Munich Startup: What kind of career path have you had so far?
Ruth Schöllhammer: I originally studied literature. After a successful career as a manager in a corporation, I then worked as a consultant. Once my children had left home, I decided to become an entrepreneur. I wanted to start my own business, take responsibility, and create something that was both socially and economically sustainable. It was important to me to learn something new every day and enjoy my work.
Munich Startup: What motivated you to start the company?
Ruth Schöllhammer: My motivation for founding the company stemmed from my many years of experience as a manager in a corporation and my time as a consultant. Once my children had left home, the time was right for me to realize my entrepreneurial vision. I wanted to shape things, take responsibility, and create something sustainable and meaningful for society and the economy. It was important to me to continuously learn and enjoy my work.
Strong team and network
Munich Startup: What would you have liked to have known before starting your first business?
Ruth Schöllhammer: Looking back, I'm grateful for the strong team and network that supported me from the very beginning. And I'm actually quite glad that I didn't really know what to expect.
Munich Startup: How has your company been financed so far?
Ruth Schöllhammer: Our company has been privately owned since 100% financed, primarily through family and friends. This decision has allowed us to maintain our independence and fully utilize our strengths.
“For me, the best ideas arise from exchange”
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Ruth Schöllhammer: For me, the best ideas arise from lively exchanges with our clients, other founders, young companies, consultants, and various partners. The diversity of perspectives and approaches regularly leads to innovative ideas and solutions.
Munich Startup: What are your 3 favorite work tools?
Ruth Schöllhammer: My preferred work tool is still paper and pencil for quick sketches and notes. Internally, we primarily use Microsoft and Monday for our projects and organization.
Munich Startup: Your top tip on pitching?
Ruth Schöllhammer: My top tip for pitching is: Clearly explain to potential investors why investing in your company is worthwhile and what benefits they can gain from doing so. Demonstrate how you will use the investment profitably. And clearly outline the risks. Investors value transparency and don't like surprises.
Ruth Schöllhammer: “It is time to break away from old paradigms”
Munich Startup: Does this seem like a good time to start a business? Why?
Ruth Schöllhammer: Society and the economy are urgently seeking new solutions and innovative approaches. It's time to break away from old paradigms and work towards future viability. The world is changing rapidly, and it's changing fundamentally. So what are we waiting for?
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry would you focus on for your next startup?
Ruth Schöllhammer: If I were to start my next business, I would again choose the SME sector. I would also focus on topics that help founders and young companies succeed.
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what could be improved at the Munich startup location?
Ruth Schöllhammer: This brings to mind the bureaucracy and the speed of administrative decisions regarding funding applications, the admission of foreign employees, and similar processes. Furthermore, real estate costs continue to be a challenge for founders and companies.
Munich Startup: Which founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Ruth Schöllhammer: I would like to meet Ingo Endemann, the founder of MyHammer, in person. I'm interested in his path to a successful platform economy and the success factors he defined. I'd also like to hear what advice he would give to aspiring founders today.
