The Munich startup Nova Products combines fashion with high-tech. The startup's first product, the 'Blue Pearl,' is a freshwater pearl earring that contains a miniaturized Bluetooth headset. We spoke with founder Judith Gampe.
1. Who are you and what do you do? 
I'm Judith Gampe (32), a mathematician and former management consultant. I traveled a lot for work and was constantly searching for my ringing cell phone in my laptop bag. It can sometimes take a long time to find it, and I often missed calls because of it. Also, I didn't have both hands free while making phone calls. It was annoying! We had a headset from the company, but it didn't look very good and was uncomfortable to wear. So I came up with the idea of integrating the headset into earrings.
High-tech jewel
I met my co-founder David Ayvar (34) at Fides eV , an organization that supports people in developing countries. David is from Peru and worked in marketing for several years. He is now CMO at our startup Nova Products.
The team is also supported by Marion Sattelmair (33) and Michael Bittner (40). Marion is a goldsmith. With her many years of experience in jewelry making and design, she also offers our customers the opportunity to have personalized one-of-a-kind pieces created. Technical development is led by Michael. He is an electrical engineer and has already successfully developed and launched numerous new products.
How to patent an earring…
2. But that's been around for a long time!
Interestingly, the combination of headset and earring is unique. We've developed a miniaturized technology, which is also patent pending: The electronics, microphone, and speaker are contained within the pearl. The battery is located behind the earlobe.
This means the technology isn't visible from the outside, and the 'Blue Pearl' looks like a normal pearl earring. Like any other earring, it attaches to the earlobe with a clip or stud. This also leaves the ear canal unobstructed. Many people ask me whether others can hear what's going on. But we can give the all-clear. It's just like with a cell phone. The speaker is also outside the ear, and those around you still can't hear anything.
(© Nova Products)
So there are only advantages: Our earrings are easy to use, comfortable to wear, and most importantly, they go with any outfit. Elegant and practical, they are the ideal accessory for every woman.
German engineering meets handcraft
3. What are the three main ingredients füYour recipe for success?
- High-quality materials: This is very important to us. We want to offer our customers an elegant product that suits every occasion, from casual to business. That's why we use certified, hand-crafted freshwater pearls with genuine precious metals.
- Sophisticated technology: We deliberately chose to manufacture and develop our products in Germany. We benefit enormously from our Munich location and are happy to pass on this quality of local engineering to our customers.
- Our team: A project like this can only be implemented through coordinated teamwork. Everyone brings different qualifications and strengths. This is exactly what we need to drive our project forward. At the same time, we are internationally positioned and multilingual, which will facilitate our entry into various markets.
4. Let’s get down to business: How läthe businessäft?
Things are going very well. Development is progressing. We'll soon need our customers' support. In August, we'll still be fully engaged in developing our near-production prototype, but in September we'll launch our crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. If you want to be there live, please register on our website or like us on Facebook.
Family atmosphere and skilled workers
5. What does M meanüMunich für you?
In Munich you can find everything a startup needs. We work in the incubator of Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship, where the atmosphere is very familiar. Upon entering the building, you immediately feel the startup spirit. Everyone knows each other and helps each other. The three universities here in Munich also provide the necessary specialists for a project like this.
But we also love being here privately. We call it home in the world's largest village, nestled in the Alps. I've been here for 13 years and enjoy the many parks and beautiful squares. The other members of the team, who haven't been here as long, have also quickly taken the city to their hearts.
6. How does your startup become aäNext Unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
We've already won. Starting a business is a unique experience that we all love. If we now become a unicorn—even better! With a completely new product, no one can know; we give our best every day. Otherwise, we've probably produced the most expensive pearl earrings ever. 😊
7. Pork knuckle or fish on a stick?
Fish on a stick!
