startup: What could be improved at the startup location Munich from your perspective?
Mareike Pfennig: I think Munich is already doing a lot of things right! The only point I could mention here is the issue of “bureaucracy.” But that’s not just a Munich problem – it affects all of Germany. It should be easier to found a company.
Munich Startup: Which founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Mareike Pfennig: There are two female founders from Germany whom I find very inspiring: Dr. Kati Ernst and Verena Pausder. Both of them radiate tremendous power and passion, and they are committed not only as entrepreneurs but also on a societal level. I keep asking myself: “How do you manage to commit yourself to so many issues while maintaining balance?”
