Munich Startup: What does Bye Bye Toe do? What problem do you solve?
Marie Mueller, Founder and CEO: Bye Bye Toe has a panties for women which solves several problems at once, but the main USP is that it avoids the unpleasant pulling in the crotch and thus also the colloquial "camel toe". With this Utility model-protected solution We already equip German national teams in beach volleyball and hockey, and riders use the panties to prevent chafing in the crotch, which is made possible by the innovative laser-cut bonding technology.
Munich Startup: Hasn't this been around for a long time?
Marie Mueller, Founder and CEO: Primarily, insert pads are offered, which are uncomfortable, while in other countries, there are also panties with reinforcement. I looked at all of these solutions, as well as the solutions available on the market for men who wear leggings, such as for ballet. However, none of the padding options were ideal or well-thought-out, and I definitely wanted to offer other benefits in addition to crotch reinforcement, such as seamlessness thanks to laser cutting while still providing a secure fit, invisibility, breathability, and, above all, the comfort of wearing thongs thanks to the bonding system.
The search for the right manufacturer
Munich Startup: What is your founding story?
Marie Mueller, Founder and CEO: I've had this idea in my head for a long time because I was always annoyed by ill-fitting underwear, especially when working out. But you can have the best product idea, but you also need someone who can mass-produce it for you at a good price and quality. And since underwear is exclusively made in Asia, finding a manufacturer was the first big hurdle. After desperately wanting to give up, I randomly asked on my Facebook profile if they could put me in touch with someone there. And a lucky coincidence led me directly to a company that specializes in professional sportswear that prevents chafing at seams through laser-cut bonding – BINGO, perfect for my idea!
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Marie Mueller, Founder and CEO: As mentioned, finding the right producer who painstakingly developed the product with me and is now developing it further with me and my customers. And of course, as with any startup: raising money to scale, which is especially important when you're selling products and need working capital. I've already been to “The Lion’s Den”, where I also got a deal – unfortunately, the collaboration didn't happen afterward. So I'm still bootstrapped and in talks again.
Bye Bye Toe reaches new target groups through television appearance
Munich Startup: Where do you want to be in one year, where in five years?
Marie Mueller, Founder and CEO: My shop was already doing great before "The Lion's Den" aired, and I was constantly sold out (hence the working capital need), but after the show and the media response, it's reached a whole new level, and I've also been able to tap into completely new target groups. Suddenly, I have 70-year-old Waltraud as a customer, who's happy to be able to wear thongs again. It's so incredibly wonderful! I definitely want to become the number one "cameltoe" solution internationally (stupid word, but everyone internationally knows what I mean), the most comfortable thong, and to outfit all of Germany's female national sports teams. In addition to the national beach volleyball and hockey teams that we already outfit, a national track and field athlete is currently testing our products.
Munich Startup: How have you experienced Munich as a startup location so far?
Marie Mueller, Founder and CEO: I have a really nice group of startups around me here, but I think when it comes to raising money, you're still better off in Berlin.
Munich Startup: Outsource or do it yourself?
Marie Mueller, Founder and CEO: Do it yourself. Until you've mastered everything, and then outsource so you can have a say and, above all, evaluate whether things are going well or not. And what I'd prefer not to give up is direct customer contact. It's essential, especially in product development, and the girls (and guys) know who they're buying from.
