7 questions, 7 answers – this time with Smartlane, the Munich-based startup that makes demand-driven route planning intelligent in the logistics sector. This includes adhering to delivery time windows and avoiding traffic jams. Learn more about the impact of smart data analytics on the logistics industry in this interview.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
We are Monja (27, TUM business graduate), Mathias (35, computer scientist), Florian (35, computer scientist), and Matthew (33, electrical engineer), and we founded Smartlane in July 2015. We originally come from the Technical University of Munich—more specifically, from the TUM Chair of Traffic Engineering.
There, our three male founders spent many years conducting cutting-edge, practical research in the field of connected cars and automated systems. This work, combined with our expertise in data analysis and geodata processing, has given rise to ideas that are a perfect fit for the logistics industry.
With our product SmartlaneDISPATCH, which can be used as SaaS and via API, we offer the optimal tool for the implementation of on-demand logistics processes, even for small and medium-sized companies.
This means, for example, that even the courier service next door can soon organize its orders highly dynamically with little effort, without having to develop its own intelligence for route optimization. By automatically bundling orders into appropriate routes with an optimal sequence, it can now avoid empty runs, save distance and time, and even keep the end customer informed about changing delivery arrival times.
Route optimization also for SMEs
2. But that's been around for a long time!
That's what many people think, but not in this simplicity and as an immediately operational Variante. Whether with our interface or as full integration across the entire logistics supply chain – our product makes the use of route optimization, including real-time traffic data and machine learning, possible even for small and medium-sized companies.
3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
The biggest challenge so far has been managing the extensive development work, as well as sales and bootstrapping, with our four-person team. To gain some breathing room for this in the future, we began seeking funding in mid-2016.
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
Excellent. We recently launched our product and just closed our first six-figure financing round. As a result, we're now desperately looking for new team members who want to make a difference, especially in sales, marketing, or software development!
5. What does Munich mean to you?
Munich is Florian's hometown and a central hub for startups with a tech background, without which we would never have met – a Munich native, two Swabians, and an Irishman. Our families live here. The best part is that the mountains and the Isar River are close by, and you only have to step outside to relax.
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
If we were dreaming of an epic fail, we could drop the pen and stop right here. But even with a beautiful, gently glittering and shimmering unicorn, you won't win any prizes in this market. We'd say we'd become a bull and show the competition our horns.
7. Schwabinger 7 or Bob Beaman?
Schwabinger 7. The only question is whether the old one wasn't even better back then!
