The Munich-based software startup Crewmeister aims to inspire other companies with exceptionally simple digital HR processes. Founded in 2015, the startup already has over 2,000 customers and nearly 20 employees, and the number is growing. Lukas Schöngut, Chief Marketing Officer at Crewmeister, answers our 7 questions.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
We are Crewmeister and use our software to digitize the HR processes of small businesses in every industry. We started with time recording and the Crewmeister Shift planner.
The advantage of our solution is its simplicity. From creating a free trial account on our website to successfully implementing time tracking and shift scheduling, it often takes just a few minutes.
As an intrapreneurship project, our CEO Florian Forster founded Crewmeister in 2015 from a larger company (Atoss Software – Editor’s note) I joined in 2016 and have been responsible for everything related to marketing and sales ever since.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
At first glance, you're absolutely right. There are hundreds of time tracking software providers in Germany. However, these are expensive, complicated, and far too comprehensive. The majority of companies in Germany, however, want simple, affordable solutions that can be implemented without any effort.
Especially through the Judgment of the European Court of JusticeWith systematic time tracking set to become mandatory for every company and even startup in Germany in a few months, demand for simple, flexible solutions with a fair pricing model is increasing rapidly. We are the perfect solution for this target group.
Crewmeister: “Well on the way to international success”
3. What are the three main ingredients for your recipe for success?
Above all, our uncompromising focus on our target audience during product development is crucial. Before adding a feature, we carefully consider the extent to which it offers added value to the majority of our customers. This ensures that the software always walks the fine line between functionality and user-friendliness.
But our personal support also plays a major role. Every customer receives a free personal consultant upon introduction to the software, who, if necessary, can answer questions about the software with extensive experience. We wouldn't be where we are today without automated, impersonal customer support.
At the end of the day, however, it is usually the simplicity of the product that convinces our customers…
4. Let’s get to the point: How is business going?
Nearly 2,000 companies with over 40,000 employees regularly use our software for time tracking, vacation planning, and shift scheduling. And since mandatory time tracking was announced, we've grown even faster.
We can't complain, but we still have major challenges and goals ahead of us. So far, we have a strong presence in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Since our software is already available in English, we're well on our way to expanding internationally.
Munich: a blessing and a curse
5. What does Munich mean to you?
As a business location, Munich is both a blessing and a curse. Competition for talented employees is certainly fiercer here than in almost any other German city. For this reason, we now find a large portion of our software developers abroad. However, the high quality of life in Munich plays a major role in their commitment to Crewmeister. In this respect, we also benefit greatly from the city's fantastic advantages.
At the same time, a lot is happening in the city's startup scene. Our office in the Werksviertel district near the Ostbahnhof train station is right in the heart of Munich's digital center. There are many young companies with whom you can happily discuss current topics over lunch.
For me, Munich is a great place to live and a piece of home. The combination of mountains on your doorstep and the diversity, culture, and lifestyle of a big city is truly unique.
“Epic Fail Night? Not with us!”
6. Will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
Epic Fail Night? Not with us! Crewmeister aims to digitize the analog HR processes of small businesses worldwide. We are already excellently positioned and well-funded for this vision.
7. Hiking or beer garden?
Beer garden. Cheers!
