Munich Startup: What motivated you to found Tildi?
Doris Schoger: I wanted to create a counter-model to the linear economy: conserving resources instead of exploiting them. I've been a fan of the circular economy concept since the beginning. Since 2019, I've no longer worked in e-commerce, but in re-commerce. One letter makes such a difference! Because everything that happens behind it is so much different.
Sofie Morber: The Founding of Tildi For me, it's the combination of a personal need – I have a six-year-old daughter – and my passion for entrepreneurship, which has always accompanied me. While the recommerce market offers great potential, it also presents many challenges, such as a lack of transparency, user-friendliness, and efficiency. This motivated me to create a platform that clearly stands out from the competition – with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and real added value for users. This is how the Vision to set a new standard in recommerce.
Tildi founder Doris Schoger: “If you know too much, you might not do it.”
Munich Startup: What would you have liked to have known before you started your first company?
Doris Schoger: I think if you know too much, you might not do it. There are many pitfalls for founders that, if you were aware of them, might deter you from starting a business.
Sofie Morber: It's similar to becoming a mother: no matter how much you know about it or how much you prepare for it, reality is still full of surprises, challenges and moments of growth that you can't have imagined beforehand.
Munich Startup: How has Tildi been financed so far?
Doris Schoger: We've received initial investments from angel investors. We're currently fundraising. We invite anyone who wants to be part of the change to talk to us.
Circular economy as a team sport
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Doris Schoger: Exchange, exchange, exchange. The circular economy is a team sport, and you need to listen to and meet everyone who can contribute. Many ideas arise in conversations, in a ping-pong exchange – and much already exists, and there's room for further development.
Munich Startup: What are your 3 favorite work tools?
Doris Schoger: Hmm, I guess since I use them daily and don't change them, I like them: FIGMA, GitHub and Google Drive.
Munich Startup: Your top tip on pitching?
Doris Schoger: Every audience needs its own pitch. I don't have any other advice, because we ourselves have to pitch a lot more with Tildi.
Munich Startup: Does this seem like a good time to start a business? Why?
Doris Schoger: Generally speaking, no. But the issues that will lead us into the future cannot wait. Markets are saturated, companies are focused on their crises, funding is being cut or uncertain, and investors are holding on to their money. On the other hand, innovations and concepts that fit this new situation are especially needed now. As a founder, you probably need to be more resilient than you were a few years ago.
Positive influence on the world
Munich Startup: Which technology or industry would you focus on for your next startup?
Doris Schoger: I would delve deeper into financial flows. I think the circular economy requires new ways of thinking here as well. Because often a product is a total economic loss and can no longer be sold for that reason alone. Or I would go into the area of new materials. We need to move away from materials that end up as waste and replace them with new, harmless materials.
Sofie Morber: Honestly, I can't think about that right now. But for me, another startup generally has to bring social added value. Something that positively influences the future and, at the same time, is sustainably successful economically.
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what could be improved at the Munich startup location?
Doris Schoger: Personally, I'd like more space to test concepts. Otherwise, I'm quite happy here.
Munich Startup: Which founder would you like to meet in person? And what would you ask them?
Doris Schoger: Not an easy question. I'd like to ask Dirk Rossmann how he made the decision to open a store that doesn't adhere to price controls, despite them, and to simply bet on them being lifted in the next few days. Ever since I heard his story, I've been asking myself again and again: How much of it was naive courage, and how much was a calculated risk?
Sofie Morber: I can't think of any specific ones at the moment. Dialogue with other founders, regardless of company size, is incredibly valuable. However, successful founders are a particularly great inspiration to me. I find it fascinating to learn: Looking back, which decision was crucial to your success? And what mistake should every founder make at least once to learn from? And what mistake should you definitely avoid?
