Munich Startup: What career path have you taken so far?
Julia Seiss, founder of Jambo and Managing Director at Testando: I left secondary school after the 9th grade to train as a hotel specialist. After my training in Hamburg, I worked in France, China and the Netherlands for a few years before returning to Munich and working for the Paulaner Brewery Group, among others. Alongside my job, I obtained my university entrance qualification, completed a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree and finally completed my doctorate at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland in 2021. 2024 was an exciting year for me, as it was here that I founded Jambo and took up the position of Managing Director at Testando.
Inclusive workplace for senior citizens
Munich Startup: What motivated you to found the company?
Julia Seiss: In recent years, I have seen time and again in my environment how much old-age poverty and loneliness are underestimated. Especially in a city like Munich, where life is expensive and social networks are often fragile, many older people feel left behind – emotionally and financially. This is exactly where I want to start with Jambo. Our mission is to offer senior citizens an inclusive workplace where they can not only supplement their pension, but also become part of a community that brings them appreciation and joy. Through the handmade, sustainable fashion they sew, we not only promote conscious consumerism, but also encourage dialog between the generations.
My role as managing director at companies such as Testando has also inspired me. There, I see on a daily basis how companies “work” and what challenges – but also opportunities – a start-up brings with it, and this also includes combining social responsibility with entrepreneurial activity.
Munich Startup: What do you wish you had known before you founded your first company?
Julia Seiss: That many things often take longer than planned and that uncertainties are completely normal. You learn to deal with these challenges and to grow with them. In the textile industry in particular, networking and press relations are completely different to the areas I know well. It would have been helpful to know these differences better from the start.
Munich Startup: How has your company been financed so far?
Julia Seiss: Jambo has so far been financed through equity. In addition, collaborations and local support are helping to develop the project further. We are particularly proud to be part of the Munich Impact Incubator. This great initiative by the city of Munich not only provides us with funding, but also with networking and resources that give us a lot of support.
Change of perspective for new impulses
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Julia Seiss: The best ideas usually come to me when I’m out in nature or traveling. A change of perspective gives me new impulses and inspires my creativity. That’s also how the idea for Jambo came about. I also find the exchange with others extremely important.
Munich Startup: What are your 3 favorite work tools?
Julia Seiss: Canva is a must because I can work really creatively with it. I also like to use various AI tools to create social media posts, develop ideas or write texts. And then, of course, there’s our great backend at Testando, which our partners have programmed themselves and perfected over the years so that we can provide our customers with mystery checks quickly and competently.
Munich Startup: Your top tip for pitching?
Julia Seiss: Focus on the passion and added value of the project. An authentic example makes the pitch more tangible and arouses interest. It is important to remain true to yourself, as this conveys credibility.
“Sustainability and social responsibility are becoming more important”
Munich Startup: Does it seem like a good time to start a company right now? Why?
Julia Seiss: Yes, definitely! Sustainability and social responsibility are becoming increasingly important, and there is growing support for projects that create real value. In addition, the demand for fairly paid jobs in big cities like Munich is enormous – we see an opportunity here to offer people financial stability through employment. What’s more, many people in the textile industry are currently changing their way of thinking: Fast fashion is a thing of the past.
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry would you focus on for your next startup?
Julia Seiss: On digital education or integration solutions. For older people in particular, there is still a lot of potential for user-friendly tools that make it easier for them to access the digital world.
Munich Startup: What do you think could be improved in Munich as a startup location?
Julia Seiss: It would be helpful if the local press paid even more attention to social enterprises. Jambo is often seen as a profit-oriented company, but our primary aim is to contribute to an inclusive society. I still get my main income from my “main job” and see Jambo as a way of doing something for society. What I really like is that the city of Munich supports founders with many programs, such as the Munich Impact Incubator!
Munich Startup: Which founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask him or her?
Julia Seiss: I’ve met so many inspiring founders in recent months through networks and events that it’s hard to say how you could top that. The first question I almost always ask is: How did you come up with your idea? Many of these founders impress me with their creativity and their ability to break new ground.
