From Views to Value: How SMBs Can Create the Perfect Social Media Video

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05/27/2025

CO2 ViridiCO2 Founder Dr. Daniel Steward Portrait Photo in a Office

Sustainability and the fight against climate change are among the most critical challenges of our time, driving the urgent need for innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions. One remarkable startup addressing this issue is ViridiCO2, a pioneering company transforming CO2 emissions into valuable consumer products. By converting carbon dioxide that would otherwise pollute the atmosphere into essential materials used in everyday goods, ViridiCO2 not only offers manufacturers a practical and seamless way to lower their carbon footprint but also creates significant environmental benefits. In this insightful interview, we explore ViridiCO2’s groundbreaking approach, distinctive technology, scalability strategies, and long-term sustainability ambitions, shedding light on how they contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Could you please explain the core innovation of your CO2 startup? Which specific problem in the field of sustainability or environmental protection do you solve with your technology or approach?

ViridiCO2 provides innovative technology that turns CO2 emissions into essential consumer products. Nearly all manufactured goods today are based on carbon, but the source of this carbon is nearly always – in 87% of cases – fossil-based raw materials. Our technology takes CO₂ that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere and converts it into a useful raw material for countless products used every day, in millions of tonnes per year, for example, dishwash liquid.

What distinguishes your solution from existing technologies or approaches? What unique added value do you offer?

Our solution is special in that can be adopted without need for building new capital assets – manufacturers can essentially drop it into their existing equipment without significant modification and begin to use their CO₂ to make their products – with a drastically lower overall carbon footprint.

On which technology is your innovation based? Are there any current research findings or partnerships that drive your development?

It’s a proprietary technology that was born from the PhD of our CEO, Dan Stewart. From there we have developed it extensively and we are currently working with important manufacturers and major brands in the home and personal care space to create ready-for-market products.

How do you assess the scalability of your solution? What steps are you taking to achieve market readiness and establish a sustainable business model?

Our technology is readily scalable and for several reasons. Firstly. it can be produced using standard industrial processes, secondly it is highly efficient, so only small amounts of it transform large amounts of CO2 into useful products, and thirdly, as mentioned, our customers apply it in their existing infrastructure.

What measurable positive impact does your technology or approach have on the environment? Can you provide specific examples or key figures?

Studies have shown that this type of CO₂ utilisation can reduce the carbon footprint of the products by up to 30%, and since due to the sheer volume of products that our technology can be applied in, the benefits can run into many millions of tonnes of CO₂ saved.

Where do you see your startup in the next three to five years? What long-term sustainability goals are you pursuing?

We expect our technology to be well established in the market, giving consumers access to products with a meaningfully lower carbon footprint. In the end we want to play our part in the quest for net zero.

How do you perceive the competitive landscape in the GreenTech sector? What opportunities and challenges do you see specifically for startups?

We view the GreenTech sector to be highly competitive, as many innovative start-ups focus on solving real-world, existential challenges. For start-ups, the greatest challenge is providing an innovative solution, but without any significant cost of adoption to their customers. We unfortunately live in an environment where sustainability is very desirable, but consumers are unwilling to pay extra for it.

What role do partnerships and collaborations with other companies, research institutions, or organizations play in your success? Are there any specific examples?

We are always excited by the opportunity to partner with companies who wish to make their consumer products more sustainable. We have 12 trials operating globally to develop the next generation of surfactants which are made using CO₂ as a feedstock.

How are you financing your growth? What milestones have you already achieved, and what further funding rounds are you potentially planning?

To date, we have raised over 5M Euros from grants and venture capital, and we are backed by EQT Ventures and Possible Ventures. We have signed our first commercial offtake agreements, enabling manufacturers to produce 1000s tonnes of more sustainable surfactants.

How does the current regulatory environment in the GreenTech sector affect your business activities? Do you see opportunities or challenges here?

The regulatory environment is creating a sustainability driver which is accelerating the adoption of better practices and products. As we are able to play a key role in making consumer products more sustainable, we view this environment as a big opportunity for ViridiCO2.

What importance do you attach to participating in events like the GreenTech Festival for the development of your CO2 startup? What specific benefits – for example, in terms of networking, visibility, or new partnerships – do you expect or have you already experienced?

The GreenTech Festival provides a platform from which we can reach all stakeholders in the sustainability supply chain. We can demonstrate the key aspects of our technology, in person, and give people a firsthand experience in the impacts ViridiCO2 are bringing.

What personally motivated you to found a GreenTech CO2 startup? What passion drives you?

The consequences of not shifting to sustainable, circular manufacturing processes are significant. We founded ViridiCO2 with the mission of transitioning consumer products to Net-Zero, so we can enjoy a sustainable future on our planet.

What important experiences have you gained so far in founding and building your GreenTech startup? What advice would you give to other founders in this field?

The journey in founding a company is long and hard. To succeed, you must be passionate and unwavering in your mission. Enjoy the wins, embrace the challenges, and always learn from mistakes.

How do you see the future of the GreenTech sector as a whole? Which trends and developments do you consider particularly relevant?

We believe the GreenTech sector will continue to grow and thrive, with deeptech technologies focused on hard-to-abate sectors becoming the foundation of a sustainable future.

In your opinion, what makes the GreenTech Festival a particularly valuable platform for GreenTech startups compared to other events? Are there specific aspects you would like to highlight?

The GreenTech Festival is uniquely placed in showcasing cutting-edge start-ups in front of the biggest corporations in the world., exposing new technology and springboarding their journeys.

Foto/Quelle: ViridiCO2 Ltd

How domain acquisition boosts startup growth

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05/21/2025

Establishing a robust online presence is crucial for any startup aiming for success in today’s digital landscape. The foundation of this online presence often begins with the strategic acquisition of a domain. By securing the right domain, startups can effectively build brand recognition and credibility, setting the stage for long-term growth.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, having a strong online presence is not just beneficial; it is essential for survival. For startups, the journey begins with acquiring a domain that resonates with your brand’s identity and values. Choosing the right domain can significantly impact how your audience perceives your brand, influencing their decision to engage with your products or services. As you navigate the competitive market, remember that domain acquisition plays a pivotal role in shaping your startup’s future. For those looking to make a strategic move, exploring options to Domain kaufen can be a crucial step in establishing a strong online presence.

The significance of choosing the right domain

Selecting the right domain is more than just a technical decision; it’s a strategic move that influences your startup’s brand recognition and credibility. A well-chosen domain name serves as the cornerstone of your brand’s online identity. It should be easy to remember, spell, and pronounce, which helps in building trust among potential customers. Moreover, a relevant domain name enhances search engine visibility, making it easier for users to find your business online.

The right domain name also establishes authority and professionalism in your industry. It can distinguish you from competitors and reinforce your unique value proposition. Startups need to consider future growth when selecting a domain; scalability is key to accommodating new products or services without compromising on brand consistency. Ultimately, investing time and resources into securing an appropriate domain can yield significant returns in brand loyalty and market penetration.

Additionally, choosing a .com extension is often recommended due to its familiarity and global appeal. However, industry-specific or regional extensions can also be advantageous, depending on your target audience. Considerations like these ensure that the domain acquisition process aligns with your startup’s strategic goals and objectives.

Creating a memorable brand identity

A memorable domain name is instrumental in creating a unique brand image that resonates with consumers. It acts as the digital face of your startup, encapsulating your brand’s essence in just a few characters. By carefully selecting a domain that aligns with your brand values and mission, you can foster a deeper connection with your audience.

Domain acquisition provides an opportunity to craft a distinct narrative around your brand. The name should evoke emotions or convey messages that are consistent with your marketing strategies. This consistency across all digital platforms helps reinforce brand identity and ensures coherent communication with stakeholders.

Your domain also serves as a powerful marketing tool, helping you stand out in crowded marketplaces. Innovative naming can capture attention and spark curiosity, encouraging potential customers to explore further. By leveraging the strategic choice of a domain name, startups can effectively communicate their value propositions and attract their target audience.

Understanding the legal landscape

The process of acquiring a domain is not devoid of legal considerations; understanding these aspects is crucial for avoiding potential pitfalls. Startups must ensure their chosen domain does not infringe on existing trademarks or intellectual property rights. Conducting thorough research and due diligence can prevent costly legal disputes down the line.

In addition to trademark issues, startups need to be aware of registration policies that vary by region or country. Adhering to these regulations helps secure your rights to the chosen domain while ensuring compliance with legal standards. Engaging with legal professionals during this process can provide valuable insights into avoiding potential conflicts.

Furthermore, understanding renewal terms and conditions associated with domains is vital for maintaining ownership over time. Failing to renew on time can lead to loss of rights over the domain, posing risks to brand continuity and recognition. By proactively managing these aspects, startups can safeguard their online presence effectively.

Picture Source: Bazoom AI

Author: Bazoom

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

Protecting your online presence as a startup founder

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05/21/2025

In today’s digital landscape, ensuring the security of your online presence is crucial for startup founders. Not only does it protect your brand, but it also builds trust with your audience. Implementing robust domain security measures is essential for long-term success.

As a startup founder, establishing a secure online presence is vital. Cyber threats are prevalent, and protecting your domain can prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. Acquiring domains from trusted providers enhances brand credibility. By prioritizing domain protection, you safeguard your business and foster trust among clients and stakeholders. One effective way to enhance your brand’s credibility is to URL kaufen from reputable sources.

Tips for choosing the right domain name

Selecting the right domain name is foundational for your online identity. It should be memorable, easy to spell, and reflective of your brand. Consider using keywords related to your industry to improve search engine optimization (SEO) and make it easier for potential customers to find you online. Ensure that your domain name is short and simple, avoiding complex words or phrases that could confuse users.

It’s also crucial to check the availability of your desired domain name across different extensions. This not only secures your brand identity but also prevents others from leveraging similar names. Investing in a unique and strategic domain name can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility and credibility.

Seo optimization with the right domain name

Your domain name plays a pivotal role in your SEO strategy. Including relevant keywords in your domain can improve your site’s ranking on search engines, making it more accessible to your target audience. This approach helps in attracting organic traffic, which is essential for growing your online presence.

Additionally, securing an SSL certificate for your domain is crucial for SEO. Search engines favor secure websites, and having an SSL certificate can boost your site’s ranking. This not only increases your visibility but also enhances user trust by providing a secure browsing experience. Regularly updating your website and monitoring its performance are essential practices to maintain and improve your SEO efforts.

Website hosting solutions and comparisons

Choosing the right hosting solution is vital for your website’s performance and security. Reliable hosting services provide robust security features, including automated backups and malware protection, which are essential for safeguarding your online assets. Consider hosting providers that offer scalable solutions to accommodate your business growth.

Compare different hosting plans based on your specific needs, such as bandwidth, storage, and support services. A good hosting provider should offer 24/7 customer support to assist you in resolving any technical issues promptly. By selecting the right hosting solution, you ensure that your website remains accessible and secure, providing a seamless experience for your users.

Investing in a professional online presence through secure domain registration and reliable hosting solutions is crucial for startup founders. By implementing these strategies, you not only protect your business but also build a trustworthy brand that resonates with your audience.

Picture Source: Bazoom AI

Author: Bazoom

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

GreenTech Startup Motek Bio Panels: Nature Meets Cities

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05/19/2025

Sustainability Meets Innovation: Turning Urban Surfaces into Climate Solutions

In this interview, we speak with the founder of Motek Bio Panels – a pioneering GreenTech startup transforming underused urban spaces into living, CO₂-capturing systems. Discover how bio-based materials like mycelium and algae are being used to make cities not only greener but also healthier and more resilient in the face of climate change.

Could you please explain the core innovation of your startup?

We are transforming unused urban surfaces – which are often environmentally harmful – into active contributors in the fight against climate change. Our bio panels, made from waste materials like mycelium and algae, capture CO₂, improve building insulation, and can be reintegrated into the construction industry at the end of their life. In essence, we are bringing nature back into the human ecosystem through a fully circular process that regenerates rather than extracts.

Which specific problem in sustainability do you solve?

We address three major urban challenges: CO₂ emissions, the urban heat island effect, and the lack of green surfaces in dense cities. Our panels actively clean the air, reduce building temperatures, and introduce living organisms into hard, gray environments. Unlike global carbon offsetting solutions, we capture CO₂ locally – in the very streets where people walk and breathe. This means we not only contribute to the global climate fight but also directly improve urban air quality for city dwellers.

What distinguishes your solution from existing technologies?

Most green walls are passive and aesthetic; industrial carbon capture systems are centralized, expensive, and energy-intensive. Our panels offer a distributed, nature-based, low-energy carbon capture system that integrates seamlessly into existing urban infrastructure. They are lightweight, modular, and made from agricultural waste. The panels are regularly replaced and reused as construction materials, enabling a continuous cycle of carbon sequestration. Our service model also simplifies adoption: buildings can subscribe to ongoing “living wall maintenance” with minimal intervention.

What technology is your innovation based on?

Our innovation lives at the intersection of biotechnology and architecture. The panels consist of a mycelium base – grown from agricultural waste – which is biodegradable, fire-resistant, and has excellent insulating properties. The active layer is a gel containing microalgae, which captures CO₂ up to 3–10 times more efficiently than traditional plants. This symbiotic system is inspired by lichens and is constantly refined through research and collaborations with scientists and materials experts.

How do you assess the scalability of your solution?

We believe this concept is highly scalable. The modular panels can be grown locally using abundant natural materials. Mycelium grows fast, algae are everywhere, and we use waste as input. We’re currently launching our first pilot in partnership with the Tel Aviv Municipality to collect performance data and optimize operations. From there, our goal is to roll out production kits, local installation teams, and a subscription-based model that can easily be adapted to different urban settings. We envision entire city streets and neighborhoods breathing with our panels.

What measurable positive impact does your technology have?

Initial lab results show that each square meter of panel can capture up to 1.5 kg of CO₂ per month depending on light and algae strain. That’s roughly equivalent to one mature tree per 10 m² per year. Panels also improve thermal insulation, potentially reducing cooling costs by up to 30%. Using mycelium grown on waste further reduces the project’s carbon footprint, adding another layer of sustainability to our circular model.

Where do you see your startup in the next three to five years?

We envision Motek Bio Panels becoming a mainstream green building solution adopted in leading cities worldwide. Our goal is to cover over 10,000 m² of walls and remove thousands of tons of CO₂ annually. Long-term, we want to redefine what city walls can be: not just static facades, but living, regenerative systems that support the planet and reconnect us with nature.

How do you view the GreenTech competitive landscape?

GreenTech is growing fast – and that’s a great sign. Our real competition isn’t other startups; it’s climate inaction. Our niche lies at the intersection of architecture and biology, a space still emerging. We believe our edge lies in creating healthier environments within the places people actually live – not just in remote forests or industrial capture sites. The challenge lies in proving material performance; the opportunity is in growing demand for decentralized, nature-based urban solutions.

What role do partnerships play in your success?

A huge one. We need strong cooperation with municipalities to navigate regulations and approve real-world implementation. We also collaborate with suppliers of city and agricultural waste, and with green building companies to upcycle our panels after their lifecycle ends. These collaborations enable us to create a closed-loop system, and we’re currently working with the Tel Aviv Municipality to launch our first pilot project.

How are you financing your growth?

We’re currently in a very early pre-seed phase. Development so far has been funded by the founding team, primarily through personal investment and a background in real estate development. We’ve developed key components – like the algae gel and mycelium base – and the next step is mass-producing our first real prototype. We aim to launch our pilot either in Tel Aviv or a European city. A seed round is planned to fund scaling, R&D, and team growth.

How does regulation affect your business?

It’s both a hurdle and a catalyst. On one hand, we need to comply with strict building and safety codes, especially for structural and living materials. On the other, rising green building standards, carbon reporting policies, and sustainability mandates are creating a wave of demand for exactly what we offer. We plan to position our panels as a tool to meet regulatory compliance in urban sustainability.

Why is the GreenTech Festival important for you?

It’s more than a showcase – it’s a meeting point for visionaries, innovators, and decision-makers who genuinely want to build a better world. The visibility, credibility, and connections we gain from events like this are invaluable. We’ve already met partners at similar events who want to explore pilots in new cities. It’s where our story meets the people who can help bring it to life.

What personally motivated you to found a GreenTech startup?

A deep love for both nature and cities. I was tired of watching buildings contribute to environmental damage instead of healing it. I wanted to integrate nature into our daily lives in a functional and poetic way. We are part of nature, and we deserve to live in an environment that reflects that. The technology is here – we just need to build with it.

What experiences have shaped your journey?

Relentless prototyping, learning that failure is feedback, and seeing the power of storytelling. Also, realizing how important it is to act as if your vision is already a reality. My advice to other founders: build a team that loves what they do, stay grounded, and treat every challenge as part of the path. It might seem like a fantasy sometimes, but with enough long-term vision, it’s absolutely possible.

How do you see the future of GreenTech?

Regenerative by default. The cities of the future will have breathing walls, food-producing roofs, and infrastructure that heals. Biomaterials, local production, and ecological restoration will become the new norm. GreenTech will no longer be a niche; it will be embedded in daily life. This is not about idealism – it’s about survival, and it’s already happening.

What makes the GreenTech Festival special?

It’s not just a stage – it’s a mirror of the future we want to create. The festival brings together passionate people from science, industry, and activism with a shared mission. The energy is focused, the conversations are meaningful, and for startups like ours, it’s the perfect place to meet believers, partners, and champions who can help us scale our impact.

If you’re curious to learn more about this startup, you can meet the founders live at the Greentech Festival in Berlin from May 20–22, 2025! We sincerely thank the founders for this inspiring interview.

Foto/Quelle: Motek Design Lab

Releaf Paper: Eco Packaging from Leaves Disrupts Paper

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05/09/2025

Releaf Paper Founder Alexander Sobolenko on stage with a presentation about Releaf Paper how it works!

Turning fallen leaves into paper — what may sound like a wild idea at first has evolved into an award-winning business model with huge potential for the circular economy. In the following interview, the team at Releaf Paper shares how a student science project grew into a sustainable alternative to traditional papermaking — and where their journey is headed next.

Let’s start with the basics — what exactly is Releaf Paper, and how did the idea of making paper from leaves even come about?

Story of Releaf Paper begins in 2017, when 16-year-old Ukrainian biotechnologist Valentyn Frechka created the first hand-made paper castings using fallen leaf fibers in his home laboratory. This success served as the basis for further research into the use of leaves. In 2021, Releaf Paper was founded, where Valentyn became one of the founders and head of technology. The France-based company continued R&D of leaves as a material, while working to bring its products to market. Fundamental research in the laboratory of Grenoble (France) completed the result of 6 years of work — Releaf Paper has created a scientifically proven technology for isolating fallen leaf fibers for use in paper production. The first products of the company, which is managed by one of the founders and CEO Alexander Sobolenko, have been successfully tested in a number of EU countries, and in 2024, the company opened its first industrial leaf processing pilot production near Paris.

We’re used to thinking of paper as coming from trees — when did you realise leaves could be a game-changer in the recycling world?

Valentyn Frechka, born in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region, came up with the idea during his time as a student at the Junior Academy of Sciences. While working on a research project, he set out to find alternative sources of cellulose. He initially explored agricultural waste like flax and straw but eventually turned his attention to other types of plant waste. Being someone who often spent time in the forest, he started considering fallen leaves. The idea didn’t come from a park stroll — it developed through structured research, but it was inspired by his close contact with nature. After months of lab work, he confirmed that leaf fiber had the right qualities for papermaking, and that’s where the Releaf Paper concept began.

What kind of leaves are we talking about here — and how do you actually turn urban leaf waste into high-quality paper?

We actually use almost all urban leaves in Europe and had a lot of tests with different kinds of green waste, for example pineapple leaves, and it works. The patented technology created by Releaf Paper allows the use of various methods of processing green biomass — from mechanical to thermo-chemical. The combination of different techniques makes it possible to obtain various products, from filler to full fiber with paper-making properties. This makes it possible to use these materials for a variety of applications: paperboards and containerboards, injection-molded containers, hygienic paper, bioplastics, etc. Both as the main raw material in its own right and as an additional component in combination with other types of fibers — recycled fibers or virgin wood.

In addition, the technology is flexible to different types of raw materials, allowing us to process stems of agricultural waste, grapes, and flowers in addition to leaves. Besides, the Releaf technology has been successfully used to valorize pineapple and palm frond waste.
Fillers created by mechanical processing are already produced by Releaf Paper in industrial volumes, while thermo-chemical fibers are undergoing the last stages of validation before mass production.

How does Releaf Paper compare to traditional paper when it comes to environmental impact, carbon footprint and resource use?

The company’s core product is Releaf Filler, a filler made from fallen leaves that is used to produce certain paper models by blending them with recycled fibers. The main consumers of the product are paper mills.

For manufacturers of paper packaging, the company offers several models of its own Releaf Paper brand of craft paper, from 80 to 170 g/m², which they use to produce bags, corrugated products, envelopes, and wrappers.

The company offers brand owners and retailers ready-made packaging solutions — from craft bags to boxes, and customization is available for larger volumes.

All Releaf Paper products are, of course, made using fallen leaves as the main ingredient, and without harming the environment.

Impact
– Only 0.066 kg CO₂ per kg during production (up to 70% lower compared to average* — global markets, open data)
– Only 0.002 l of water per kg during production
– <20 km logistics of raw materials
– 1 year time of restoration
– 55 days time of biodegradation

Releaf Paper manufacturing plant during the tour of interested parties

What were the biggest technical or logistical hurdles in creating a scalable leaf-based recycling process?

We have to make agreements with a variety of different partner cities in different countries to secure raw material availability.

Let’s talk scalability — how big could Releaf Paper realistically get, and what’s your vision for the next few years?

The company’s further development is to expand its local green waste recycling activities in other countries. To this end, Releaf Paper plans to set up at least 5 recycling facilities in Europe over the next 5 years. After that, the company plans to enter the US, Canada and Japan. In addition to green waste, Releaf Paper also plans to use agricultural waste, such as vegetable stalks, vineyard stalks, flowers, tropical fruits, and palm leaves.
Future business areas that Releaf has begun to explore based on its extensive knowledge of green waste include hygiene products, energy, and bioplastics.
In 2025, the company plans to raise at least €8 million in a Series A round.

A lot of startups aim to disrupt — do you see Releaf Paper more as a disruptor, or as a complement to the existing paper industry?

Yes, we really started as disruptors because we were full of enthusiasm and energy. Now we are more reality-based, because it is difficult to disrupt something that has been working for hundreds of years and is worth 350 billion dollars a year. That’s why we are more of those who do not let the paper industry rest in peace.

How do you source the leaf waste — do you partner with municipalities, or is it more of a decentralized model?

We use all opportunities. Because even in France every municipality has its own process of utilization of green waste. So, yes, basically we start with negotiations with municipalities and then try all other options including private subcontractors.

As soon as we announced that we had started producing paper from leaves, we were approached by L’Oréal, Weleda, Samsung, and Ariston within a few weeks. It was extremely pleasant, especially in the case of L’Oréal, because their COO had been trying to contact us for more than a month, and he finally succeeded. In 2 months, we fulfilled the first orders for all of the above brands.

The picture shows paper bags and cardboard boxes made from tree leaves!

You’ve won awards and attracted media attention — how do you stay grounded while building something with such massive potential?

Releaf’s commitment to the circular economy was recognized and awarded by WWF, Canopy Planet, Google for Startups, EBRD, LVMH Innovative Award, and a series of Sustainability Awards. In 2024, Releaf’s technology became the 2nd best invention by the European Patent Office. In 2025, Releaf Paper was selected as a finalist in the Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year Award by nova-Institute, recognizing our breakthrough in turning fallen leaves into high-performance packaging. Additionally, we were honored with the ALL4PACK Innovation Award 2024 in the Innovative Materials category, highlighting our commitment to eco-friendly packaging.

While these accolades are gratifying, they serve as milestones rather than endpoints. Our focus remains on the continuous development and refinement of our technology, ensuring that we deliver practical and sustainable solutions. The real reward lies in the tangible impact of our work — reducing deforestation, managing urban waste effectively, and contributing to a circular economy. It’s this mission-driven approach that keeps our team grounded and motivated.

Beyond paper, do you see other uses for leaf-based materials in the future — maybe packaging or even textiles?

Our USP (Unique Selling Proposition) is “Stylish recyclable packaging materials, produced from locally sourced green waste, for local environmentally responsible businesses.” So it’s not only about paper itself, more about packaging. One day it may be even textiles, yes, it’s possible.

Last one: if you could send one message to the traditional paper industry, what would it be?

The way it was before — won’t work anymore. Let’s unite efforts to reshape the paper industry.

If you’re curious to learn more about this startup, you can meet the founders live at the Greentech Festival in Berlin from May 20–22, 2025! We sincerely thank the founders for this inspiring interview.

Foto/Quelle: Releaf Paper

What if the secret to better work isn’t doing more, but doing less?

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04/23/2025

EARLY is a time management tool that helps individuals and teams focus better by making time tracking simple, insightful, and non-intrusive

What is the founding story of EARLY, and who is behind the idea?

EARLY was originally founded as Timeular by Manuel Bruschi, Thomas Wolf, Christian Zanzotti, and Manuel Zoderer. The product started as a simple way to track time — built for teams who wanted clarity over how they spent their day without the usual hassle of timesheets. Over time, the product grew alongside the way people worked. Hybrid teams, remote work, and constant context switching changed what users needed from us.

That’s why we rebranded to EARLY. It’s the same team and the same product at its core but with a bigger ambition: helping people manage their time better, not just track it. Teams using EARLY track, on average, over 97% of their work hours every week, ensuring they maximize billable time and prevent revenue leakage while enabling more confident, data-driven decisions.

I joined as CEO to lead that next chapter. Scaling EARLY into a product that stays out of the way, supports focus, and gives teams the clarity they need to do their best work.

How does EARLY help people use their time more productively?

The future of time tracking isn’t about control; it’s about freedom.

EARLY gives teams clarity without getting in their way. No micromanaging. No creepy surveillance. Just simple, honest insights that help people work better on their own terms.

Productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters. Ultimately, most tools add noise. We remove it.

What is your approach to fostering time awareness, especially among younger users?

Younger users don’t want to be told how to work and they definitely don’t want to feel like they’re being watched. This is why our approach is simple: give people data, not judgment.

When you can see where your time actually goes without the guilt and the noise, you naturally start to make different choices. It’s about awareness, not optimisation. We’re not trying to turn people into robots. Instead, we’re trying to give them the information they need to protect their time and spend it on things that matter to them.

How does EARLY differ from other time-tracking or productivity tools?

Most time-tracking tools feel like they were built for someone else, usually managers keeping tabs, not people doing the work.

EARLY is built for the person sitting at the desk. It’s simple. I believe the best tools disappear into the background. EARLY helps people notice patterns in how they work without interrupting them or adding more to their plate. It’s about awareness rather than control, as the goal is to help people protect their time, not account for every second of it.

Who exactly is your target audience – students, young professionals, or a broader group?

The focus isn’t really on job titles or industries. It’s about people who care where their time goes, whether that’s freelancers, teams, or anyone just trying to cut through the noise and focus better. It’s less about a specific job title and more about a shared problem.

How are you evolving the app to stay aligned with the needs of your community?

The feedback loop never stops. We talk to our users daily, from new users figuring things out to long-time users whose needs have evolved. Most of the changes we make come straight from those conversations. What’s working, what’s blocking progress, what feels clunky, and what’s being overlooked.

The goal isn’t to build more features for the sake of it. It’s to keep refining what people use every day and quietly remove everything else.

What does “working productively” mean to you in today’s digital world?

For me, it’s pretty simple. It’s being clear on what matters and having the space to get it done.

Most people aren’t struggling because they’re lazy. They’re struggling because their day is full of noise. Real productivity is about cutting through that and protecting enough space to actually think, focus, and do meaningful work. I believe productivity should feel effortless, not forced.

What is your long-term vision for EARLY?

Ironically, long-term, I want EARLY to be the tool people don’t think about because it just works. If it doesn’t make their life easier, it doesn’t belong in our product or strategy. Everything starts and ends with understanding their needs, frustrations, and behaviors.

It’s not about adding more features. It’s about making things simpler and ensuring EARLY always works to make people’s time better, not harder. We’re building for a future where work feels like it flows and is not a grind.

What is your team particularly proud of?

We’re proud of the culture we’ve built. Achieving this culture starts with giving people ownership. After all, the best ideas come when people feel like they have real skin in the game.

We like to say we’re not a family; we’re running buddies. What keeps us connected is a shared commitment to our goals and values and the belief that anyone can make a real impact if they’re aligned with the mission.

How do you respond to criticism or skepticism towards digital tools for self-organization?

I get the skepticism. With so much tech in our lives, adding another tool can feel like more noise. But the right tools shouldn’t add to the clutter; they should cut through it.

So, when people are unsure, I focus on how EARLY simplifies things. I’m all about creating a time-tracking experience that works for people, not against them. We know work life has changed, and our goal is to make time management easier and more proactive, without the distractions or frustration. It’s not about tracking every minute or task. It’s about giving people clarity on where their time goes so they can make better choices.

What three tips would you give to other leaders?

Embrace change. It’s the only constant. Playing it safe is the biggest risk you can take. Markets move, consumer behavior shifts, and if you don’t evolve, you’ll get left behind.

Focus on retention and engagement, not vanity metrics. If people aren’t sticking around, growth means nothing. Build something that keeps people coming back, and the numbers will follow.

Build in real time. Trends are easy to read, but executing in the moment is where the real work is. If you’re not adapting quickly and making things better as you go, you’re falling behind.

Thank you Mitchell Maynard for the Interview

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

What Happens When Legal Minds Meet Machine Intelligence?

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04/23/2025

Ex Nunc Intelligence founder team picture Zoé Berry and Kyriaki Bongard Picture@ Marie-Lou Dumauthioz/Tamedia — Lausanne, le mardi 18 mars 2025. ExNunc, start up lausannoise qui compte faciliter le travail des juristes grâce à l'intelligence artificielle. Les deux fondatrices de Ex Nunc Intelligence, Kyriaki Bongard (d) et Zoé Berry (g). (Marie-Lou Dumauthioz/Tamedia)

Ex Nunc Intelligence is a Swiss LegalTech company that empowers legal professionals with AI-driven tools to streamline research, enhance decision-making, and transform legal knowledge into strategic insight.

Could you introduce Ex Nunc Intelligence and the team behind it? What inspired you to focus on AI-powered strategic foresight?

Ex Nunc Intelligence is a Swiss-based legal technology company – the 1st LegalTech from EPFL – that empowers legal professionals with advanced AI tools to navigate complexity and redefine how they access, manage and leverage legal knowledge.

The founding team — Zoé, Kyriaki, and Thomas — brings a unique blend of legal and tech expertise. Before starting the venture, Zoé (tax specialist) and Kyriaki (lawyer) were working together and experienced firsthand the recurring inefficiencies in legal research and knowledge management. Thomas, with his deep expertise in AI and data science, joined to help turn that insight into a scalable, intelligent platform. The idea for Ex Nunc was born out of real-world frustrations and a shared ambition to transform legal knowledge into a strategic asset.

What is your core mission at Ex Nunc Intelligence, and how do you plan to make long-term impact in the decision intelligence space?

Our mission is to redefine the way legal professionals access, manage, and leverage legal knowledge. By combining cutting-edge AI with a structured legal database, we provide a strategic assistant that helps users reduce time spent on complex legal tasks from hours to minutes. Our long-term impact lies in our ability to turn fragmented legal data into a reliable and scalable decision-support infrastructure.

How does your platform help organizations make sense of complexity and uncertainty in their strategic planning?

Silex, our platform, acts as a legal co-pilot. It digests vast volumes of legal texts, jurisprudence and other legal documents to provide clear, context-aware answers and drafting assistance. This helps legal departments and law firms reduce uncertainty by basing their planning on complete, up-to-date, and verifiable legal information, significantly mitigating risks linked to gaps or inconsistencies in knowledge.

Who are the primary users of your technology, and how do you tailor your solutions to the needs of different industries or public sector actors?

Our primary users are legal professionals: law firms, corporate legal departments, insurances with legal protections, financial and public institutions.

Each of them shares a core need: conducting legal research efficiently. That’s where Silex comes in — by offering direct, structured, and intelligent access to the legal information they need. But beyond research, Silex also supports drafting, providing users with substantive-level control, not just formal structuring. This is made possible thanks to our proprietary legal database and the way our AI models are trained to master legal knowledge, reasoning, and methodology. We co-develop features through our Legal Lab to ensure that Silex integrates seamlessly into their specific workflows, terminology, and jurisdictional requirements.

Many talk about risk. How does Ex Nunc Intelligence turn early signals into concrete, actionable insights?

Our platform continuously processes and indexes legal updates, regulatory changes, and new case law. Through our proprietary pipeline, these signals are translated into alerts, summaries, and suggested actions. By structuring the data and applying intelligent filters, we help users identify what truly matters early on and what concrete actions to take.

What sets your approach apart from other players in the field of risk analytics or scenario planning?

We do not position ourselves as a risk analytics or scenario planning company. What sets us apart is our focus on equipping legal professionals with structured, pre-processed, and context-aware legal information, enabling them to make faster, more informed decisions. We may suggest relevant directions or highlight critical insights, but the strategic choices always remain in the hands of the professional. Rather than replacing legal judgment, Silex enhances it — by surfacing the right information at the right time, grounded in solid legal reasoning and methodology.

Could you walk us through a real-world use case or scenario where your system made a measurable difference?

One of the most striking reactions we often witness during product demos is when we let legal professionals try Silex themselves. They enter a legal question — sometimes quite complex — and within seconds, they get a clear, structured, and sourced answer. At that moment, you can see the surprise on their faces, and they react spontaneously with genuine amazement — often explaining that this exact research took them hours, sometimes even days, to complete !

It’s a powerful moment that speaks for itself. It’s not just about saving time — it’s about experiencing a true paradigm shift in how legal knowledge is accessed and used. We’ve seen this reaction consistently across law firms, corporate legal teams, and public institutions, confirming that Silex fundamentally transforms the legal research workflow.

What were some of the biggest technical or operational challenges you faced while developing your platform – and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges we faced was harmonizing the chaos of legal data — ensuring consistent quality despite the vast disparity in formats, sources, and structures. Bringing together the various sources of law into a unified, reliable database required both hard work and smart engineering.

Another major challenge was making a search engine work at scale: retrieving the right information quickly and accurately across millions of data points. This involved building robust indexing pipelines, developing custom preprocessing tools, and continuously optimizing relevance and performance.

Ultimately, we overcame these hurdles through a combination of deep legal expertise, strong collaboration with our users, and a relentless focus on precision, speed, and scalability.

Where do you see Ex Nunc Intelligence heading in the next 3 to 5 years? Are there specific sectors or regions you aim to expand into?

Our next steps include expanding across Switzerland — from French-speaking regions to German- and Italian-speaking ones. We also plan to enter in neighbourouding countries and in the EU as the second step. In terms of product we have a super exciting roadmap but we are very discrete about what we’re bulinding until it’s out there.

What role do partnerships play in your growth strategy – and are you currently seeking collaborations?

Partnerships are an important pillar of our growth strategy. We collaborate not only with public institutions, but also with private organizations. Several exciting partnerships are currently being finalized, and we look forward to sharing more details soon. We are always open to new collaborations that align with our vision.

What three pieces of advice would you give to other founders building tech-driven solutions in highly complex domains?

Co-create with your users from day one — complexity requires alignment with real practices.

Invest early in data architecture — your models are only as good as your underlying data.

Don’t wait for perfection — deploy fast, learn continuously, and iterate openly.

Picture: Ex Nunc Intelligence founder team picture Zoé Berry and Kyriaki Bongard Picture@ Marie-Lou Dumauthioz/Tamedia

Thank you Zoé Berry and Kyriaki Bongard for the Interview

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

EM-POWER EUROPE 2025: How Startups Reshape Energy

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04/17/2025

Smart Grids Reloaded: How Startups at EM-POWER EUROPE 2025 Are Reinventing the Energy Game

The energy transition doesn’t need another roadmap – it needs doers. And that’s exactly who’ll be showing up at EM-POWER EUROPE 2025 in Munich from 7–9 May 2025.

Wind and solar are breathing new life into the grid – and bringing a fair bit of chaos too. Renewable energy shows up when it wants, not necessarily when we need it. Meanwhile, heat pumps, EVs, and decentralised power sources are flipping the old system on its head. What used to be a predictable setup is now a buzzing network of supply, demand, and real-time control.

The key to making it all work? Flexibility. And that’s where the startups in Hall C5 come in. They’re bringing serious speed, smart tech, and a clear mission: to make the grid smarter, faster, and more profitable.

Spine GmbH: The App Store for the Power Grid

Picture this: your electricity meter turns into a smart control hub – and you manage your energy with apps, just like on your phone. That’s the vision behind Munich-based Spine GmbH. The founders, all from the solar space, created a software platform that runs locally on a small box inside your fuse cabinet. You can install apps that optimise your energy use based on market prices or grid needs.

The clever part? One single piece of hardware is enough. “It just doesn’t make sense to install a new device for every single function,” says CEO Martin Stötzel. With Spine, you get everything in one – dynamic pricing, grid stability, EV charging – all handled via one central system. It’s built for utilities, installers, and property companies looking to offer customers a smart, straightforward solution.

It might look like a neat shortcut – but it’s actually a tool that pushes energy digitisation to the next level, without tech headaches for users.

Bohr Energie: Small Producers, Big Impact

Got a PV system on the warehouse roof? A hydro plant in the valley? A battery in the basement? These used to be passive energy sources – now they’re potential players in the market. Bohr Energie, a startup from southern France, is helping small and mid-sized producers get in on the action.

From just 500 kW of capacity, producers can take part. Their software analyses market data in real time, picks the best moment to feed in electricity, and prevents losses from negative prices. No need to upgrade your tech – everything’s managed via an app. The energy is automatically sold at the best time in the background.

“We’re lowering the barrier to entry – our clients don’t have to be energy traders,” says co-founder Julien Haure. The startup bundles producers into a virtual aggregator that competes in the market. After a successful launch in France, they’re now going European. EM-POWER EUROPE 2025 is the perfect place to build connections – and win over investors.

Blindleister GmbH: Earning Money from the Invisible

Reactive power – sounds boring, right? But without it, power grids don’t work properly. It used to be supplied automatically by big power plants. Now, it’s a traded commodity – and that means an opportunity to earn.

Blindleister GmbH from Berlin spotted the potential. Their cloud-based software helps operators of PV systems, batteries, or wind turbines to monetise surplus reactive power. The result? A virtual power plant – just for grid stability.

“Usually, no new hardware is needed,” says CEO Niklas Reinhardt. The control runs via existing frequency converters. That’s a win for grid operators – and a new income stream for system owners. What sounds like a technical niche is actually a growing market with real-world value – especially in decentralised grid systems.

Narrowin GmbH: Cybersecurity for the Smart Grid

As power grids go digital, they also become more vulnerable. Whether it’s malware from the web or infected devices onsite – critical infrastructure now needs more protection than ever. Swiss-based Narrowin GmbH is all over it.

One of their standout tools is the “network diode” – a device no bigger than a power bank, placed between any system and the network. Think of it like a bouncer at a club: it inspects traffic both ways, and stops any dodgy data from getting in or out.

They’ve also developed the Network Explorer – a software that scans systems, finds vulnerabilities, maps your infrastructure, and helps teams react quickly. “Especially in networks with lots of sensors and controllers, it creates clarity and control,” says co-founder Tim Senn. From substations and local utilities to hospitals – Narrowin brings cybersecurity where it’s often missing.

Hall C5: Where Energy Startups Get Seen

The startup area of EM-POWER EUROPE 2025 isn’t a showroom – it’s a control room for fresh ideas. Over 4,000 square metres, nearly 150 young companies meet investors, customers, partners, and media. They’re not just demoing concepts – they’re showcasing market-ready products, often already in use but with massive scaling potential.

Whether you’re a network operator, city utility, or energy consultant – if you’re looking for real solutions, you’ll find them here. If you’re looking for funding, you’ll meet decision-makers. And if you’re trying to understand how tomorrow’s grid will really work, this is the place to be. In short: Hall C5 is the beating heart of energy innovation.

EM-POWER EUROPE 2025: A Must for Anyone Driving Energy Innovation

EM-POWER EUROPE 2025 is more than a trade fair – it’s an innovation platform. It brings together the people building a new energy system: digital, decentralised, and data-led. As part of The smarter E Europe, it runs alongside Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, and Power2Drive Europe – forming Europe’s biggest energy industry event with over 3,000 exhibitors and more than 110,000 visitors.

You’ll find everything from batteries and EV charging to energy marketplaces. Plus, the EM-POWER EUROPE 2025 Conference features international experts discussing how to make grids smarter, prosuming more attractive, and flexibility the new gold standard.

Bottom Line: Startups Are Driving the Energy Transition – and EM-POWER EUROPE 2025 Proves It

The energy sector is moving fast – and not just in labs. Real-world tools are reshaping how we generate, manage, and distribute power. These are founders turning bold ideas into scalable, practical solutions.

In Hall C5, you’ll see exactly how. Not just prototypes, but ready-to-roll technologies, smart business models, and teams who know how to balance grid stability, efficiency, and profitability.

Spine turns your meter box into an energy command centre. Bohr Energie uses algorithms to trade each kilowatt at the perfect time. Blindleister shines a light on reactive power – turning an overlooked asset into a revenue stream. And Narrowin secures the digital backbone of our future grid.

For startups, investors, and innovation leaders, EM-POWER EUROPE 2025 offers a hands-on glimpse into a new energy logic – open, digital, and economically sound. Not a vision, but a market in motion.

Isar Aerospace launches Europe’s first orbital rocket

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03/31/2025