Counteracting climate change — but how? This question also haunts two Munich-based founders. Their approach: breaking down the abstract and complex topic of climate change into a more tangible and individualized approach. The result: the Bezero app. Find out exactly how it works in our 7 questions.
Munich Startup: Who are you and what do you do? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
Bezero: We met while studying at the Stuttgart Media University. The idea for Bezero was born in 2016. Back then, we realized that the topic of the climate crisis was overwhelming many of our friends. The effects of their own actions were too abstract. The form of possible compensation was also too complicated and not part of everyday life. We quickly realized that we could solve a major problem with our skills. After several user tests and various conceptual approaches, we released the Bezero app in 2019. We are Tobias Frech, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) in Media Informatics, and Matthias Herbert, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) in Media Informatics.
Munich Startup: What problem does your startup solve?
Bezero: We see reducing individual CO2 emissions as an important step in the fight against the climate crisis. Individual mobility alone emits over 2 tons of CO2 per citizen annually in Germany. That's over 160 million tons of CO2 every year. If we want to achieve the Paris climate protection target, this figure should be reduced to just 360 kg per year per citizen.
The biggest problem here is that individual mobility is a habit. Learned routines are not questioned.
With the Bezero app, we provide our users with a tool for precisely this purpose. We automatically recognize the user's mobility behavior. We also automatically calculate the resulting CO2 emissions. To provide a clear explanation, we describe the effects with an emotional image: We explain how long a tree needs to grow on average to absorb the amount of CO2 emitted.
Before and after a trip, we want to show the user what alternatives they have and what these alternatives mean in detail.
As a further point, we offer the option of offsetting any CO2 emissions that still occur directly in the app.
We are currently working on other exciting features that will help our users protect the climate even more.
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Bezero: There are a few apps that do similar things. But none of them offer the range of features we do. Our focus on simplicity, understandability, alternatives, and compensation is unique.
We are looking for partners to help us further develop the project
In particular, the combination of automatic tracking and automatic mobility compensation is one of our strongest unique selling points.
Another unique feature in the next version will be individually tailored alternative suggestions for your car routes.
Munich Startup: What have been your three biggest challenges so far?
Bezero: The following three points:
- Business Model: We both have a strong focus on our core values. Business models that focus on maximizing user returns contradict our high standards. Therefore, it's challenging to find complex and suitable business models for a service like this. They have to align with our values and, most importantly, with the benefits of our customers. However, a functioning business model is necessary for Bezero to deliver long-term benefits.
- Spread: We want to offer our help to as many people as possible. We're currently spreading the word at pitching events, among friends, and via social media. We're currently trying to build a supporter community and find strategic partners to help us continue to grow.
- Financing: So far, we've launched the project on our own. We've managed the entire development process in our spare time. We're looking for partners to help us drive the project forward. We're also open to business angels and investors.
Munich Startup: How are things going?
Bezero: We're still in a very early phase. We currently have several hundred users. Over 10 percent of our users have already purchased a compensation package through us. This is despite the fact that we currently only support Apple Pay as a payment method. Unfortunately, about half of our users aren't yet able to compensate through Bezero. This means that payment by credit card is one of our next tasks.
Munich Startup: How do you rate Munich as a startup location?
Bezero: Munich has both advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is the existing open startup community and the focus on mobility. The disadvantages are the often complicated or lacking support (e.g., access to partners, affordable office space) and the very high rents for living here.
Munich Startup: Public transport or bicycle?
Bezero: In summer by bike, in winter by public transport. Sometimes on foot.
