Munich Startup: What motivated you to start the company?
Barbara Prähofer: I first started a business at school as part of a student project, and ever since, I've had the entrepreneurial spirit within me. What motivated me Exomatter co-founding is that with our groundbreaking technology we have a great leverage to strengthen the innovative power of companies, because 90 percent of all innovations are based on materials.
Small structural changes with a big impact
In addition to technology, I want to create a company with Exomatter that empowers women and men as individuals. Whether they have a small baby, school-age children, or other personal circumstances, everyone should have the same opportunity to develop at Exomatter. Through small structural changes like a breastfeeding room, childcare, or shared leadership, etc., we can prevent inequality between women and men at Exomatter. And that's one of my biggest drivers.
Munich Startup: What would you have liked to have known before starting your first business?
Barbara Prähofer: No more than I already knew. Because with more knowledge, I wouldn't try it myself and would miss out on so many opportunities.
Munich Startup: How has your company been financed so far?
Barbara Prähofer: We've completed the first part of our current financing round, and the second part is currently in the final stages. We've already achieved good sales for this year.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Barbara Prähofer: When networking with other founders.
Don't practice too much & translate technical terminology
Munich Startup: Your top tip on pitching?
Barbara Prähofer:
Tip 1: Set a rough outline of what you want to say, especially for very short pitches (2-3 minutes), but don't practice it too often, otherwise the sparkle and enthusiasm will disappear.
Tip 2: Especially with deep tech topics like Exomatter's, it's very important to translate it into a language everyone understands. And pitch it to someone outside the field. If that person understands the problem and solution, then that's great.
Munich Startup: Does this seem like a good time to start a business? Why?
Barbara Prähofer: Well, if you have found a solution to a problem, then you should start it now. No matter what the market is like. Especially for Female Founder A lot of things have developed for the better. There are a lot of networking events and support. You just have to do it.
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry would you focus on for your next startup?
Barbara Prähofer: Recycling, quantum computing. Or even care—although I have no idea which solution would make sense there.
Bringing old and new founders together
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what could be improved at the Munich startup location?
Barbara Prähofer: More affordable office space. Otherwise, it's a great location for starting a business.
Munich Startup: Which founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Barbara Prähofer: Through the UnternehmerTUM with Xpreneurs and Techfounders, we have excellent, regular exchanges with many founders. That's why I don't have a particular person I'd like to meet. I would find it exciting to bring together founders of older companies like Birkenstock or family businesses with completely new founders.
