The Munich startup Spyra builds water pistols. The focus is on fun for the user. Behind this lies a patent-pending technology: The Spyra One fires individual water pellets with high precision instead of a jet of water. The water gun also features some technical gadgets that can turn the game into an action sport — without it being dangerous.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
Team Spyra consists of Sebastian (33), Matthias ("The Doctor," 32), Rike (30), and Markus (32). Our mission: to build the best water pistol in the world.
What's new about the Spyra One is that it fires individual, precise water pellets instead of a continuous stream. This allows users to play strategic matches like paintball or laser tag—instead of just getting their friends wet. Of course, there's no extra cost for an arena or protective gear. The Spyra One's water pellets are completely harmless.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
Sure, we loved the Super Soakers of the 1990s, too. But almost 30 years have passed since then, and the water gun hasn't evolved at all. It's high time for a revolution!
The best water gun in the world – patent pending
We now have the technology to build a water gun that's as action-packed as paintball and laser tag, but can be played anywhere. We've also incorporated some tacti-cool extras. For example, the player can digitally monitor their magazine. When the tank is empty, the water gun automatically refills itself at any water source, and the water fight can continue.
3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
We are currently urgently looking for student support, particularly in technology, to get the nozzle, tank, etc. ready for series production by next year.
Just have fun
In an industrial location like Munich, it's almost difficult to convey that our water gun is simply meant to be used for fun. Sometimes really funny ideas come up when we show people our prototype at events and explain that we're building a water gun. For example, whether it's for the fire department or whether you can use it to shoot hot glue. No, we're actually just shooting water for fun and don't have anything else planned 😉
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
Judging by the grin on the face of our Tester regularly, we are not the only ones who enjoy shooting with the Spyra One 😉
The real test for us, however, will be our Kickstarter campaign next summer. By then, we'll have completed development and plan to use the campaign funds to finance production of the first series of Spyra Ones.
This will show whether the Spyra One will inspire as many people elsewhere in the world as our prototypes did at the Munich festivals this year.
The Isar: A perfect test environment
5. What does Munich mean to you?
In addition to the highly connected startup and investor scene, Munich and the surrounding area are simply the ultimate technology hub. This makes it easy for us to quickly visit suppliers and discuss solutions for our somewhat unconventional product on-site.
Apart from that: We couldn't wish for a better test environment for our water pistol than the Isar.
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
An incredible 27 million Super Soakers were sold in the first three years of its launch in the 1990s. Water guns are simply a blast for kids of all ages, and we work hard every day to take water fights to a whole new level with the Spyra One.
7. Water or vodka?
Even though our testers always have creative suggestions… only one liquid is suitable for the Spyra One.
