Interview with Start-up Certificate Alumni "Punchline

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Maximilian Kreuz and Yunus Emir are part of Batch #5 of the Start-up Certificate since 2021 with their start-up "Punchline". The product idea of Punchline is an effective and chic new development of the paper punch. With the help of the SCE and the HM, the two HM students from the Automotive Engineering program (FK 03) then developed this idea further in the Start-up Certificate. Ifyou also have a great idea and are still looking for a start-up home, then let Max and Yunus convince you in the following interview to come to the SCE of the HM to start up and apply with your idea for the Start-up Certificate until January 10, 2022.

1. how did the idea for the start-up come about?

From an old vocational school project of Max. In his training as a technical product designer, the task was to develop a new object. The previous paper punches on the market all looked the same and had a bulky, unattractive basic design. This is where the first prototype of an alternative paper punch concept was created. The product was then further developed during Corona at home and also in a project work at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich.

2. what challenges did you face back then at the beginning of the start-up certificate?

Many. In the end, we were tinkerers from mechanical engineering. We knew how to develop products, but we had virtually no idea about entrepreneurship, financing, business models, supplier negotiations, sales, marketing strategies....

3. What were your top 3 highlights from the start-up certificate and how did they advance your start-up?

  • Admission to the SCE Start-Up League: together with our batch, we got our first funding injections and were able to take away a lot of knowledge through the monthly teaching sessions and coaching. Especially also through the community with the other start-ups, we saw that we are not the only ones struggling with challenges, which was additionally motivating. Valuable friendships have also been formed here.
  • European Product Design Award: As engineering students, we won the European Product Design Award 2021 in the Office Equipment category with one of our prototypes. The success made us lose a first statement, we got an interview in the SZ, were broadcasted in the Munich subways and even invited by another university as guest lecturers.
  • Acceptance into the Kickstart@HM funding program: Thanks to the support of the SCE and our coaches, we were accepted into the Kickstart funding program and now had funds available for prototyping and development that we certainly wouldn't have had as students.

What is your vision?

To see the Punchline in stores in the coming year.

5. What are your do's and don'ts when starting up?

Dont's: Don't procrastinate your ventures. Everything doesn't always have to be perfect on the first swing! Do's: Talk to as many different people as possible, most can help you in some area.

Why should you apply for the Start-up Certificate and what advice would you give to interested founders?

We especially address students of HM: We can't tell you whether the idea in your head will become the next billion euro company. And you won't find out as long as it remains in your head. However, many start-ups from here, such as Freeletics, prove that it is possible. Here you don't learn to write an exam later, but here knowledge from various disciplines is passed on to you, so that you can implement it to your own advantage, directly in your own business. Therefore, our tip: Use the network, take advantage of the free teaching offer and get all the support you can get. It would be stupid not to, wouldn't it?

7 And finally - your call to action: How can we do something good for you?

Write us and give us feedback, follow us on Instagram and sign up at punchlinedesign.com to be notified as soon as Punchline is available for purchase.

Convinced by "Punchline" like we are? Then get active! We wish the whole team continued success.

Do you have an innovative project of your own? Then apply now for our 24-week accelerator program, the Start-up Certificate, and become part of the Start-up League yourself!

Apply online now until 10.1.2022!