Munich Startup: Who are you and what does Wirelane do? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
Constantin Schwaab: I'm Constantin, 43, CEO of Wirelane. Previously, I was the founder and CEO of Kinoheld, a market-leading cinema ticketing platform. Before ticketing, I was the founder and managing partner of Plain Energy, a pan-European PV system developer. Immediately after studying political science at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, in Geneva, and Barcelona, I began my professional life as a founder. Back then, I founded one of the largest European e-commerce sites of its time, which was sold to the publicly listed company Loyaltouch in 2007.
“Load. Pay. Done.”
Munich Startup: What problem does your startup solve?
Constantin Schwaab: Load. Pay. Done. We make Electromobility simple and accessible to everyone. Through our holistic approach of hardware, software and support we can respond flexibly to the wishes and challenges of our customers.
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Constantin Schwaab: Some companies have done important groundwork in charging infrastructure and established themselves as true pioneers at a very early stage of the market. Nevertheless, the needs of electromobility are changing rapidly. For example, regulations in Germany now require billing according to calibration law. Many first-generation charging points had to be shut down as a result. New providers are entering the field and now offer urgently needed complete solutions, which often include not only installation and maintenance, but also operation and even financing.
On the other hand, we're also breaking new ground and, above all, want to make billing as simple as possible. This includes innovative payment methods such as contactless payment via credit card or, even more conveniently, via smartphone. The highlight is that it doesn't require prior registration with a charging network operator, which – unfortunately – is still common practice in the industry.
Mix between structures and open space
Munich Startup: What have been your three biggest challenges so far?
Constantin Schwaab: One of the biggest challenges in a young company is certainly finding the balance between fixed structures and sufficient freedom for creativity. Currently, we have a corporate culture that allows each employee to contribute their own unique strengths. For example, we recently strengthened our team with two absolute experts in the hotel industry to better address the needs and challenges of this industry. Especially now, coronaIn these challenging times, it's important to focus on the future. This year, we're launching a new product, which also requires appropriate preparation.
“This year will see the breakthrough for electromobility”
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, where in five years?
Constantin Schwaab: We are convinced that this year will be a breakthrough for electromobility. Falling prices and ever-increasing ranges are prompting more people to choose electromobility. This year, we want to provide as many customers as possible with a comprehensive electromobility system. This includes the hardware, software, and our service. In five years, we aim to be the market leader in the hotel industry.
Munich Startup: How do you rate Munich as a startup location?
Constantin Schwaab: Munich is a fantastic location, where all the components for success are present. Firstly, Munich is very international and attracts talented people. The startup scene is also very lively, and you have direct contact with many investors.
Wirelane: “The mobility transition is a marathon”
Munich Startup: Quick exit or long breath?
Constantin Schwaab: The mobility transition is a marathon, not a sprint, so we need to be patient. Even though a lot has already happened, we are still at the beginning of a new era. There are still a few small hurdles to overcome before electric mobility can reach the mass market. But we are working hard on this, and we are confident that the future will be electric.
