The UrmO is a truly small electric vehicle that can reach speeds of 15 km/h, travels 20 km, and weighs only 6.5 kg. The Munich-based startup behind the innovative vehicle now has eleven employees and has already undergone a name change (formerly known as the UrmO urbO) and is currently preparing its crowdfunding campaign. We asked the founders our 7 questions.
1. Who are you and what do you do? Please briefly introduce yourself and your product!
We develop, manufacture, and sell a portable electric micro-vehicle – the UrmO. Thanks to its patent-pending folding mechanism and low weight of just 6.5 kg, the UrmO is always with you and allows users to efficiently cover short distances in everyday life. It can also be combined with other modes of transport, such as public transport.
We (Felix Ballendat, 27, and Jakob Karbaumer, 23) met in our first semester of mechanical engineering studies at Munich University of Applied Sciences and are now pursuing our master's degree. We are absolute pioneers of electromobility and have already co-developed the world's best-selling and fastest electric car and have even put an electric car on the road in our private lives.
Our product clearly differentiates itself from the competition in its everyday usability: When other vehicles have to stay outside, ours can simply be taken along. When other vehicles require you to get out, you can simply continue driving with ours.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
At first glance, yes, since the vehicle type and control system have been known for some time. However, our vehicle is the only one on the market that combines the advantages of all other products, making it truly suitable for everyday use.
Big tires, small package — suitable for everyday use
Only we manage to combine low weight with large tires and a small pack size – while maintaining intuitive and safe handling. For the customer, this means daily time savings, as they can cover all their daily commutes more quickly.
3. What are the three main ingredients for your recipe for success?
- Consistent product development: We have a clear idea about our product and do everything we can to implement this vision without compromise.
- Exchange ideas with others: You don't have to experience everything yourself. Ask people who have been in similar situations and learn from them.
- A motivated team: The vision of improving the mobility of tomorrow and seeing our product on the streets drives and motivates us every day.
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
We've already filed two patents, and more are in preparation. Our third, near-production prototype is being developed by a team of eleven people and will soon be ready, allowing us to launch our crowdfunding campaign in early 2018!
Success factors: talents and suppliers
5. What does Munich mean to you?
Munich's startup scene has an affinity for hardware. This, combined with the proximity to the automotive industry in southern Germany, is very helpful for us. Talented, motivated people and suppliers for every technology are our number one success factor.
And because Munich is Germany's commuter capital, we know people's needs like no other.
What we personally appreciate most about Munich is its high recreational value, which allows us to make even better use of our limited free time!
Unicorn? Looks like this...
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
With its handlebar, the UrmO certainly looks a bit like a unicorn! In discussions with potential customers and dealers, we've definitely received great feedback, and we're very confident about the market for our product. But we also have to remain realistic: Especially with a hardware product, there are always enormous risks that could send us straight to epic fail night!
7. Isar or English Garden?
English Garden! Because it's perfectly accessible from our office by public transport.
