Munich Startup: What does Kontentwerk do? What problem do you solve?
Salvatore Bruno, Kontentwerk: We are currently working on various projects. Our actual business model is the trading and distribution of film licences for TV and video on demand platforms. At the same time, we are involved in a highly innovative EU-funded project called CWXP (“Creative Web3 Experience Europe”). Here we are developing a digital cultural centre in a metaverse created especially for this.
Munich Startup: But that’s nothing out of the box!
Salvatore Bruno, Kontentwerk: The idea of film licence trading in Germany is actually not new. It is all the more exciting for us to be able to transfer our experience to a completely new field and to help shape the future of our industry. The idea of CWXP is to try out new business models and monetisation opportunities. Creators and rights holders should be closely involved in the development in order to achieve more transparency and fair revenue distribution.
Munich Startup: What’s your founding story?
Salvatore Bruno, Kontentwerk: We worked together years ago on different sides of the industry and quickly realised that we harmonised well professionally. Our cooperation was characterised by mutual respect and a common goal: to deliver the best possible work.
When we finally became direct colleagues at the TV station Tele 5, the idea of our own company grew. We saw the potential to pool our skills and experience and build something of our own. It was a thought that wouldn’t let us go and became more concrete with each passing day. The day Kontentwerk was founded was a milestone in our lives.
Kontentwerk financing without borrowed capital
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Salvatore Bruno, Kontentwerk: First of all, the decision to leave the security of a permanent job is a huge hurdle. We had and have no outside capital and had to finance ourselves from the beginning. At the same time, after many years in medium-sized and large companies, it is a challenge to organise yourself when you are used to fixed, predetermined structures. We still catch ourselves sticking to classic working hours and hourly rates, even though it doesn’t really make sense for us nor does anyone ask for it. Another surprisingly difficult hurdle was finding a name. Once the baby had a name – which took many weeks – suddenly further steps and decisions became much easier.
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, where in five years?
Salvatore Bruno, Kontentwerk: Basically, we like to let things come to us. Our industry is changing rapidly at the moment and one is well advised not to follow a business model that is too entrenched. We want to remain open to meaningful partnerships or opportunities that may arise by chance. Apart from that, our medium-term plan is to build up our own film rights portfolio, which is a sustainable source of income.
High bureaucratic hurdles
Munich Startup: How have you experienced Munich as a startup location so far?
Salvatore Bruno, Kontentwerk: To be honest, it’s a bit mixed. In principle, there are some good programmes and initiatives that help and support company founders and startups. However, the bureaucratic hurdles to setting up a company in Germany are enormous. Other founders we have met in seminars report the same problems. Once you have found your way into the startup scene, however, there are great opportunities.
Munich Startup: Quick exit or staying power?
Salvatore Bruno, Kontentwerk: Both! Especially in the beginning, you want and need to do many things yourself to save your bank account. It is exciting and fun to learn new things and expand your knowledge – this also results in a certain self-confidence to be able to solve small and big problems of everyday business.
However, we quickly came to the point where reality showed us our limits – in terms of time and craftsmanship. We then quickly decided to make conscious decisions and prioritise. Which new skills will benefit us in the long run, and what are simply time-wasters? For example, it was clear early on that we would have to leave the development of the corporate design to a professional, even if we “only” wanted a clear, simple design and were good with graphics programmes ourselves. We are happy about this decision every day.