"Go to hell, standard software" is the motto of Manu and Chris, the founders of Softwarepunks. In our 7 questions, they revealed how they want to revolutionize the software market and what bothers them about standard software.
1. Who are you and what do you do? Please briefly introduce yourself and your company!
We are Manu (38, graduate in business information technology) and Chris (47, graduate in computer science), the founders of SoftwarepunksTogether, we have over 35 years of experience in consulting, developing, and implementing software solutions for companies. We met as IT consultants in 2008 during a joint client project and became instant friends. Due to our poor experiences as consultants with standard software, we are pursuing a common goal: The way business software is developed and distributed for companies needs to be revolutionized.
Tailor-made business software with the solution box
That's why we've spent the past few years developing the Solution Box. Our unique concept makes it possible to provide customized business software to our customers without incurring development costs. Our core focus is currently on sales, communications, and master data processes. Initially, we plan to target companies with fewer than 50 employees.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
Anyone looking for suitable business software will encounter a market with hundreds of similar providers of standardized software products. All of them are one-size-fits-all, differing essentially only in the features offered, installation types, and licensing and support models. Companies must adapt to a standard software:
– The focus is always on the standard software and not on your own needs
– Most functions are not used and are worthless, yet have to be paid for expensively and complicate the mask interfaces and thus the daily work immensely
– Requirements that are not included in the functionality of the standard software will never be implemented or will only be implemented at high costs
No investment risk for the customer
The Loesungsbox, on the other hand, offers a concept that puts the customer at the center:
– The most important functions are optimally tailored to individual needs
– No development costs for the customer and therefore no investment risk
– Minimal complexity, because the software only contains the fields, functions and masks required for simple and efficient work
– Can be flexibly adapted at any time if requirements change
– Affordable rental prices for the functions used
Conclusion: No. None of the many software providers do it the way we do.
3. What are the three main ingredients for your recipe for success?
– The passion to replace an outdated concept: “Go to hell, standard software”
– We as a professionally and personally perfectly harmonious founding team
– A software configurator to create customized solutions at the touch of a button
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
We were founded at the end of 2017 and have been on the market ever since, quietly. Our first customers are thrilled. We currently don't have an investor, so we want to grow organically for now and focus on making the solution box even better.
Whether it is enough to become a unicorn is irrelevant
5. What does Munich mean to you?
Manuel: I've lived in Munich for 12 years. The Isarvorstadt district has become my home. My three children were born in the Maistraße women's clinic. We feel at home here, and we're here to stay. The Schlachthofviertel is a perfect fit for our Softwarepunks brand, and not just architecturally. A handshake still means more to us than a notarized contract.
Chris: I live with my family near Landshut, which is about 70 kilometers downstream of Munich on the Isar River. Munich has played and continues to play a central role in my professional career. I studied computer science there and have since made many personal and business contacts. As Germany's leading technology hub, Munich is also the ideal location for Softwarepunks.
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
We believe in our idea because our approach is disruptive, sustainable, and unique. Whether we become a unicorn in the medium term isn't really important to us. We simply want to offer companies an alternative to standard software. We certainly won't fail completely.
7. Bavaria or '60?
Manuel: A Bayern fan and Regensburg native, I was in the away section of the relegation derby second leg in May 2017. Sorry, Lions.
