Munich Startup: What does your startup do? What problem do you solve?
Branchly: We provide small and medium-sized companies with an efficient solution that allows the use of state-of-the-art AI technologies Such as instant semantic search and large language models for customer communication. For example, a generative AI chat (based on Branchly AI) can be created and embedded on the website in just four simple steps and in just a few minutes.
Efficient and focused solution instead of expensive data silos
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Branchly: We offer a completely new approach. Our customers come to us because they no longer want to build expensive data silos or manually maintain content in a confusing platform. We're moving away from costly setups and instead striving for an efficient and focused solution that uses cutting-edge AI techniques. As one of the first disruptors in the chatbot space, we've successfully leveraged our experience and customer insights from our previous venture.
Munich Startup: What is your founding story?
Branchly: We met at a chatbot and AI startup. There, we realized that there were numerous areas where we saw significant potential for improvement for customers and users. Chatbots at the time, in particular, struggled with acceptance and added value issues, which led to user frustration, while companies had to invest a lot of effort in setup and maintenance. A first customer shared this view, which is why we decided to develop a product for it and bring it to market. This now forms the basis of Branchly Many of Branchly's principles are rooted in our experiences from our past jobs.
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Branchly: AI is undergoing a period of enormous change, not least due to the hype surrounding generative AI. There are many developments every day that need to be kept in mind. As solution providers, however, we must constantly evaluate what truly offers our customers added value. Continuous dialogue with customers and prospects is crucial for this. At the same time, there are older companies on the market that are supported by venture capital. We are convinced that we are more agile and faster without the technical and organizational burden of these legacy companies, which represents a great opportunity for us.
“Using the positive aspects of AI”
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, where in five years?
Branchly: Within a year, we aim to have acquired a significant number of new small and medium-sized enterprises as customers. On the product side, we plan to focus even more on value-driven features to fully leverage the potential of AI. Although it may seem strange at times, we are still at the beginning of AI. Many companies are experimenting, and the innovative ones are already beginning to implement solutions. Given the high level of interest in our solutions, we certainly need to further expand our team.
In five years, we want to be known as an established software company that improves customer experiences and interactions with innovative solutions, regardless of where the customer is located. We believe that AI will influence our lives even more than before. Our goal is to harness the positive aspects of AI so that people can focus on what really matters and keep the focus on what really matters.
Munich Startup: How have you experienced Munich as a startup location so far?
Branchly: We have both been active in the Munich startup ecosystem for several years. We believe that Munich and Bavaria as a whole are the ideal location for a software or AI company, as the B2B software ecosystem is most developed there. For example, we are located at Werk1, where the conditions for young companies are excellent. The funding opportunities and the political willingness to take AI seriously are also valuable advantages for founders considering where to establish their startup.
Munich Startup: Quick exit or long breath?
Branchly: Our goal is to build a sustainable company. Since Branchly is entirely self-funded, we certainly follow a different philosophy than VC-backed startups. Nevertheless, you also have to be opportunistic and identify and seize opportunities, no matter what form they take.
