Angelika Kneidl is the founder of accu:rate GmbHFounded in 2016 together with Florian Sesser in Munich, the startup is Simulation and analysis of people flows is still bootstrapped. We wanted to know how Angelika benefited from her doctoral thesis in Computer Science to found her own company, what motivates her and what secret weapons she brings with her.
What motivated you to start the company?
After completing my dissertation, I wasn't sure what to do. The topic of my dissertation—people flow simulation—was incredibly exciting, but a university career was out of the question for me. So, I really only had three options: either look for a new field, find a company that works in that area, or start my own. Since I had already attended a business plan course during my dissertation, I had already been in contact with UnternehmerTUM. So I decided to stop by and get some advice. There, I learned about options that make a spin-off relatively risk-free.
After many meetings with the startup advisor and support from my former boss at the consulting firm where I worked before returning to university, I finally decided to take the plunge. I figured: If all else fails, I can always quit after a year—because that's how long the funding lasted—and look for a job... That one year has now turned into five years and a team of 13 employees. 😉
Did you have any role models when you started your business?
No, not really. However, I keep meeting amazing and inspiring people, all of whom contribute in their own way to my continued development, to learning from them, and to my continued growth.
Inspiration through exchange and change of perspective
When and where do you get the best ideas?
I get most of my ideas when I talk to other people. The exchange and the change of perspective, and thus different viewpoints, stimulate my creativity...
Your greatest talent?
I think I'm someone who can be incredibly tough and constantly push myself to my limits and beyond. This helps a lot when starting a business. But at the same time, it's also a bit dangerous because I forget to take care of myself and my private life.
The biggest mistake you have ever made?
I find superlatives difficult... I'm constantly making mistakes. But I also learn an incredible amount from them. For example, right at the beginning, we relied heavily on statements from potential customers we knew. They immediately estimated the market potential to be many times larger than it actually was. This taught me that you have to be careful when you want to obtain "objective" market assessments from well-disposed customers.
Your secret weapon when networking?
I don't think I have one... I think good humor, curiosity, and openness always work well!
“Anyone who is passionate about an idea and loves challenges should start a business!”
The three worst prejudices you encounter in your everyday life as a founder?
Wow, I don't encounter that many prejudices... Perhaps—but this isn't a prejudice—I'm sometimes bothered by the supposed coolness of founders. I have the feeling that some people let the process of starting a business go to their heads. In fact, I think we shouldn't isolate ourselves. I think anyone who's passionate about an idea and loves challenges should start a business! It's incredibly fun, and you learn a lot about yourself and the world...
Was being a female founder an advantage or a disadvantage for you?
To be honest, I quite often forget that there's a difference between male and female founders. I always notice this when there are special programs just for female founders, which I gladly take advantage of. Female founder friends have also told me how they weren't taken seriously by clients. Fortunately, that's never happened to me personally.
What’s on top of your desk right now?
Nothing more for now, the interview is the last task for this week. 😉
Where are you going on holiday next?
I was recently in Taiwan — a beautiful island that I highly recommend!
What have you always wanted to say to the people of Munich?
That we live in the most beautiful city in the world. 😉
