Munich Startup: What motivated you to found a company?
Simone Sabbione: When I first talked to my co-founder Benjamin, who is a gynecologist, about menstrual pain and the limited treatment options, he said: “If men menstruated, there would already be a solution.”
This sentence didn’t just make me angry—it above all motivated me to change something. That’s how the idea for MelioOne came about.
Munich Startup: What would you have liked to know before your first founding?
Simone Sabbione: How much time you can save through expertise, knowledge, and experience.
Munich Startup: How has your company been financed so far?
Simone Sabbione: Through equity capital, business angels, investment companies, and grants.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get your best ideas?
Simone Sabbione: In exchange with other people.
Munich Startup: What are your 3 favorite work tools?
Simone Sabbione: Trello, ChatGPT, Crunchbase.
“Allow emotions, but don’t force them”
Munich Startup: Your top tip on “pitching”?
Simone Sabbione: Allow emotions and humor—but don’t force any of it.
Munich Startup: Does it seem to you like a good time to found a company right now? Why?
Simone Sabbione: In my opinion, the right time always depends on what you’re trying to do. As Victor Hugo once said: “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.”
As far as our product is concerned, I believe there couldn’t be a better moment. The stigma around menstrual pain is increasingly being questioned and broken down—which means the problem is finally becoming visible while at the same time there is still enormous market potential.
Munich Startup: What technology or industry would you focus on with your next founding?
Simone Sabbione: Since I’m still at the beginning of my first founding journey and firmly believe in our idea and the potential of the industry, I wouldn’t do anything differently right now.
Founding in Munich: support with high costs
Munich Startup: What could be improved at the Munich startup location in your view?
Simone Sabbione: Discounts or subsidies for co-working spaces would definitely be helpful given current rental prices.
Munich Startup: Which founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Simone Sabbione: Elon Musk. – “What da f*** happened?”
