Munich Startup: What does Kontentwerk do? What problem do you solve?
Salvatore Bruno, Content: We are currently working on various projects. Our core business model is the trading and distribution of film licenses for TV and video-on-demand platforms. At the same time, we are involved in a highly innovative, EU-funded project called CWXP (“Creative Web3 Experience Europe”) Here we are developing a digital cultural center in a specially created metaverse.
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Salvatore Bruno, Content: The idea of film licensing in Germany is actually nothing new. This makes it all the more exciting for us to apply our experience to a completely new area and help shape the future of our industry. The idea behind CWXP is to explore new business models and monetization opportunities. Artists and rights holders will be closely involved in the development process to achieve greater transparency and fair revenue distribution.
Munich Startup: What is your founding story?
Salvatore Bruno, Content: We worked together years ago on different sides of the industry and quickly realized that we meshed well professionally. Our collaboration was characterized by mutual respect and a shared goal: to deliver the best possible work.
When we finally became direct colleagues at the TV station Tele 5, the idea of a own companyWe saw the potential to combine our skills and experience and build something of our own. It was an idea that stuck with us and became more concrete with each passing day. The day Kontentwerk was founded was a milestone in our lives.
Financing Kontentwerk without debt capital
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Salvatore Bruno, Content: First of all, the decision to leave the security of a permanent position is a huge hurdle. We had and still have no outside capital and had to finance ourselves from the start. At the same time, after many years in medium-sized and large companies, it's a challenge to organize yourself when you're used to fixed, predetermined structures. We still find ourselves sticking to traditional working hours and numbers, even though it doesn't really make sense to us and no one asks for it. Another surprisingly difficult hurdle was finding a name. Once the baby had a name—which took many weeks—further steps and decisions suddenly became much easier.
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, where in five years?
Salvatore Bruno, Content: Generally speaking, we're happy to take things as they come. Our industry is currently changing rapidly, and it's wise not to pursue a business model that's too rigid. We want to remain open to meaningful partnerships or opportunities that might arise by chance. Beyond that, our medium-term plan is to build our own film rights portfolio, which will represent a sustainable source of income.
High bureaucratic hurdles
Munich Startup: How have you experienced Munich as a startup location so far?
Salvatore Bruno, Content: Honestly, it's a bit mixed. While there are some good programs and initiatives that help and support company founders and startups, the bureaucratic hurdles involved in starting a company in Germany are enormous. Other founders we met at seminars report the same problems. However, once you've found your way into the startup scene, great opportunities arise.
Munich Startup: Quick exit or long breath?
Salvatore Bruno, Content: Both! Especially in the beginning, you want and need to do a lot of things yourself to save money. It's exciting and fun to learn new things and expand your knowledge – this also results in a certain level of self-confidence in being able to solve small and large problems in everyday business.
However, we quickly reached the point where reality showed us our limits – both in terms of time and craftsmanship. We quickly decided to make conscious decisions and prioritize. Which new skills would benefit us in the long term, and which were simply time-wasters? For example, it became clear early on that we would have to leave the development of our corporate design to a professional, even though we "only" wanted a clear, simple design and are well-versed in graphic design programs ourselves. We are happy about this decision every day.
