Some things are best handled face to face. That’s exactly why large companies in particular constantly send their employees on trips to meet with colleagues and customers. The software from Convien automatically determines the best place to meet as well as the best way to get there. The aim is to save companies time, money and CO2. Convien founder Christian Hieronimi tells us more about the backstory.
Munich Startup: Who are you and what do you do? Please briefly introduce yourself and your product!
Christian Hieronimi: I’m Christian Hieronimi, 48, and I studied Business Administration in Augsburg. I came up with the idea for Convien while working as a manager for a medical device company. I felt like I was spending more time at the airport than with my family.
We are a startup from Munich that operates, optimizes and secures a platform for managing meetings, events and trips.
Our innovation is our Meeting Place Finder software, which analyzes millions of travel connections based on the points of origin of those involved to make it easier to select the optimal meeting place in terms of CO2 emissions, ticket costs and work time.
“DAX companies benefit the most from Convien”
Munich Startup: But that’s nothing out of the box!
Christian Hieronimi: By using in-house algorithms, Convien makes it possible to compare costs for as many meeting locations as desired by using millions of different alternatives. The software considers factors like travel, hotel and labor costs but also the CO2 emissions created by getting participants to the meeting. By selecting meeting locations intelligently, companies and organizations can reduce costs and CO2 emissions by up to 30%.
Munich Startup: What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Christian Hieronimi: Finding the right sponsors in DAX companies — who are the ones who benefit most from Convien. The fact that our tool is a link between meetings and travel means finding the right person to talk to in companies isn’t easy.
Munich Startup: Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: How is business going?
Christian Hieronimi: Due to the current focus on sustainable business trips specifically, we’re pleased to have increased demand, particularly when it comes to optimizing CO2 footprints. With our tool, companies reduce direct travel costs by up to 30% — while also fully complying with travel guidelines and without having to give up anything in terms of comfort.
“Munich is becoming more and more of a startup stronghold”
Munich Startup: What does Munich mean to you?
Christian Hieronimi: The Bavarian capital has two top universities, various research institutions, the greatest purchasing power of all German cities and many large companies and global corporations are headquartered here. This diversity coupled with the city’s relaxed atmosphere naturally attracts a large number of young, highly skilled workers.
Munich is becoming more and more of a startup stronghold because the desire to have the perfect work-life balance is fulfilled here with the mountains in winter and lakes in summer.
Munich Startup: How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we be seeing you at an Epic Fail Night soon?
Christian Hieronimi: Face-to-face meetings are too important for business — they can’t always be replaced with web conferencing. That’s why smart solutions are needed. Due to growing awareness and the trend towards sustainability, we feel confident that we’ll hold our own. With our revolutionary, future-oriented and intelligent approach, we feel that we stand out from the crowd and are very optimistic about what’s to come!
Munich Startup: Train or plane?
Christian Hieronimi: That is exactly the question our Meeting Place Finder can answer for you.