Founder Gesa Biermann has been active in the sustainability sector for around ten years, holds a doctorate in environmental sciences from LMU Munich and a master's degree in Sustainable Resource Management from the Technical University of Munich. Before founding Pina Earth, Biermann was part of the management of Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM), a joint research and educational institution of LMU and TU Munich. Here, she also met co-founder and CTO Florian Fincke. Before Pina Earth, the founder was already active in entrepreneurship: During her bachelor's degree, she co-founded and sold a fashion brand and co-founded 180 Degrees Consulting Munich.
Munich Startup: What motivated you to start the company?
Gesa Biermann: After completing my doctorate, I wanted to start a company to combat climate change. Startups offer a non-bureaucratic way to implement innovative solutions and create a real impact – quickly. It was important to me that the approximately 80,000 hours I will invest in my career over my lifetime actually make a difference. That's why I founded Pina Earth.
Approaching others
Munich Startup: What would you have liked to have known before starting your first business?
Gesa Biermann: That everyone else is just like the rest of us. Many founders suffer from what's known as "imposter syndrome," the feeling that everyone around them knows what they're doing, except for themselves. I observe this self-doubt especially among women who are considering starting a business.
My take on it: You'll never feel or be completely ready to start a business. I think that's an unrealistic expectation. But the good news is that you don't have to do everything yourself. In my experience, many people, both in your own circle and beyond, are very helpful if you ask them for support. You just have to take the first step yourself: reaching out to others.
Access to a large network
Munich Startup: How has your company been financed so far?
Gesa Biermann: We completed our first financing round in 2022, a major milestone in our development. Y Combinator was our first investor. Our acceptance into the US accelerator Y Combinator in early 2022 not only gave us access to a large network of investors but also offered us many additional benefits, including mentorship with YC partners. This financing round enabled us to further invest in our product development and build our team, which now numbers 15 employees.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Gesa Biermann: While walking in the English Garden, during brainstorming sessions with my co-founder Florian and – the classic – in the shower.
Munich Startup: What are your 3 favorite work tools?
Gesa Biermann: Notion is by far the number one choice. It allows me to quickly build my own tools for everything from to-do management to CRMs to websites. I recently switched to Arc as my browser, and the design helps me focus better. I also use several tools together in my calendar setup, including Cron, Cal.com, and Reclaim.
Munich Startup: Your top tip on pitching?
Gesa Biermann: I find it helpful to look at yourself from an "outside perspective." If I were the investor across the hall, would I invest in the startup? Before you can convince others, you first have to be convinced yourself. Paul Graham, co-founder of Y Combinator, also wrote a essay which I highly recommend.
Gesa Biermann: No time to wait for “better times”
Munich Startup: Does this seem like a good time to start a business? Why?
Gesa Biermann: In general, there's never a bad time to start a business. I firmly believe that startups offer an opportunity to find innovative solutions, even or especially in turbulent times. However, the current economic situation is challenging in that fewer financial resources are available. However, given climate change, we no longer have time to wait "for better times" – with less than six years to reach our 1.5-degree target, every initiative counts!
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry would you focus on for your next startup?
Gesa Biermann: First of all, I don't expect a new company to be founded anytime soon, alongside Pina Earth. I would stay in the climate tech sector because climate change is far from being solved. New technologies and business models will continue to open up innovative opportunities to find new solutions.
More diversity for the Munich ecosystem
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what could be improved at the Munich startup location?
Gesa Biermann: More diversity! Over 80 percent of funding rounds are still raised by male teams. I'm convinced that diverse teams benefit from different perspectives, whether it's their ability to innovate or their empathy. The same applies to the circle of investors.
