Who doesn't like sharing their travel experiences? Meine-weltkarte.de creates personalized world maps that show where you've already been. We asked founder Sebastian Hubrich our 7 questions.
1. Who are you and what do you do? Please briefly introduce yourself and your product!
Hi, I am Sebastian Hubrich, 31 years old and the founder of meine-weltkarte.deMeine-weltkarte.de is the one world map that customers can design online as their own personal world map, complete with a title, quote, various map designs, and additional add-ons like hearts, compasses, or airplanes. I then print the map and mount it on a stretcher frame, similar to a photo canvas. Hanging on the wall at home, the world map is an eye-catcher in the home. You can then color in or pin up where you've been, add pictures, and much more.
I also work with companies: The map shows, for example, where employees, customers, or suppliers come from. The product can also be used as an employee or customer gift, displayed in schools to show students' origins, hung as decoration in a travel agency, or as a product recommendation after a trip—a true all-rounder that's interesting for a wide variety of customers.
People love to travel and share those memories. And of course, that's easier with a physical product than with an app or online tool. These days, it takes people a little longer to understand that they can actually hang the product on their wall at home and that it's not an app, but in the digital age, that's probably normal.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
World maps are nothing new, of course—not even stretched on canvas. But my world maps are very simple and designed with their intended use in mind. The biggest advantage is the personalization. Each map is unique. This is a huge hit with customers.
3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Oh dear, honestly, there are a lot of them, almost every day. The hardest part is creating a suitable online presence with very limited financial resources, developing the product, handling production, and acquiring new customers. Time is a major challenge: What's most important right now, and what can wait?
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
Business is doing very well, considering the limited resources available. So far, I've sold several thousand tickets, am generating six-figure revenue, collaborated with major tourism companies, and sold to 14 countries worldwide—all without advertising. The first retail stores are already selling the tickets. I generate 200,000 page views a year, purely organically and without advertising. This makes the site attractive for future advertising for suitable travel products or offering great trips as an affiliate. However, I'm still considering whether and how this will be implemented.
5. What does Munich mean to you?
Munich is obviously not a cheap place, especially for a startup, but there are many like-minded people with whom I can exchange ideas. It's especially good for me in the tourism industry because major players in the market have a location or their headquarters in Munich. There are great startup events to attend and network at. There are also interesting trade fairs practically on my doorstep.
For me personally, Munich, even though I moved here, has become a bit of a home after 7 years with a great location and many opportunities for leisure activities when I have free time 😉
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
Despite all the visions and "think big," I also have to remain realistic. As nice as it would be, becoming the next unicorn is very unrealistic with the current concept. But you never know what the future holds, and what product innovations and changes in direction might come along that increase the chances. And failure can happen quickly; it can happen with just one wrong decision. I would be very satisfied with a healthy and solid mid-range.
7. Helles or Prosecco?
Light!
