Munich Startup: What is your career path so far?
Julia Seiss, founder of Jambo and managing director at Testando: I left high school after 9th grade to train as a hotel manager. After completing my training in Hamburg, I worked for several years in France, China, and the Netherlands before returning to Munich, where I worked for the Paulaner Brewery Group, among others. In addition to my job, I obtained my university entrance qualification, completed a bachelor's and master's degree, and finally completed my doctorate at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland, which ended in 2021. 2024 was an exciting year for me, as it was here that I founded Jambo and became managing director at Testando.
Inclusive workplace for seniors
Munich Startup: What motivated you to start the company?
Julia Seiss: In recent years, I've repeatedly seen in my community how much old-age poverty and loneliness are underestimated. Especially in a city like Munich, where life is expensive and social networks are often fragile, many older people feel left behind – emotionally and financially. This is exactly where I want to start with Jambo. Our mission is to provide seniors with an inclusive workplace where they can not only supplement their retirement income but also become part of a community that brings them appreciation and joy. Through the handmade, sustainable fashion they sew, we not only promote conscious consumerism but also foster dialogue between generations.
My work as managing director at companies like Testando has been an additional source of inspiration. There, I see every day how companies "work" and the challenges—but also the opportunities—that come with starting a business. This includes combining social responsibility with entrepreneurial activity.
Munich Startup: What would you have liked to have known before starting your first business?
Julia Seiss: That things often take longer than planned and that uncertainty is completely normal. You learn to deal with these challenges and grow from them. Especially in the textile industry, networking and public relations are completely different from the areas I'm familiar with. It would have been helpful to have been better aware of these differences from the beginning.
Munich Startup: How has your company been financed so far?
Julia Seiss: Jambo has been financed through equity so far. Additionally, partnerships and local support are helping to further develop the project. We are particularly proud Part of the Munich Impact Incubator This fantastic initiative by the City of Munich not only brings us funding, but also networking and resources that greatly support us.
Change of perspective for new impulses
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Julia Seiss: The best ideas usually come when I'm in nature or traveling. A change of perspective gives me new inspiration and inspires my creativity. That's how the idea for Jambo came about. I also find exchanging ideas with others extremely important.
Munich Startup: What are your 3 favorite work tools?
Julia Seiss: Canva is a must-have because it allows me to be really creative. I also enjoy using various AI tools to create social media posts, develop ideas, or write copy. And then, of course, there's our fantastic backend at Testando, which our partners programmed themselves and perfected over the years, allowing us to provide our clients with quick and competent mystery checks.
Munich Startup: Your top tip on pitching?
Julia Seiss: Focus on the passion and added value of the project. An authentic example makes the pitch more tangible and generates interest. It's important to stay true to yourself, as this conveys credibility.
“Sustainability and social responsibility are becoming more important”
Munich Startup: Does this seem like a good time to start a business? Why?
Julia Seiss: Yes, absolutely! Sustainability and social responsibility are becoming increasingly important, and there is growing support for projects that create real value. Furthermore, the demand for fairly paid jobs in major cities like Munich is enormous – we see an opportunity here to offer people financial stability through employment. In addition, many people in the textile industry are currently rethinking their approach: Fast fashion is a thing of the past.
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry would you focus on for your next startup?
Julia Seiss: On digital education or integration solutions. Especially for older people, there is still great potential for user-friendly tools that facilitate their access to the digital world.
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what could be improved at the Munich startup location?
Julia Seiss: It would be helpful if the local press paid more attention to social enterprises. Jambo is often viewed as a profit-driven company, but our primary goal is to contribute to an inclusive society. I still earn my main income from my "day job" and see Jambo as an opportunity to contribute to society. What I also really like is that the city of Munich supports entrepreneurs with many programs, such as the Munich Impact Incubator!
Munich Startup: Which founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Julia Seiss: I've met so many inspiring founders through networking and events over the past few months that it's hard to imagine how anyone could top that. The first question I almost always ask is: How did you come up with your idea? Many of these founders impress me with their creativity and their ability to break new ground.
