The SAP.iO Foundry Munich is an accelerator program that helps B2B startups develop customer-friendly software solutions. The accelerator naturally places great value on the ability to use the solutions themselves. At the same time, it opens up its extensive network of partners and customers. What do startups like Parcellab, Rapitag or Presize What exactly do you think about this, to name a few previous participants? We spoke with Erica Davis, Community Manager, and Philippe Souidi, CEO of the Munich accelerator.
Munich Startup: Please introduce yourselves briefly!
Erica Davis: The SAP.iO Foundry Munich is part of the SAP.iO Foundries, a global accelerator network. With us, startups can develop innovative software that delivers value to our customers. The SAP.iO Foundries offer equity-free programs with select mentors and access to SAP technologies and APIs. We also enable startups to collaborate with SAP executives, partners, and over 400,000 enterprise customers across 27 industries.
The SAP.iO Foundry Munich cooperates with various SAP units, including the own venture arm, but also with partners such as UnternehmerTUMWe focus exclusively on early-stage B2B startups building innovative enterprise CRM and customer experience solutions. We're fortunate to have our office at SAP CX headquarters, surrounded by skilled developers and sales colleagues who regularly mentor our founders. Given this entrepreneurial environment, our work culture, and the fact that we're a small but resourceful team, you could say that the Foundry operates like a startup itself!
We have just launched our second batch, which focuses on marketing and commerce and runs from now until May.
SAP Foundry: Helping startups scale
Munich Startup: What do you focus on when working with startups?
Erica Davis: When selecting our startups, SAP.iO Foundry Munich identifies "rising stars," i.e., emerging companies leveraging new business models and innovative technologies—such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain, etc. At the same time, the companies must complement the SAP portfolio and should be able to demonstrate both product-market fit and financing. Furthermore, we look for teams with founders who have a clear vision and are open to the challenges and opportunities of collaborating with a company.
Through our programs, we support startups in developing and scaling, improving their business model and products, becoming more customer-centric, attending high-profile industry events, and much more. Our goal is for each startup to create tangible value for itself, its customers, and the SAP ecosystem.
Vision, validation and implementation
Munich Startup: “To be successful, a startup needs…”
Erica Davis: Vision, validation, and implementation. Vision means knowing the problem it solves and who it's solving for. At the same time, it requires clarity and determination to ensure everyone—employees, investors, customers—is fully on board. Validation, in turn, is proof that the company is on the right track. And the third point—implementation—surely needs no explanation!
Munich Startup: Why does a good startup need you behind it?
Philippe Souidi: For startups to succeed with enterprise customers, they must be willing to play by the rules—and, above all, persevere. Challenges range from long sales cycles and varying pricing models to extensive customer requirements. This is where SAP can help—with comprehensive expertise and consulting, resources, and by opening doors.
Munich Startup: What is the biggest mistake a startup can make?
Erica Davis: No matter how great an idea for a product or service may be, if a company doesn't solve a real customer problem, or isn't unique (or better than the competition), it will struggle. This is especially crucial in the early stages, while there's still room for change. Ideally, this validation happens before seeking funding.
“Doing good is good business”
Munich Startup: The trend of the year is…!
Erica Davis: Environmental and social measures. Building on last year's impact movement, more and more companies are committed to advancing areas such as sustainability and diversity. SAP is actively supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals—for example, through our global "No Boundaries" initiative, SAP will contribute up to 40 percent of investable capital to the SAP.iO Fund and scale our SAP.iO Foundries with a focus on inclusive entrepreneurship. The goal is to support at least 200 startups worldwide within the next five years.
Whether the focus is on responsible investments or on creating new business models that benefit both end users and the environment, 2020 will prove that doing good is good business.
Tangible innovative power
Munich Startup: What makes the Munich startup scene so special?
Erica Davis: The startup scene in Munich is special. It combines a strong entrepreneurial community with a wealth of resources and talent, as well as established companies and educational institutions, and mixes this with tangible innovative power—the result is a truly unique blend. For this reason, the startup ecosystem has grown enormously over the past decade and will only get bigger and brighter.
Munich Startup: Last but not least: Who do startups approach when they want to talk to you?
Erica Davis: Whether startup, investor, mentor, or potential innovation partner — we look forward to hearing from you! Contact us at sap.io_foundry_munich@sap.com or looks to our website.
