Rike Brand is versatile. She is an ethnologist and holds a Master's in Public Policy — and is also quite versatile in other ways: First, she co-founded the Munich-based wave power startup SINN PowerThen she founded the water pistol startup with two other partners SpyraShe's done a lot of bootstrapping and is preparing for the current crowdfunding campaign. Read what else is on Rike Brand's mind in our interview.
What motivated you to start the company?
The potential of the idea! It convinced me so much from the beginning that I absolutely wanted to make it a reality. It would simply be a waste not to try.
Did you have any role models when you started your business?
I met Philipp Sinn, the founder of SINN Power, as a co-founder during the early years. What impresses me about Philipp is that he never loses confidence, even during the inevitable, difficult phases of building a company. This not only motivates his team enormously, but has also sailed his startup safely through many storms.
When and where do you get the best ideas?
When I read. No matter the topic, there's always a parallel film playing, full of associations, and I think: Hey, this could be useful for the project I'm working on!
“Panic-resistant and little fear of failure”
Your greatest talent?
I'm relatively resistant to panic and have little fear of failure. I'm convinced that things will always work out somehow.
The biggest mistake you have ever made?
I used to think I always knew exactly what I wanted to achieve. But then, as soon as I thought I'd "arrived," things always turned out differently. Today, I question myself and my motivations more often and more critically.
Secret weapon: A water pistol
Your secret weapon when networking?
A water pistol in your hand. That always gets you talking.
Do you think it is important that more women start businesses in Germany?
Every good idea deserves to be realized, whether by women or men. However, the startup scene would generally benefit from a bit more diversity.
The three worst prejudices you have encountered in your everyday life as a founder?
I just can't think of anything that isn't actually true 😉
What’s on top of your desk right now?
My smartphone. It's very important to me to stay in constant contact with Spyra's growing water gun community via Facebook, Instagram, and our website, and to personally answer every question and comment as quickly as possible.
Where are you going on holiday next?
To the Slovenian mountains—but only after our Kickstarter campaign in July. Then the phone will stay at home.
