Munich Startup: What motivated you to found the company?
Barbara Prähofer: I founded Exomatter for the first time at school as part of a student project and since then I have had the entrepreneurial spirit inside me. What motivated me to co-found Exomatter is that with our groundbreaking technology we have a great lever to strengthen the innovative power of companies, because 90 percent of all innovations are based on materials.
Small structural changes with a big impact
In addition to technology, I want to create a company with Exomatter in which women and men are individually strengthened. Whether they have a small baby, school children or other private circumstances, everyone should have the same opportunity to develop at Exomatter. Through small structural changes such as a breastfeeding room, childcare or shared leadership etc. we can prevent inequality between women and men at Exomatter. And that is one of my biggest drivers.
Munich Startup: What would you have liked to know before your first startup?
Barbara Prähofer: No more than I already knew. Because with more knowledge you wouldn’t try it yourself and you would miss a lot of opportunities.
Munich Startup: How has your company been financed so far?
Barbara Prähofer: We have completed the first part of the current financing round and the second part is currently in the final spurt. But we already have a good turnover for this year.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Barbara Prähofer: When networking with other founders.
Don’t practise too much & translate technical terminology
Munich Startup: What is your top tip for pitching?
Barbara Prähofer:
Tip1: Set a rough framework of what you want to say, especially for very short pitches (2-3 minutes), but don’t practice it too often or the glow and enthusiasm will go.
Tip2: Especially with deep tech topics like Exomatter, it’s very important to translate it into a language that everyone understands. And pitch it to someone outside the field. If that person understands the problem and solution, then it’s great.
Munich Startup: Does it seem like a good time to start up right now? Why?
Barbara Prähofer: Well, if you have found a solution to a problem, then you should found it now. No matter what the market is like. Things have changed for the better, especially for female founders. There are a lot of networking events and support. You just have to do it.
Munich Startup: What technology or industry would you focus on for your next startup?
Barbara Prähofer: Recycling, quantum computing. Or even care – although I have no idea what solution might make sense there.
Bringing old & new founders to the table
Munich Startup: What do you think could be improved in Munich as a startup location?
Barbara Prähofer: More affordable office space. Otherwise, it’s a great place to set up a business.
Munich Startup: Which founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask him or her?
Barbara Prähofer: Through UnternehmerTUM with Xpreneurs and Techfounders, we have a very good regular exchange with many founders. That’s why I don’t have a wish right now for who I would like to meet. I would find it exciting to bring founders of older companies such as Birkenstock or family businesses together with completely new founders.