Munich Startup: What motivated you to found Tildi?
Doris Schoger: I wanted to create a counter-model to the linear economy: Conserving resources instead of exploiting them. I’ve been a fan of the idea of circularity from the very beginning. Since 2019, I no longer work in e-commerce, but in re-commerce. One letter makes such a difference! Because everything that happens behind it is so much different.
Sofie Morber: For me, founding Tildi is a combination of a personal need – I have a six-year-old daughter – and my passion for entrepreneurship, which has always been with me. The recommerce market offers great potential, but also many challenges, such as a lack of transparency, user-friendliness and efficiency. This motivated me to create a platform that clearly stands out from the competition – with a focus on innovation, sustainability and real added value for users. This gave rise to the vision of setting a new standard in recommerce.
Tildi founder Doris Schoger: “If you know too much, you might not do it.”
Munich Startup : What do you wish you had known before you founded the company?
Doris Schoger: I think if you know too much, you might not do it. There are many pitfalls for founders that, if you knew about them, might put you off starting up.
Sofie Morber: It’s similar to becoming a mother: No matter how much you know about it or how much you prepare for it, the reality is still full of surprises, challenges and growth moments that you can’t imagine beforehand.
Munich Startup: How has Tildi been financed so far?
Doris Schoger: We have received initial investments from angels. We are also currently fundraising. We invite anyone who wants to be part of the change to talk to us.
Circular economy as a team sport
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Doris Schoger: Exchange, exchange, exchange. The circular economy is a team sport and you have to listen to or meet everyone who can contribute. Many ideas come up in conversations, in an exchange ping-pong – and many things already exist and can be further developed.
Munich Startup: What are your 3 favorite work tools?
Doris Schoger: Hm, I guess because I use them every day and don’t change them, I like them: FIGMA, GitHub and Google Drive.
Munich Startup : Your top tip for pitching?
Doris Schoger : Every audience needs its own pitch. I don’t have any other tips, because we have to pitch a lot more ourselves with Tildi.
Munich Startup : Do you think it’s a good time to start a company right now? Why is that?
Doris Schoger: Generally speaking, no. But the topics that will lead us into the future can’t wait. The markets are saturated, companies are focusing on their crises, subsidies have been cut or are uncertain, and investors are keeping their money together. On the other hand, we need innovations and concepts that fit into this new situation, especially now. As a founder, you probably need to be more resilient than you were a few years ago.
Positive influence on the world
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry would you focus on for your next startup?
Doris Schoger: I would delve deeper into financial flows. I think the circular economy needs new ways of thinking here too. Because often a product is a total economic loss and can no longer be sold for that reason alone. Or I would go into the area of new materials. We need to move away from materials that end up as waste and replace them with new, harmless substances.
Sofie Morber: To be honest, I can’t think about that just yet. But for me, another startup must generally bring added value to society. Something that has a positive impact on the future and is also economically successful in the long term.
Munich Startup: What do you think could be improved in Munich as a startup location?
Doris Schoger: Personally, I would like more space to test concepts. Otherwise, I’m quite happy here.
Munich Startup: Which founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask him or her?
Doris Schoger: Not an easy question. I would like to ask Dirk Rossmann how he made his decision to open a store that doesn’t adhere to fixed prices and just bet on it falling in the next few days. Ever since I heard his story, I keep asking myself: how much of it was naive courage and how much was calculated risk?
Sofie Morber: I can’t think of anyone in particular at the moment. The dialog with other founders, regardless of the size of the company, is incredibly valuable. However, successful founders in particular are a great inspiration for me. I find it exciting to find out: Looking back, what decision was crucial to your success? And what mistake should every founder have made once in order to learn? And which mistake should be avoided at all costs?