Munich Startup: Who are you and what do you do? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
Noyes Technologies: As Noyes Technologies, we are launching the first robotic-powered, ultra-dense, automated, and highly flexible nano-logistics system for urban logistics and every budget. Our goal is to set a new standard in nano-fulfillment, enabling sustainable consumption for the world's growing urban population. Our solution optimizes logistics processes and reduces costs to the necessary minimum.
We are the two founders, Aaron Spiegelburg and Marco Prüglmeier, as well as our international and highly qualified team of 23 people.
As a founding team, we can look back on over 40 years of combined experience in lean logistics, robotics, and warehousing. Aaron (43) brings over 20 years of experience in process optimization and digital companies, as well as more than 10 years of experience in financial management, to the team. Marco (49) is an expert in logistics and lean manufacturing. He has 22 years of experience in logistics, including his role as former Global Head of Logistics Innovation & Industry 4.0 at BMW AG. In 2021, Marco published his book "Innovations in Logistics." Noyes is complemented by our diverse team with strong engineering and software backgrounds and extensive experience in automation, logistics, and robotics.
Munich Startup: What problem does your startup solve?
Noyes Technologies: Consumer behavior is changing rapidly due to dynamic consumer behavior. Customers are demanding ever faster delivery times – evident, for example, in Gorillas and Flink, which advertise 10-minute delivery. However, the required storage space close to customers, especially in urban areas, is scarce and expensive. The problem is therefore concrete: little space and little time.
The particular challenge lies in enabling urban logistics while operating efficiently and cost-effectively. The solution lies in a system that can adapt seamlessly and flexibly to urban conditions. This includes minimizing storage space through optimal use of space and ceiling height, low noise levels, flexibility and adaptability, 24/7 availability, and high product density. Our Noyes warehouse solution offers all of this.
“Noyes Nano Fulfillment is the smallest and fastest supply chain solution in close proximity to the customer.”
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Noyes Technologies: Of course, there are already several automation solutions for logistics on the market. However, the major challenge remains space, which is in short supply in cities. Existing solutions focus on automating high-bay warehouses for large and tall logistics areas. Scalable mini-warehouses optimized for the flexible requirements of urban fulfillment currently do not exist.
To illustrate: Micro fulfillment refers to warehouse space of 900 to 4000 m2, nano starts at 75 m2 – our solution even starts at ten square meters. However, micro solutions are simply no longer viable solutions for urban logistics.
Noyes Nano Fulfillment is the smallest and fastest supply chain solution in close proximity to the customer. Our urban nano warehouse enables lightning-fast delivery times at an affordable price. With fast picking times of just five to ten seconds per product, we save a significant amount of time compared to manual processes. Furthermore, with the ability to compress up to 2,000 SKUs into a 30 m² warehouse with a ceiling height of approximately two meters, the Noyes solution enables the conversion of any store space into a fully automated, customized nano warehouse. We are also currently working with a renowned refrigeration technology manufacturer on a sustainable and energy-saving refrigeration system with different temperature zones that can be quickly and easily integrated into any Noyes store.
Especially in the areas of Q- & e-commerce and food retail, we offer a modern and future-oriented solution to meet the growing challenges of dynamic and volatile consumer behavior.
“We are in an industry with extreme growth”
Munich Startup: What have been your three biggest challenges so far?
Noyes Technologies: Challenges are always present, especially in startups. Fortunately, we received enough funding requests fairly quickly to launch our first successful financing round. The first challenge was the subsequent bureaucracy. As is well known, the clock ticks a bit slower in German government offices—patience was required here.
This year, we've grown from zero to a team of 25 people – and we're still looking for new recruits. The challenge lies in finding candidates with expertise in our field. We're fortunate to have such a diverse and diverse team with a wide range of skills and knowledge on board at Noyes.
The third challenge is still relevant: we operate in an industry experiencing extreme growth. Demand is increasing, and with it, the requirements for storage systems on the market. Our solution must therefore be easily and quickly scalable.
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, where in five years?
Noyes Technologies: In short: within the next year, our goal is to reach series production status and complete our first major rollout with 30 customer systems. In five years, we aim to be the global player for Nano Warehousing across all verticals. For us, these include e- and Q-commerce, postal services, food retail, medical & hospital, and industrial applications.
“The biggest risk is not taking any risk”
Munich Startup: How do you rate Munich as a startup location?
Noyes Technologies: Munich offers many advantages as a startup location: Firstly, the startup scene here is very well connected, and secondly, several large venture capital investors and business angels are located here. Furthermore, Munich is Germany's largest city with the strongest economy, thus acting as a magnet for many companies. Among them are many e-commerce providers such as Flink, Gorillas, and Knuspr – precisely our target group.
In addition to its economic appeal, Munich boasts a high quality of life. The mountains are within easy reach, Italy is only a short drive away, and the numerous recreational opportunities in Munich and the surrounding area make Munich a very attractive location for employees, especially for young people. Munich's location therefore has a positive impact on the search for motivated employees.
Munich Startup: Risk or security?
Noyes Technologies: Nothing ventured, nothing gained or, to put it in Mark Zuckerberg's words: "The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that's changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks."
We practice a very prototype-driven development of our system and encourage our employees to implement and test their ideas. Founding a company always involves a certain amount of risk, and security certainly plays a significant role. However, an excessive need for security, out of fear of risk or loss, can lead to a limited perspective. At Noyes, we are fortunate to have Vsquared Ventures, 468 Capitals, and Abacon Capital. strong investors at our side to have people who share our vision and support us.
