The Munich startup Climedo makes doctors' lives easier. A smart, digital assistant is designed to make cancer therapy trials more efficient. This improves the quality of treatment and patient safety. We want to know more and interviewed Veronika Schweighart, co-founder of the company.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
We are three founders: Dragan (Computer Science), Sascha (Technology Management & Chemistry) and I, Veronika (Business Administration). Although we have different academic backgrounds, we have three things in common: Firstly, we have the CDTMprogram, secondly, we have founded startups in the past, and thirdly, we have all unfortunately had to experience the negative consequences of misdiagnoses and ineffective treatment processes in our families.
That's why we wanted to apply our knowledge from software development and company founding to a truly useful area, and the result was Climedo: a smart digital assistant that supports university hospitals in the safe and efficient implementation of modern, personalized cancer therapies in clinical trials. Treating physicians are guided step by step through the entire treatment process and receive real-time insights into the study's progress. This saves hospitals considerable time and money and enables them to avert risks and quality issues in the process more quickly, which in turn directly impacts patient safety and their chances of recovery.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
A multitude of software systems are now in use in routine hospital operations. However, clinical research has so far fallen by the wayside, primarily due to chronic underfunding. Piles of paper, Excel spreadsheets, and self-developed, patched-together "workarounds" unfortunately still predominate.
However, such systems no longer meet the requirements of modern, personalized therapies. This is where Climedo comes in. We offer physicians a central, digital, and user-friendly software solution to deliver personalized cancer therapies to patients faster and more safely.
“Entrepreneurial spirit, technological excellence and a lot of empathy”
3. What are the three main ingredients for your recipe for success?
Entrepreneurial spirit, technological excellence, and a whole lot of empathy. We've made the latter our motto since our stay in San Francisco in 2017. Every entrepreneur needs a great deal of empathy to understand their customers' needs and, based on that, develop a meaningful product that solves a real problem. Our target audience—doctors—must also demonstrate empathy so they can treat patients properly.
We therefore do not see the development of our smart digital assistant as a replacement for the doctor, but rather as a strengthening of his position through the meaningful interaction of artificial and human intelligence:
The physician is supported in collecting and analyzing data and routine tasks are relieved, giving them more time to care for their patients and identify their needs.
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
The first studies are currently being conducted using our software, and we've already generated five-figure revenues. Our customers include Europe's leading university hospitals, including the Charité in Berlin.
5. What does Munich mean to you?
We all came to Munich to study and feel truly at home here, both professionally and personally. While one of our largest clients is located in Berlin, there are also several top-class hospitals and universities in Munich and the surrounding area…
Smart minds, smart money
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
Having the right people on board (or at unicorns) is crucial to the success of any startup. That's why we're currently looking for smart minds—especially software developers—and smart money—experienced and well-connected business angels—to accompany us on our journey toward our vision of a digitally connected healthcare system.
7. Helles or Prosecco?
Rose!
