The 10 startups are arriving in Copenhagen to kick-off the Urbantech program together with the partner companies. We asked RYSTA and Powerfox a few questions about what goes through their minds as we start this process.
First, meet Julia Gebert, Founder and CEO of RYSTA:
What do you expect from the first weeks of the program?
“I expect the first weeks to be the start of our market entry to Denmark with the support from everyone from Urbantech. I’m sure there will be lots of meet & greets, and time to settle into beautiful Copenhagen and into the program.Four of us will travel to Copenhagen for the very first days because I consider it very important to have face to face meetings in the beginning. Sustainability should always be an issue when setting up meetings but making friends and business – both was promised by the Urbantech team 😉 – also requires real time together.Last not least it’s also nice and inspiring for us as a mini-team to spend some time away from the many usual chores in Berlin. ”
What makes you nervous about kicking off the program? If anything?
“No, I am not nervous at all, just very excited to get started. Although – maybe I am a little nervous that I will want to buy too much of the gorgeous Danish design, get too much used to being at the seaside, get addicted to hygge…”
How do you think being in Denmark and working with Danish companies might affect the work you’re about to do?
“To be honest – I’m not sure, we’re curious about that. We love that Denmark is at the forefront of innovation, sustainability and design – all aspects that are relevant to RYSTA in one way or another.
Besides pursuing the obvious goal of the program – which is a successful market entry to Denmark together with our partner – I am personally looking forward to being surrounded by Danish design which I hope will also influence RYSTAs corporate identity… we’ll see.
It will also be interesting to look out for differences in business culture and to bring home the good bits.”
Next, meet Timm Beyer, Managing Director of Powerfox.
What do you expect from the first weeks of the program?
“I am quite sure that we will have great fun, develop innovative ideas and hopefully create great new business opportunities. And get some of that tasty Indian Pale Ale…”
What makes you nervous about kicking off the program? If anything?
“We are never nervous ? Maybe a little but only when we try to imagine where Morteza is going to jump next…”
How do you think being in Denmark and working with Danish companies might affect the work you’re about to do?
“We certainly hope that our future products will be perfectly designed and utterly hygge! Seriously, we are really looking forward to exchanging thoughts with our Danish partners because we are convinced that there is a lot of openmindedness (if that is a word) and easygoing attitude in the Danish business culture. And we like that!”
