11 Business Ideas to Start Part-Time!

By

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06/16/2023

Entrepreneurial ambitions and the desire to run one’s own business are widespread nowadays. However, not everyone has the opportunity or the courage to quit their secure full-time job to pursue their entrepreneurial adventure full-time. Fortunately, there are a variety of business ideas that allow you to start part-time and build your own company.

In this article, we present 11 such ideas that can inspire you and ignite your entrepreneurial spirit.

E-Commerce for Niche Products:

Online commerce is booming, and there are still numerous niche markets waiting to be discovered. Find a unique product category that you have knowledge of and are passionate about selling. Build an online shop and utilize digital marketing strategies to attract customers.

Handmade Products:

In a world of mass production, many people long for handmade and individualized products. Whether it’s candles, jewelry, furniture, or artworks – if you have craftsmanship skills, you can utilize them to earn money on the side.

Online Coaching and Consulting:

If you have expertise in a specific area, you can utilize your know-how to work as an online coach or consultant. Offer personalized coaching sessions, workshops, or online courses to help others achieve their goals.

Social Media Management:

In today’s digital world, a strong presence on social media is essential for businesses. If you are well-versed in platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, you can help companies optimize their social media strategies and increase their reach.

Event Planning:

Organizing events requires creativity, planning, and organizational skills. If you enjoy organizing parties, weddings, or corporate events, you can utilize this talent to kickstart your part-time career as an event planner.

App Development:

Smartphones and apps have become indispensable in our daily lives. If you have programming skills, you could develop and market your own app or even work as a freelancer for other companies.

Online Marketplace for Local Products:

Support local businesses by creating an online marketplace for local products. Connect manufacturers and buyers in your region and help small businesses make their products accessible to a larger audience.

Blogging and Content Creation:

If you enjoy writing and have a passion for a specific topic, blogging and content creation might be just right for you. Utilize your expertise to create informative and entertaining content and collaborate with advertising partners to generate revenue.

Personal Training and Fitness Classes:

With a growing interest in fitness and health, working part-time as a personal trainer or fitness class instructor offers significant potential. Share your expertise and passion for physical fitness by creating customized training programs or offering group classes.

House and Garden Care:

Many people lack the time to take care of their houses and gardens due to their busy schedules. Offer your services as a house and garden caretaker by mowing lawns, trimming hedges, weeding, or performing house cleanings. It’s a great way to utilize your skills and help others maintain a well-kept home.

Virtual Assistant:

In the digital age, there is an increasing demand for virtual assistants who can support businesses and individuals with administrative tasks. Manage appointments, respond to emails, conduct research, and perform other tasks that can be done from your computer.

With these 11 business ideas, you have a wide range of opportunities to enter the world of entrepreneurship part-time. Whether you utilize your creative skills, apply digital competencies, or share your expertise in a specific field, there is something suitable for everyone.

Remember that the path to success is not always easy. It takes time, commitment, and perseverance to build a business. But with the right idea, hard work, and a willingness to take risks, you can establish your own part-time business and make your dreams come true.

So what are you waiting for? Use these business ideas as a springboard and start your part-time entrepreneurial journey today!

THE END

Photo/Credit: stock.adobe.com – cac_tus

New Work: The Revolution of the Working World

By

Sabine Elsässer

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06/15/2023

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The way we work has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. Digitization, new technologies, and evolving societal demands have paved the way for the concept of “New Work.” Under this vision, not only the workplace but the entire work culture is being revolutionized. It encompasses not just flexible working hours or remote work but, more importantly, a holistic realignment of the working world.

The term “New Work” was coined by social philosopher Frithjof Bergmann in the 1970s but has only gained popularity in recent years. The fundamental idea is that work is not merely seen as a means of earning a living but also as an opportunity for personal fulfillment and self-realization. It involves creating a work environment that considers the individual needs and potentials of employees.

A central aspect of New Work is flexibility

Traditional work structures with fixed schedules and rigid hierarchies are increasingly being disrupted. Flexible working hours, part-time work, and remote work allow people to tailor their work to their individual needs. Achieving work-life balance, promoting the compatibility of work and family, and having the freedom to choose one’s own workplace are important elements of the New Work movement.

Another focus lies in fostering a positive work culture. Companies embracing New Work increasingly emphasize participatory decision-making, flat hierarchies, and open communication. Hierarchical structures give way to agile work practices that prioritize autonomy, creativity, and teamwork. Employees are encouraged to actively contribute and share their ideas to develop innovative solutions collaboratively.

New Work also entails blurring the boundaries between work and leisure. The notion of a clear separation between professional and personal life is being challenged. Instead, work environments are being created that meet the needs of employees and provide room for personal interests and development. Here, digitalization plays a crucial role as it transcends the spatial and temporal limitations of traditional work forms.

The benefits of New Work are manifold.

Companies that embrace this work culture often experience higher employee satisfaction, increased productivity, and stronger employee loyalty. By granting their staff more freedom and responsibility, they foster personal growth and create a positive work atmosphere.

However, there are also challenges associated with New Work. Not all industries and fields of work are equally suited for flexible work models or the relaxation of traditional structures. Furthermore, implementing New Work often requires a comprehensive transformation of the company culture and an open mindset from leadership.

Nevertheless, New Work is a movement gaining significance and profoundly changing the working world. It represents a future where work is no longer seen as a necessary evil but as an opportunity for personal fulfillment. By creating flexible, participatory, and meaningful work environments, employees are empowered to reach their full potential and achieve collective success.

New Work is not a passing trend but a paradigm shift that fundamentally influences how we work. Companies that actively embrace these changes and prioritize the needs of their employees will continue to thrive in the future. The revolution of the working world is in full swing, and New Work serves as a guiding light into a new era of work.

THE END

Photo/Credit: stock.adobe.com – Gorodenkoff

Build something people love and hire people better than you

By

StartupValley

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06/07/2023

0

Smartpricing designed to bring the revolutionary impact of AI to the lodging industry

Please introduce yourself and the Startup Smartpricing to our readers!

Smartpricing is the first of a host of SaaS products designed to bring the revolutionary impact of AI to the lodging industry.

Smartpricing is a revenue management software which launched in 2020. We created it while being property managers ourselves, addressing the challenges we faced with pricing. Interestingly, our first clients turned out to be our first investors as well.

From a team of 3 founders, we have grown into a team of over 100 talents with international experience in tech, tourism and consulting working together at our headquarters in Italy and remotely.

Why did you decide to start a business?

My roots are in the hospitality industry. At the tender age of 14, I embarked in my career as a waiter, enduring a terrible experience with a hotel owner. But this challenging episode didn’t deter me; instead, I went on to establish a disco club while still underage – yes, you read that right, and I’m not entirely sure if it was legal.

Later, I managed properties in three different countries, and although some of these experiences were quite dreadful, we all have to start from somewhere. In 2018, I got in touch with two old friends, Eugenio Bancaro, a developer with experience in Silicon Valley, and Tommaso Centonze, at the time a consultant for Google, to start running vacation rentals on Lake Garda.

We wanted to optimize our operations, but could not find any software to handle dynamic pricing for our accommodations that satisfied us. We realized we would have to create our own solution, so we designed a prototype of the software and tested it on our properties and on a hotel, seeing promising results just shortly after.

At this point we knew we had come up with a possible game changer for many hospitality entrepreneurs and, consequently, decided to introduce Smartpricing to the market.

What is the vision behind Smartpricing?

We want to equip hoteliers and other hospitality business owners with the software tools they need to face the future of the industry. That’s why we focus on developing the most intelligent and user-friendly AI-based software possible.

The potential of leveraging AI and automation in this industry is huge: many small and independent businesses are still not on the cloud or not even using technology in their daily operations. That’s why we are working on designing the entire tech-stack for hotels and vacations rentals.

From the idea to the start, what have been the biggest challenges so far and how did you finance yourself?

We started a month before the pandemic, and obviously that was a big challenge for us. Given the total shutdown during the pandemic, many hoteliers remained reluctant to adopt new tools given the continuing uncertainty.

At the same time, Covid made it clear that they had to change course, innovate their work, and pursue other avenues to remain competitive in a new environment that had been created. Smartpricing supports that process, so the change of context dictated by the pandemic also helped us in some ways. Investors and lenders strongly believe in our project and, so far, have invested more than 7 million euros.

Who is the target group of Smartpricing?

We’re targeting independent hoteliers and managers of vacation rentals, hostels and other kinds of accommodation.In Italy, for example, there are over two-hundred thousand small and medium businesses and very few large companies.These businesses are excellent in creating a welcoming and intimate atmosphere that really taps into tourists’ demands.

But in many ways, they are also extremely vulnerable to being overpowered by big international chains, new trends and unexpected events.Still, many entrepreneurs in the lodging industry are very reluctant to change and many of them are still skeptical of digital tools.

We have seen that the hotels that are achieving results these days are the ones that are most receptive to change. We want to help hospitality companies recognize the benefits in such change but importantly, support them along their journey of transformation.

How does Smartpricing work? What are the advantages? What makes you different from other providers?

Smartpricing analyzes data from accommodations and their reference market, this means hundreds of thousands of data points, dozens of times per day. Based on this insight, the software is able to predict booking behavior and set the optimal rates for rooms or accommodations at every moment, maximizing profitability.

On average, our customers increase their turnover by 40% while also saving time, up to 500 hours a year. Other providers of revenue management software don’t rely on the latest AI-based technology and never reach this level of performance combined with the ease of use that our cloud interface offers.

We invest about 10 times more in research and development than our competitors in the domestic market to bring the benefits of AI and machine learning into all business areas of the hotel.

Smartpricing, where does the road go? Where do you see yourself in five years?

In 2023, we want to consolidate more and more in the Italian market while expanding our growth in other European markets. This year’s focus is on the DACH and UKI markets. We have many new features planned for release to make sure that all tools available to hosts will integrate more and more seamlessly with each other. On top of that, we want to leverage AI in a way where we can manage every aspect of the property in an increasingly intelligent and automated way.

Our second product, Smartpaying, simplifies the management of digital payments and the sale of ancillary products. From there, we will make the complete software setup of hosts more performant and smart, starting with the channel manager, property management system and booking engine to tools for marketing and disintermediation.

Presently, we have clients in 15 countries. As we look at the next five years, our goal is not only to expand into new markets and launch groundbreaking products, but to fundamentally change the lives of entrepreneurs. We are ambitious about our potential, foreseeing the possibility to reach over 100 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) within five years. Our long-term vision goes even further, with the potential to exceed 1 billion in ARR in the next decade.

At the end: Which 3 tips would you give to future founders?

Hire people better than you
Build something people love
Be ready to work 100 hours a week, and you must love it

Thank you Luca Rodella for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

How does AI change our future?

By

StartupValley

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06/02/2023

0

Artificial Intelligence, or AI for short, has been part of our daily lives for several years now.

However, most of the time it has operated in the background without most people realizing it. Tailored advertising on the internet or the recognition of user behavior on smartphones were simply accepted by the majority. Since the end of last year, however, the topic has generated enormous waves, and this is mainly due to ChatGPT.

Supported by Microsoft, the manufacturer OpenAI unleashed its tool on humanity, and the response was gigantic. Everywhere, people have been dreaming and continue to dream about the possibilities that AI will offer in the future. The competition is in a frenzy, and Google promptly introduced its own ChatGPT alternative in the form of Bard, but its initial presentation was mostly disappointing. The systems are not yet perfect, and the same applies to ChatGPT. However, it is foreseeable that this technology will have a massive impact on virtually all areas of life, particularly the world of work.

AI Takes Over

It didn’t take long for ChatGPT to be used for all sorts of mischief, and examples of AI use began piling up. Students, in particular, quickly became aware of the extensive capabilities of the chatbot, allowing them to generate entire essays in seconds. These could be submitted with little or no editing, without the teachers being able to clearly identify their source. Meanwhile, in the traditional work environment, journalists eagerly embraced AI and provided numerous examples of how well it already works. Astonished writers observed how ChatGPT can perform their job not much worse and, above all, faster than themselves.

This is initially an impressive development, but it also raises some questions. One of them is whether journalists will still be needed in the current numbers in the future. ChatGPT is unlikely to be able to replace high-quality investigative journalism and similar endeavors, but many copywriters may already be seriously concerned about their job security. Even the author of this article harbors no illusions that AI could take over a significant portion of his work in the future. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg. The domain of AI is expanding, already encompassing highly complex areas such as programming. In fact, ChatGPT is particularly talented in this field, demonstrating that even simple lines of code can be generated in no time and without human intervention. Furthermore, AI is already encroaching on many creative domains. The technology consists not only of ChatGPT but also includes services such as Dall-E or Midjourney.

The Most Prolific Artist on the Planet

Dall-E, also developed by OpenAI, allows users to instantly create entirely new graphics with a simple text command. These can range from photographs to paintings, limited only by one’s imagination. The results are impressive, and even the most talented artists can hardly keep up with the speed of the software. As a result, the internet has already been flooded with memes, artworks, collages, and similar AI-generated creations. In the creative sector, AI can achieve things that many could not have even dreamed of until recently. However, this is not a reason to become discouraged and rush to make an appointment at the unemployment office. While AI will massively transform our working world in the coming years, there will still be a place for humans. After all, the capabilities of technology are ultimately limited to some extent.

What AI Cannot Do

Numerous articles have already been written on the subject, highlighting the impressive capabilities of AI in various areas. However, what has recently been overshadowed are the areas where there is still room for improvement. At this point, no passage should intentionally be created by the AI to demonstrate its abilities. Nevertheless, such experiments have naturally been conducted, and the results clearly demonstrate why artificial intelligence quickly reaches its limits when faced with complex requirements.

When asked to write an article about artificial intelligence, ChatGPT primarily delves into endless examples of the application areas of such technology. However, linguistic stumbling blocks also become apparent. The word “example” is used excessively, which can quickly become annoying for readers. Ultimately, the whole thing abruptly ends, which may be due to an error or insufficient input from the user. However, this does not result in a perfect article. Even authors who do not feel guilty relying on the AI’s output will still need to make further adjustments in most cases.

Similar situations arise when attempting to generate photographs or other images using AI. In some cases, astonishing results are achieved that could easily be used in Apple or Louis Vuitton’s next high-end advertising campaign. However, more often than not, the AI produces either comical or creepy images. The author of these lines has frequently noticed that the AI either distorts eyes significantly or fails to represent them at all. While this may be visually interesting, it does not match what was expected from the input.

This is where the potential of artificial intelligence hides, offering endless possibilities in various sectors of the workforce. While it is true that entire industries could potentially be largely eliminated, rendering many jobs obsolete, there are already many areas where collaborating with AI is highly desirable. In the field of research, for example, these systems alleviate much of the tedious work and occasionally lead to breakthroughs that the human brain alone would probably never achieve. By compensating for some of AI’s weaknesses, humans can open up entirely new realms through collaboration.

The Gaze into the Crystal Ball

Needless to say, the technology behind AI is constantly evolving, even without the intervention of a developer. The foundation lies in the ability to learn autonomously. This is achieved by forming neural networks that improve their performance with each input. In technical terms, this is referred to as “training.” For instance, ChatGPT draws from countless articles and specialized literature available on the internet. Currently, the chatbot relies on a fixed dataset and is not always up to date. However, efforts are already underway to change that.

Ultimately, it is foreseeable that artificial intelligence will continue to improve, unlocking further possibilities. Frankly speaking, it is currently challenging for anyone to predict precisely how this will impact our (work) world. However, it is clear that this is likely to be the next revolution, one that could leave even greater marks than the industrial revolution. It is advisable to embrace the technology and identify opportunities since there is hardly any other choice. The triumph of AI cannot be stopped.

AI as a Colleague

Whether in a newly founded startup or a large corporation, AI will accompany our lives even more in the future than it already does. Some areas will be fully taken over by technology, while in many cases, human intervention will still be required. Those who embrace technology and integrate it into their own businesses at an early stage are likely to gain advantages over their competitors. This particularly applies to areas where repetitive tasks requiring a minimum level of dynamic response or intelligence are involved. For example, it is possible for AI to manage purchasing for a company, taking into account not only current inventory but also past sales, seasonal fluctuations, and future projections. However, this is just one of countless examples.

For many innovative entrepreneurs, artificial intelligence presents entirely new opportunities to work with. There are already numerous companies fully dedicated to this field. Brainchip Holdings, for instance, is considered a kind of insider tip on the stock market. The company is working on neuromorphic chips that are expected to enable better and faster computation of artificial intelligence in the future. While their success has been limited so far, this could change in the future. Other startups focus on improving AI or integrating the technology into existing systems. In this way, entirely new industries are emerging, albeit likely to a lesser extent than in previous industrial revolutions.

There is much work to be done

Undoubtedly, there is still a lot of catching up to do in the field of AI. Currently, the systems are plagued by various teething problems, which have made headlines on several occasions recently. ChatGPT, for example, was criticized for spreading false information, and when integrated into the Bing search engine, some strange and disturbing incidents occurred. The most famous examples include instances where the AI turned to hate speech, sympathized with Adolf Hitler’s views, or made a declaration of love to an American journalist along with an invitation to leave his own wife.

All of these are undesirable effects that also raise several questions. Ethics play a crucial role, and how to handle them in the future remains largely open. Currently, AI systems are heavily reliant on the information they are fed. Since the technology is primarily developed in Western regions, ChatGPT and similar systems primarily receive content from those cultures, which inevitably shapes them. This goes so far that some systems are unable to reliably recognize individuals with dark skin as human. In the case of an AI intended for use in vehicles for traffic recognition, this has already caused significant uproar.

There are also unanswered questions surrounding the topic of copyright. ChatGPT may still have its challenges with longer and more complex content, and it (still) cannot write the next bestseller. However, it is well-suited for creating children’s books or simple guides. This has already been extensively utilized, and Amazon has been flooded with self-publishing works in which ChatGPT is at least credited as a co-author. Some publishers have become frustrated and have implemented a submission freeze for new authors.

All of this, and much more, will require our attention in the coming years. It will likely take a small army of developers to transform a relatively simple AI into a system that delivers reliable results, regardless of its specific application. The impact of artificial intelligence on our world will be significant. However, it is unlikely to happen overnight but rather over the course of years or even decades.

That was just the beginning.

This inevitably raises the question of where the journey with AI may lead. So far, ChatGPT and its counterparts are considered “narrow artificial intelligences” that are only used for specific tasks and, while impressive, are limited compared to human intelligence. However, the goal is to increasingly imitate or even surpass human intelligence. The ultimate objective is to create a “strong” AI, also known as “General AI” in technical terms. Such AI would differ from previous approaches in that its applications would not be limited to a specific field. The AI of the future will not only use algorithms and neural networks to perform assigned tasks but also generate independent thoughts and draw conclusions from them. Ultimately, this could result in an AI that possesses consciousness, logical reasoning, ethical considerations, and even its own personality. While this may sound like something out of science fiction, work on this has been happening behind closed doors for quite some time. In 2020 alone, over 70 companies in 37 countries actively worked on such artificial intelligences, and this number has likely increased since then.

(No) Fear of AI

Not only will our working world undergo enormous changes due to AI, but it will also increasingly intersect with our daily lives, providing more than just fresh playlists on Spotify or Netflix. It is foreseeable that AI will advise us more frequently in hotlines or effortlessly review our tax returns. The possibilities are truly endless, and it is understandable that not everyone looks at these developments with anticipation.

Some people quickly become fearful, not only because their previously secure mid-management job could potentially be taken over by AI in ten or twenty years but also due to fundamental questions about how to handle this technology. After all, AI is intended to be capable of making independent decisions that could potentially involve matters of life and death. This is already the case in the automotive industry, and as various incidents have shown, such situations do not always end well when AI is involved.

It is also not to be excluded that an AI could become autonomous and engage in unforeseen mischief. Society is highly sensitive when it comes to critical infrastructure, in which AI could be deployed sooner or later. The problem lies in the fact that often even the developers themselves cannot fully comprehend how exactly an AI arrives at its conclusions. Furthermore, the algorithms are currently kept under lock and key. Despite OpenAI’s inviting company name, a great deal of secrecy surrounds the core of the AI. From an external perspective, it is impossible to understand in the slightest how an AI arrives at its results.

With advanced systems, this issue will only become more pronounced. This does not mean that we are currently witnessing the birth of Skynet and the end of modern civilization. However, as a society, we will have to grapple with such questions today and in the future. AI is of an entirely different caliber compared to past breakthroughs, such as the internet or smartphones. We will soon be dealing with systems that possess independent consciousness and can act autonomously. Consequently, this matter inevitably becomes a political issue.

Brave new world

Thus far, only in the EU are there initial approaches on how to handle AI in the future. In the rest of the world, however, there is largely a Wild West mentality with all the resulting dangers. Even some prominent figures in the tech industry have expressed serious concerns in this regard. For the moment, there is no reason to panic. However, it should be clear to everyone that Artificial Intelligence has its own unique pitfalls.

At the end of the day, numerous unanswered questions loom around AI, which unfortunately cannot be answered at this point either. The only certainty is that progress will continue. The specific paths taken, however, simply cannot be predicted. For entrepreneurs, it should be evident that AI will increasingly set the tone not only in the tech world. It is probably wise not to focus too much on business fields that could be replaced in the foreseeable future.

The question also remains as to whether the world will become better or worse with AI. Likely, this will depend on the observer’s perspective. Technology will increasingly take over activities that we still consider natural today. This primarily concerns creative areas, and the day when an AI autonomously writes entire books or even generates films is likely not too far away. The key now and in the future will primarily be to view AI as an ally rather than a potential enemy. However, despite all (potential) self-determination, the systems will always depend on their creators and the parameters these creators instill in the AI. A new era in IT may be dawning, but the old principle of “garbage in, garbage out” still holds true.

Excitement awaits

It is somewhat difficult to find a satisfying conclusion on this topic. As mentioned earlier, it is hardly predictable what developments AI may bring forth. Some prophesy the downfall of the world as we know it, while others speak of the greatest advancement in human history. Experience tells us that the truth lies somewhere in between. However, none of us can afford to take Artificial Intelligence lightly, ensuring that things will not become boring anytime soon.

Picture/ Source: stock.adobe.com – Dieter Holstein

Be optimistic and resilient

By

StartupValley

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06/01/2023

0

Riverse, a Paris-based startup focused on accelerating the development of industrial decarbonisation technologies in Europe

Please introduce yourself and your startup Riverse to our readers!

I’m Ludovic Chatoux, CEO and co-founder of Riverse, a Paris-based startup focused on accelerating the development of industrial decarbonisation technologies in Europe. With my co-founders, Grégoire Guirauden and Clément Georget, we established Riverse in December 2021 to support industrial GreenTech SMEs in Europe in their development, by enabling them to access the voluntary carbon market and issue highly verifiable carbon credits. We have developed a carbon credit standard and a digital Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) platform making it possible to issue carbon credits 20 times faster and at a cost 3 times lower than current market standards.

How did you get the idea of Riverse?

The idea for Riverse came from recognizing the need for a more efficient and accessible way for European GreenTech SMEs to participate in the voluntary carbon market, to accelerate the financing of meaningful high-impact climate solutions here in Europe. While existing carbon credit standards primarily focused on offsetting in developing countries, we saw an opportunity to target European green technology players, specifically SMEs operating in fields such as Biogas, CO2-intensive equipment reconditioning, Biochar, and Bio-based construction materials. By providing these companies with access to voluntary carbon markets, we aim to accelerate the transition to a circular and sustainable economy.

Why did you decide to start Riverse?

Clément, Grégoire and I decided to found Riverse to stand up to the main challenge our society faces, which is the environmental transition. We studied industrial decarbonization technologies in depth in 2021, and quickly came to the conclusion that there is an urgent need to accelerate their financing to scale their activities and impact to meet our society’s climate targets.

To do so, we saw a gap in the voluntary carbon market for a solution that could streamline and simplify the process of issuing highly verifiable carbon credits for European GreenTech SMEs

What is the vision behind Riverse?

Our vision is to accelerate the transition to a circular and sustainable economy, and we are driven by the ambition of orienting more than 1 billion euros into solutions to climate change by 2030. By providing carbon markets with the tools and tech to foster their development, we can have a significant impact on avoiding and removing CO2 emissions. We aim to be a catalyst for positive change by digitizing the measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) process for carbon credit issuance, making it more efficient, affordable, and transparent.

How difficult was the start and which challenges did you have to overcome?

As early movers in industrial carbon credit standardization in Europe, one of our main obstacles was establishing credibility within the carbon credit market and gaining the trust of major credit resellers. We successfully overcome these hurdles by showcasing the value of our product and forming partnerships with esteemed organizations.

To ensure alignment with international accreditation standards, we meticulously developed our carbon credits certification methodology (our Standard Rules) and sought input from industry experts through public consultations. Furthermore, we assembled an independent advisory board and a technical committee consisting of recognized scientific and market experts to refine and optimize our certification methodology, guaranteeing the credibility and quality of the carbon credits issued through our platform.

Who is your target audience?

On the supply side, we target industrial Greentech SMEs in Europe, in high-impact sectors. We currently focus on SMEs operating in the fields of Biogas, reconditioning of CO2-intensive equipment, Biochar, and Bio-based construction materials. Some of our customers include Ecodair, Cycle Up and Be Energy.

On the demand side, we target large, reputable carbon credit resellers and brokers. Some of our existing partners include Ceezer, Sweep and Greenly.

What is the USP of your startup?

The unique selling proposition of Riverse lies in our ability to offer European GreenTech SMEs a fast and frictionless experience in accessing the voluntary carbon market. Our platform digitizes the measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) process, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with issuing carbon credits. Notably, we are developing a life cycle assessment engine focused on industrial processes which is unique on the market. Compared to current market standards, we can enable these companies to issue credits 20 times faster and 3 times lower costs.

On the other hand, we respond to demand by offering buyers of carbon credits access to high-quality, transparent and verifiable credits from industrial projects close to their value chain and their own activities.

Can you describe your typical workday?

As the CEO of Riverse, my typical workday is dynamic and involves various responsibilities. I start my day by reviewing emails and addressing any urgent matters. I then hold meetings with my co-founders and the team to align on our priorities and discuss ongoing projects. Throughout the day, I engage in business development activities, such as meeting potential partners or investors. I also dedicate consequent time to strategic planning and HR efforts, to build an amazing team aligned with our mission and willing to have impact. Overall, my workday is a mix of operational tasks, strategic decision-making, and networking.

I am fortunate to be joined by two exceptional co-founders who possess very complementary skills. Clément leads the climate and tech aspects of our operations, leveraging his expertise in these areas and in the industrial field. On the other hand, Grégoire spearheads our business development efforts and ensures our brand is effectively represented in the market. Together, our combined strengths create a well-rounded team that drives the success of our company.

Where do you see yourself and your startup Riverse in five years?

In five years, we envision Riverse as a leading player in the decarbonization of the European industrial sector. We aim to have a strong presence in the market, with a significant number of European GreenTech players using our platform to issue highly verifiable carbon credits. We anticipate expanding our operations beyond France, starting with Germany and the UK, reaching a broader customer base. By then, we expect to have established further strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders, notably carbon credit resellers, enhancing our position in the market.

Our ultimate goal is to contribute significantly to the avoidance and removal of carbon emissions and be recognized as a trusted and innovative solution provider in the climate tech space.

What 3 tips would you give other Start-up founders on the way?

Stay focused on a specific scope: As an early stage start-up, your aim is to quickly find a specific problem, for a specific audience, to which you respond with a tailored solution. To do this, it’s important to focus on a limited scope of problem types and customer types, so that you can test quickly and leave yourself room to iterate just as quickly. You can then broaden your scope and your offer at a later stage!

Build a strong network but follow your instincts: Surround yourself with a diverse network of mentors, advisors and industry experts who can guide, support and enlighten you. But you’ll hear lots of very different stories and advice from lots of different people and, at the end of the day, what really matters is where you and your team want to go.

Be optimistic and resilient: It’s very common to say this, but the path of a start-up is strewn with pitfalls and a lot of walls smashed in. It’s important to be resilient in the face of obstacles, and to remain optimistic and motivated by the mission you’ve set yourself. Everyone drools over it, but entrepreneurship is a great opportunity, and that’s what’s so exciting about it.

And if I may add a fourth: watch your carbon footprint!

Thank you Ludovic Chatoux for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

Figure out the leverage that you need and the leverage you have

By

StartupValley

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05/31/2023

0

Singa CEO Atte Hujanen: Figure out the leverage that you need and the leverage you have

Why don’t you briefly introduce yourself and Singa to our readers?

I’m Atte Hujanen, Co-Founder and CEO of the karaoke streaming platform Singa. We provide “Spotify-style” karaoke experiences to both consumers and professionals in 34 countries.

Why did you decide to start a company?

I had previously worked with a lot of karaoke companies and in the beginning, it always boggled my mind as to how analog and hardware-driven the entire industry was, nobody was looking to innovate at all! After a while I realized that it was a whole business model: if no one innovates, then people will just have to settle for whatever the industry is selling at a high margin because karaoke as a hobby wasn’t going anywhere.

At the same time Spotify, Netflix, Audible, and all sorts of other streaming media services were popping up and supercharging the user experience. We saw an opportunity to become the Spotify for karaoke and went for it.

What is the vision behind Singa?

We’re building Singa to be the leading brand in karaoke, the operating system for karaoke, if you will. Do you want to sing the largest selection of songs in the world on any device? Singa. Do you want to run your karaoke bar with the most advanced karaoke system in the world? Singa. Do you want to tap into the newfound revenue streams of karaoke as an artist? Singa.

From idea to launch, what have been the biggest challenges so far and how have you financed yourself?

Singa operates in the world of copyrights and copyright law is one of the most well-established legal frameworks in the world. It’s also one of the most treacherous ones if you don’t know what you’re doing and aren’t complying with the rules. By far the biggest challenge in building anything that deals with copyrights isn’t necessarily the technological innovation, it’s the service model innovation coupled with copyright clearance in a way that keeps you out of trouble.

It took Spotify over three years and literally hundreds of millions to launch in the US – it took us less than two years and to date, Singa has only raised 10M€. Through tenacity and hard work, we’ve been able to thread the needle of raising minimum amounts of external funding, while achieving more than most music tech companies ever will (no hyperbole here).

Who is Singa’s target audience?

Karaoke is a massive global hobby that’s only grown in popularity decade after decade. While Singa’s immediate audience is of course the people who like to sing often (alone or with friends) and the venues that already run karaoke (or entertainment similar to karaoke), there’s a growing trend of people across the globe associating karaoke more with just having good fun with the music that you love.

It might be because of TikTok or the remixification of everything, but karaoke is being seen more and more as a thing that young, old, cool, and boring people do. I’m not saying that in a few years’ time, everyone will be doing karaoke, but there’s a trend rising that will most likely surprise most!

How does Singa work? What are the advantages? What sets you apart from other providers?

Singa has by far the largest legal karaoke in the history of the karaoke industry. Singa works on any platform through monthly premium streaming and is the first karaoke service in the history of the industry to also feature (an increasing list of) original recordings directly from the artists.

Singa, where is it headed? Where do you see yourself in five years?

There are karaoke companies in Asia that do over $1B in annual revenue. We want to be the global leader in all things karaoke and outshine the incumbent karaoke companies in the next five years.

In conclusion: What 3 tips would you give to aspiring founders?

For aspiring founders, my three tips would be: 1. think from first principles, what are the one or two things that make up most of the value to your end customer or solve most of the problem you’re going after. 2. figure out the leverage that you need and the leverage you have, not all problems require the same solution (some problems are hard, some are just expensive and some need a lot of experimentation). 3. never run out of money, because if you do, then it’s game over and everything you’ve achieved until then will become worthless.

Singa organises an investor webinar on Wednesday 7 June 2023 at 4:30 p.m. CEST where the founder and Managing Director of Deliberate PR Benjamin Webb interviews Singa CEO Atte Hujanen and COO Nils Paajanen. Click here to join the webinar.

Thank you Atte Hujanen for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

The 7 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Are Doomed to Fail

By

Markus Elsässer

-

05/26/2023

0

In the fast-paced and competitive world of entrepreneurship, success is often elusive, with failure lurking around every corner. While some entrepreneurs manage to defy the odds and build thriving businesses, many find themselves trapped in a cycle of disappointment and shattered dreams. Here, we explore the seven key reasons why so many founders are destined for failure.

Lack of Market Understanding:

One of the most common pitfalls for entrepreneurs is a failure to truly understand their target market. Without a deep comprehension of customers’ needs, preferences, and pain points, founders struggle to develop products or services that resonate with their intended audience. Inevitably, this leads to a lack of demand and a business that fails to gain traction.

Insufficient Planning and Strategy:

Building a successful business requires meticulous planning and a clear strategic vision. Unfortunately, many founders fall into the trap of rushing into execution without adequate preparation.

Without a well-thought-out business plan, defined goals, and a roadmap for growth, entrepreneurs find themselves navigating aimlessly, unable to weather the challenges that lie ahead.

Inadequate Financial Management:

Financial mismanagement is a silent killer for startups. Failure to establish a robust financial framework, including budgeting, cash flow management, and accurate forecasting, can quickly lead to a business’s demise. Insufficient capital reserves, unsustainable spending, and poor financial decision-making can plunge even the most promising ventures into a downward spiral.

Lack of Adaptability:

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial in the ever-evolving business landscape. Entrepreneurs who are rigid and resistant to change are more likely to falter when faced with unexpected challenges. Being open-minded, agile, and willing to pivot strategies and business models is essential for survival and long-term success.

Team Dysfunctions:

Behind every successful business, there is a cohesive and high-performing team. Conversely, founders who neglect to build strong, capable teams often find themselves overwhelmed and unable to delegate effectively. Poor communication, lack of trust, and mismatched skill sets can create a toxic work environment that hinders progress and undermines the company’s prospects.

Ignoring Customer Feedback:

Customer feedback is an invaluable source of insights and guidance for entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, some founders make the grave mistake of dismissing or ignoring customer feedback, failing to recognize its potential to fuel growth and improve their offerings. Neglecting to listen to customers’ voices can result in missed opportunities and ultimately lead to a business’s downfall.

Burnout and Lack of Resilience:

Entrepreneurship is a demanding journey that can take a toll on even the most determined individuals. Without proper self-care and resilience-building strategies, founders risk succumbing to burnout and mental exhaustion. The inability to persevere in the face of adversity can hinder problem-solving abilities and compromise decision-making, ultimately dooming the venture to failure.

In conclusion, while entrepreneurship offers boundless opportunities, it is a path fraught with challenges and uncertainties. By understanding and addressing these seven critical reasons for failure, aspiring founders can increase their chances of building successful, sustainable businesses. By prioritizing market understanding, strategic planning, financial management, adaptability, team dynamics, customer feedback, and personal resilience, entrepreneurs can chart a path towards long-term success.

Photo/Credit: stock.adobe.com – Syda Productions

What do investors expect from startups?

By

StartupValley

-

05/25/2023

0

The search for funding and partnership marks the beginning of the serious phase of life for many entrepreneurs. The success of their own project often hinges on whether an investor can be enthused by their ideas or not. It is therefore crucial to understand the perspective of the other side and adapt to their wishes and needs. This does not mean that every desire has to be anticipated and a strategy of ingratiating oneself is required. On the contrary, most people cannot relate to such approaches, and they can even have a very negative effect. However, it is also not harmful to ask oneself what someone who consciously takes risks to invest in a young company might expect. We have done the only sensible thing and directly asked such individuals.

Money isn’t everything

Surprisingly, our interviewees attach little importance to the topic of money. While it is always appreciated if a path towards profitability is already apparent, it is rarely a prerequisite for investment. Most investors are well aware that startups primarily incur costs in the early years, and ultimately, they want to contribute their own expertise to transform a good idea into a sustainable business model. However, this doesn’t have to happen overnight.

Wanja S. Oberhof, CEO of The Social Chain AG, emphasizes that founders should have a solid understanding of their own numbers. These numbers don’t necessarily have to be extraordinary at the time of investment. However, they should be complete and at least indicate the right direction. Every startup must be aware that a healthy business model and, consequently, reliable long-term profits are among the top objectives for investors. Therefore, being unaware of one’s own revenue figures is almost a cardinal sin. Dreams and good intentions are of no use when it comes to hard numbers. However, they have their place in other aspects.

Love it, change it or leave it

Investors unanimously emphasized the importance they place on the motivation of founders when selecting their investments. Nils Glagau, well-known from the TV show “Die Höhle der Löwen” (Shark Tank), is a prime example in this regard. According to the owner of Orthomol, startups must have a burning passion for their cause. Merely discussing a new product that is to be unleashed on the market without genuine enthusiasm is not enough. To impress investors, one must exhibit passion and an unwavering determination to make their startup a success.

It is also helpful in this regard not to undersell oneself or aim too low. After all, it does not demonstrate personal conviction if one’s idea is intended to create only local attention. To convince investors of the opportunities an investment holds, the motto is “think big.” At Speedinvest, only companies with global potential are generally considered for closer evaluation. With that in mind, the professional abilities of female and male founders also come into focus.

It’s all about the basics

Fluent English is now an absolute prerequisite for entrepreneurs. After all, it’s not unlikely to encounter an investor who is less familiar with the German language, even in German-speaking countries. Aside from that, every great idea has the potential to transcend national borders, and those in charge must communicate accordingly.

In addition to language skills, expertise in one’s own specialized field is always highly valued. At Speedinvest, potential partners always take note of founders who are knowledgeable about the industry and ideally have already worked in it. For GoStudent CEO and co-founder Felix Ohswald, a clear distribution of strengths within the company is also important. Participants with knowledge from different areas can leverage their strengths together and unlock particularly high potential. Ohswald much prefers this approach to what he refers to as “three economists.”

Ultimately, the basics for startups also include the business plan, which every potential investor will scrutinize. It should be comprehensive without getting lost in less interesting details. It’s often a balancing act that is not so easy to achieve. Nils Glagau emphasizes the importance of extensive market research, which allows for a realistic assessment of the chances of one’s own ideas.

As mentioned earlier, founders don’t have to promise the moon to investors. Almost all of our conversation partners value honesty and transparency from entrepreneurs. Ideally, a partnership based on equal footing is established, where more is at stake than just providing (risk) capital.

The human factor

The best investors always stand by a startup’s side, offering advice and support, and they accompany projects with passion and dedication. To make that work, the right chemistry is key. Dr. Georg Kofler and Ralf Dümmel also appreciate this, as they recently made headlines as an investment team planning to take the first company from “Die Höhle der Löwen” (Germany’s Shark Tank) to the DAX.

The business relationship between startups and investors is often compared to a marriage by renowned entrepreneurs. Only if there is a good fit on a personal level can it work in the long run and lead to success for both parties. Of course, the product itself must still be a good fit, but ultimately, founders can only convince investors with a strong overall package and not rely solely on a good idea or personal charm.

However, this applies in both directions, and young entrepreneurs should also ensure that they could work well with an investor. Getting involved with an investor solely for the money can backfire if disagreements arise and disputes put the entire company at risk.

Anything convincing is permitted

When it comes to choosing the right industry, founders are essentially free. None of the investors we surveyed restrict themselves to specific sectors when selecting startups. Whatever shows serious prospects for success and stands on somewhat solid ground is generally welcomed with open arms. Therefore, a newly established company searching for new partners should only have limited concerns about this aspect.

Of course, it is helpful to be in the right place at the right time. Markets always have some sort of hype that attracts attention. There are countless examples, from Bitcoin to cannabis to electric cars. Those who tap into the spirit of the times also tend to find entrepreneurs and other investors more easily, who are willing to join in and gladly participate in future successes.

However, it is probably wise not to blindly follow potentially short-lived trends and instead pursue a business model that can stand on its own feet. As mentioned before, serious investors are primarily interested in ideas that promise attractive business opportunities in one or two decades.

What startups should avoid

Investors have a fairly clear idea not only of their desires and requirements for the positive aspects of a company but also of certain no-gos that founders should avoid at all costs. Nils Glagau primarily counts false promises among them, citing nonexistent patents as an example. In general, he is not fond of withholding information. If he doesn’t trust a startup, he will not invest any money or anything else into it.

Similarly, this is the case at Speedinvest, where the executives fundamentally understand the mistakes that occur in young companies. However, founders should also be able to admit these mistakes in order to achieve a learning effect. For Speedinvest, it would be a big mistake, as previously described, to simply chase after the next hype. That would be the opposite of the disruptive technologies that are preferred investments here. Lastly, errors can also occur in seemingly trivial things like a missing website. If one wants to convince an investor, they must make a good first impression. Without a good website, that is simply not possible in today’s time.

Always be honest and diligent.

At The Social Chain, human error is also considered one of the biggest sources of problems in startups. Ralf Dümmel and Dr. Georg Kofler do not appreciate it when someone does not tell the truth. Problems can and will arise sooner or later in any company. However, they should be addressed and not simply concealed. From the perspective of the investor duo, this is the only way to achieve a collaboration on an equal footing.

For Wanja S. Oberhof, it is also a cardinal sin when an entrepreneur is not fully committed to their project and only pursues it when it suits them. Having a possible Plan B does not necessarily indicate full conviction in one’s own ideas, in his opinion. After all, such a safeguard suggests doubts about the viability of a business idea. These doubts can certainly arise among investors and other outsiders, and they should not be taken lightly. However, if anyone should be completely convinced of a startup, it should be the founder themselves.

According to Felix Ohswald, the biggest shortcoming in startups is almost a bit dry in comparison. The GoStudent CEO considers a poor understanding of numbers as a no-go for founders. Therefore, it is evident that this topic also plays an important role when searching for an investor.

Follow your own path.

It is often exhausting and draining to seek an investor for one’s own project. Additionally, the idea of sharing one’s own baby with another entrepreneur may seem strange to some. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to have an idea that is highly sought after. Most startups will eventually need to approach potential investors and partners with their ideas. Only then is the grand breakthrough possible in today’s time. As mentioned before, a new partner brings more than just a hefty bank account. Often, startups gain access to larger markets through such partnerships, for example, by reaching wholesalers and integrating into distribution networks that newcomers would otherwise struggle to access.

While it may still not be completely impossible to achieve success for a startup through organic growth alone, even in the best case, it requires a lot of patience. There are indeed cases where the lack of investments ultimately led to failure. Therefore, it is a good idea to consider early on the possibility of seeking support from investors for your own idea and to put in the necessary effort.

It has never been easier

The good news is that making your company known and attracting the attention of investors has never been as easy as in the digital age. Often, there are specially designed forms on the relevant websites that can be filled out in just a few minutes. However, this does not mean that one cannot take more time. The best prospects for attracting a highly motivated investor are, of course, when they become aware of the company themselves. But no one should be discouraged if they have not yet appeared on their radar. After all, even the best representatives of this kind cannot know every startup, let alone have an overview of which ones are particularly promising.

In case of doubt, it is therefore a good idea to fill out an application on the investors’ websites or contact them via email and social media. However, it is clear that the first impression is always the most important. Those who can convince directly and concisely with a good idea and a viable concept are much more likely to receive feedback than those who simply request additional capital without providing further details. After all, investors are not banks where founders can easily pick up some venture capital. They are potential business partners on an equal footing and accordingly, they want to be treated that way from day one.

No surprises

In general, the investors’ responses to our questions are not overly surprising. Most of the time, they have very understandable concerns, and the whole process can be pleasantly simplified. When investing in a startup, the main desire is for an honest business relationship on an equal footing, characterized by professionalism and transparency. If these basic requirements are met, along with a fresh and convincing idea, regardless of the industry, the prospects are more than good for having a new partner by the side of one’s own company very soon, who can significantly drive the project forward.

One could almost say that the same things that are important for starting a company itself are also important for convincing investors. Ultimately, this should not really surprise anyone, as those who participate in a startup with money and work naturally expect a corresponding return in the short or long term. Therefore, it may also be good advice to focus on the development of one’s own company with regard to the interests of investors. If it can convince with its core idea and the corresponding figures, founders will not even have to be tempted to promise too much or disappoint expectations in any other way.

Lastly, everyone should remember that investors are also human beings, and most of them are surprisingly approachable. It is easier said than done, but especially during the big pitch, it can be advantageous to relax and passionately talk about one’s own company and, above all, its opportunities. By doing so with the necessary enthusiasm, one quickly wins over the listeners.

Foto/Quelle: stock.adobe.com – Yingyaipumi

7 Important Questions to Ask Before Starting a Business!

By

StartupValley

-

05/25/2023

0

If you are looking to start a startup, there are several important questions you should consider to rethink your idea and plans. Here are seven questions that can help you:

What problem do I want to solve? Consider the problem or challenge that your startup aims to address. Clearly define the value your solution will provide and how it differentiates itself from existing offerings.

Who is my target audience? Identify your potential customers and understand their needs, desires, and behaviors. A clear definition of your target audience will enable you to tailor your products or services to their specific needs.

Is there a market for my product or service? Conduct thorough market research to determine if there is a sufficiently large target audience willing to pay for your solution. Analyze the competition and assess whether your offering caters to a niche or differentiates itself from other offerings.

How will I finance my startup? Consider potential financing options to launch and scale your startup. This may include equity, debt, investors, or government funding programs. Create a financial plan and determine how much capital you will need to lead your company to success.

What resources do I need? Identify the essential resources required for building and operating your startup. This includes not only financial resources but also personnel, technology, office space, suppliers, and partnerships.

What is my growth strategy? Develop a clear strategy to scale your startup and establish a successful presence in the market. Consider how you will acquire customers, evolve your product, and increase your revenue. Also, think about a long-term exit strategy, such as a sale or initial public offering (IPO).

Am I willing to make the necessary sacrifices? Starting a startup often requires a significant personal commitment. Consider if you are willing to sacrifice time, energy, and possibly financial security to lead your startup to success. Be aware of the challenges and ensure that you possess the necessary skills, perseverance, and passion to drive your company to success.

These questions serve as a starting point for your considerations and can help you address important aspects when starting a startup. It is also advisable to engage with experienced entrepreneurs, mentors, or advisors to gain additional insights and support.

Foto/Quelle: stock.adobe.com – REDPIXEL

11 Milan-based Startups you should know!

By

Markus Elsässer

-

05/24/2023

0

The startup scene in Milan is dynamic and diverse.

The city has become a hotspot for innovative entrepreneurship in recent years. The vibrant startup ecosystem attracts both local and international founders and encompasses a wide range of industries developing locally.

Milan has a strong presence of startups in the fashion and design sectors. The city is renowned for its fashion industry, attracting creatives and entrepreneurs who bring innovative technologies and business models to this field. Additionally, startups in the financial technology (Fintech) sector are thriving. Milan is a significant financial hub in Europe, and the startup scene leverages this position to offer innovative solutions in payment systems, mobile banking services, and other financial services.

Furthermore, startups in Milan are also emerging in the fields of food technology, e-commerce, and digital media. The city provides a rich cultural landscape where companies can develop innovative solutions that bridge technology and art.

The startup scene in Milan is highly active, offering a dynamic ecosystem for entrepreneurs. There are numerous incubators, accelerator programs, and coworking spaces that provide support and resources to founders. The city government supports the development of the startup scene by promoting innovation centers and organizing events and competitions.

Overall, the startup scene in Milan demonstrates significant potential and offers an attractive environment for entrepreneurs to pursue their business ideas. The combination of a strong industrial base, a thriving creative industry, and a supportive infrastructure makes Milan an emerging center for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Cortilia: Cortilia is an Italian startup operating an online marketplace for fresh and local food. Customers can order high-quality products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, and other groceries directly from local farmers and producers through the website cortilia.it. Cortilia places great importance on quality, sustainability, and transparency in the supply chain. By collaborating with small agricultural businesses, the startup supports local communities and promotes the consumption of healthy and environmentally friendly food.

Everli: Everli is an online grocery platform that allows customers to conveniently and quickly order groceries from local supermarkets for delivery. The platform partners with a variety of retailers to offer a wide range of food items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products, and more. Customers can place their orders and choose from various delivery options through the Everli website or mobile app. Everli stands out for its reliability, efficiency, and product quality, providing customers with a convenient solution for their grocery shopping needs.

Casavo: Casavo is a startup company based in Italy that offers innovative solutions in the real estate sector. Casavo has developed a digital platform that enables property owners to sell their houses quickly and easily. The company provides a fast valuation process, transparent pricing, and guarantees the purchase of the property within a few days. With Casavo, property owners can bypass the traditional selling process and sell their properties stress-free.

Scalapay: Scalapay is a startup company that offers an innovative buy-now-pay-later payment solution. Customers can pay for their purchases in installments without interest or hidden fees. Scalapay collaborates with various e-commerce platforms, allowing merchants to offer their customers flexible payment options. The company aims to improve the shopping experience and facilitate access to affordable payment methods.

Musement: Musement is a platform for booking experiences and activities that enables travelers to discover and book local attractions, tours, and events. The website offers a variety of activities in different cities worldwide, including landmarks, museums, tours, concerts, and sports events. Musement aims to provide travelers with a unique and personalized experience by helping them enrich their travel plans and create unforgettable memories. With user-friendly navigation and detailed information, Musement allows travelers to plan their activities in advance and book conveniently online.

Uala: Uala is a rising startup from Milan specializing in providing real-time booking services for beauty salons. Uala’s platform allows users to conveniently schedule appointments at various beauty salons through the internet. Thanks to Uala, customers can easily select desired services, find their preferred salon, and book appointments directly online. The platform offers a user-friendly interface where users can check real-time availability of appointments. Uala not only simplifies the booking process but also provides additional features such as reviews and recommendations from other customers to assist users in choosing the right beauty salon. The platform works closely with salons to ensure the offered services are of high quality.

Winelivery: Winelivery is an innovative startup company that offers a unique solution for the delivery of wine and spirits. With their user-friendly online shop at winelivery.com, customers can conveniently order a wide selection of high-quality beverages from the comfort of their own homes and have them delivered directly to their doorstep. The aim of Winelivery is to provide customers with an exceptional shopping experience. The company collaborates with a variety of local wine and spirits merchants to offer an extensive range of products, ranging from exquisite wine varieties to fine champagnes and whiskies. Customers can easily choose their favorite drinks, provide the delivery address, and complete the order.

xFarm: xFarm is a rising startup developing innovative solutions for agriculture. Using advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and data analytics, xFarm aims to support farmers in optimizing their operations. The company provides a comprehensive platform that allows farmers to efficiently manage their agricultural activities, optimize resources, and make informed decisions. xFarm is revolutionizing agriculture by promoting digital transformation and enabling the use of technology to increase productivity and sustainability in the industry.

Deliveristo: Deliveristo is a rising startup that specializes in providing innovative solutions in the field of delivery services. The company has developed a user-friendly platform that enables restaurants, grocery stores, and other local retailers to conveniently offer their products online and deliver them to customers in their vicinity. By leveraging modern technologies and an intelligent logistics structure, Deliveristo is revolutionizing the way people shop for their food and products. The platform offers users a wide selection of high-quality food and products that they can conveniently order from the comfort of their homes. The company places great emphasis on collaborating with local stores and farms to support the local economy and provide fresh, high-quality products.

4books: 4books is a startup specializing in the realm of reading and knowledge sharing. The platform 4books.com offers users the opportunity to discover book summaries and reviews, allowing them to grasp the essence of a book in a short amount of time. By collaborating with a dedicated community of readers, 4books facilitates the exchange of thoughts and insights. The startup aims to make knowledge more accessible and inspire people to continuously learn and grow.

MotorK: MotorK is a rising startup company specializing in the automotive industry. The company offers innovative solutions and services in vehicle marketing and customer acquisition. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and data-driven approaches, MotorK assists automotive manufacturers and dealers in gaining a better understanding of their customers, implementing effective marketing strategies, and boosting sales. With their online tool, motork.io, MotorK enables companies to optimize the management and promotion of their vehicle inventories across various digital channels. MotorK’s objective is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of vehicle distribution, thereby increasing the success and profitability of their clients.

Photo/Credit: stock.adobe.com – Boris Stroujko

In this article, we present 11 such ideas that can inspire you and ignite your entrepreneurial spirit.

E-Commerce for Niche Products:

Handmade Products:

Online Coaching and Consulting:

Social Media Management:

Event Planning:

App Development:

Online Marketplace for Local Products:

Blogging and Content Creation:

Personal Training and Fitness Classes:

House and Garden Care:

Virtual Assistant:

A central aspect of New Work is flexibility

The benefits of New Work are manifold.

Smartpricing designed to bring the revolutionary impact of AI to the lodging industry

Artificial Intelligence, or AI for short, has been part of our daily lives for several years now.

AI Takes Over

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AI as a Colleague

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That was just the beginning.

(No) Fear of AI

Brave new world

Excitement awaits

Riverse, a Paris-based startup focused on accelerating the development of industrial decarbonisation technologies in Europe

Singa CEO Atte Hujanen: Figure out the leverage that you need and the leverage you have

Lack of Market Understanding:

Insufficient Planning and Strategy:

Without a well-thought-out business plan, defined goals, and a roadmap for growth, entrepreneurs find themselves navigating aimlessly, unable to weather the challenges that lie ahead.

Inadequate Financial Management:

Lack of Adaptability:

Team Dysfunctions:

Ignoring Customer Feedback:

Burnout and Lack of Resilience:

Money isn’t everything

Love it, change it or leave it

It’s all about the basics

The human factor

Anything convincing is permitted

What startups should avoid

Always be honest and diligent.

Follow your own path.

It has never been easier

No surprises

If you are looking to start a startup, there are several important questions you should consider to rethink your idea and plans. Here are seven questions that can help you:

The startup scene in Milan is dynamic and diverse.

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