Katharina Jünger, CEO of the Munich-based startup Teleclinic, tells us in an interview why Richard Branson and her mother are role models for her. And has she ever been underestimated as a founder? Certainly not by her investors, because Katharina Jünger recently raised 7 million euros in Series A financing for her health startup. Both in her company and while hiking, she keeps going until she reaches her goal—or the summit.
Katharina, what motivated you to start your business?
I have always wanted to contribute to a real improvement for the individual and for society as a whole. And that is precisely the driving motive for TeleclinicBy connecting doctor and patient, patients have faster and easier access to the right doctor. Doctors have the opportunity to offer their expertise more flexibly and in a way that is more compatible with family care. Telemedicine will enable society as a whole to both improve the quality of care and reduce costs.
Did you have any role models when you started your business?
Personally, my mother is a role model for me. She continues to work passionately as a doctor and entrepreneur. She showed me how fulfilling entrepreneurship can be.
Furthermore, Richard Branson and Warren Buffet are role models for me because they unwaveringly pursue their passion. At the same time, despite their success, they strike me as warm, humble, and hungry.
When and where do you get the best ideas?
When climbing a mountain peak.
Your greatest talent?
Identifying relevant goals and consistently fighting until these goals are achieved.
From lone fighter to team player
The biggest mistake you have ever made?
I used to tend to be more of a lone wolf and underestimated the power of teamwork. Even though, at first glance, it's not always as effective as working alone.
Your secret weapon when networking?
Genuine interest in people and the issues that concern them.
Was being a female founder an advantage or a disadvantage for you?
Being a female founder has its advantages and disadvantages. One advantage, for example, was the faster recognition, for example in the press, due to the fact that there are relatively few female founders.
One disadvantage, however, was that there are still many men — whether in the area of customers, investors or employees — who have less confidence in women than in men and are therefore not quite as open to working with me as a woman.
The three worst prejudices you have encountered in your everyday life as a founder?
Personally, I've experienced relatively little prejudice. But perhaps I simply lack the sensitivity to it. A topic that particularly arises with clients from the more conservative healthcare and insurance industries: There's a perception there that as a startup, you don't need to make money because you have investors. This is, of course, completely wrong and damaging.
What’s on top of your desk right now?
Definitely recruiting. We're looking for young and committed talent in many areas, such as tech and IT.
What have you always wanted to say to the people of Munich?
I'm not originally from Munich, so I can only confirm: Munich is simply one of the most beautiful cities! The city and its surroundings offer an incredible quality of life.
