THE CITY OF STARTUPS

#TechWawa Mickiewicza 37 52 14 29 M1 32 2

Żoliborz Praga Targówek Map of Warsaw’s 27 Północ  SUPPORTING OTHER ORGANISATIONS ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS 25 1 AIP Warsaw MCI Capital 43 Belweder 26 2 Aula Polska Protos 44 Copernicus Science Centre 5 3 Business Link 45 Praga Koneser Centre 65 aleja Solidarności4 45 4 Campus Warsaw 46 Warszawa Centralna 59 ACCELERATORS 5 Centre of Creativity Railway Station Targowa6 55 Nowa Praga 27 Gamma Rebels 47 Warszawa Wschodnia aleja Jana Pawła II 47 50 1 38 6 Centre of Creativity Targowa 28 MIT/MIT Enterprise Railway Station 62 7 Centre of Forum 48 Warszawa Zachodnia Grochowska Smolna 29 ReaktorX Railway Station Śródmieście 8 Centre for Innovation 30 Startup Hub Warsaw 49 Warsaw Stock Exchange 1 9 11 and Technology 31 techBrainers 50 Sigismund’s Column 33 57 3 39 44 9 DELab UW 51 Warsaw Chopin Airport 10 Facebook HQ 52 Warsaw Modlin Airport 61 Praga 60 11 Women’s Entrepreneurship UNIVERSITIES/ 53 Royal Łazienki Museum Wola 31 Świętokrzyska 28 Południe Foundation CAMPUSES 54 National Museum 7 12 Kampus+ 55 16 25 32 Kozminski University Praga District Museum 10 13 56 Zodiak Pavilion 33 Palace of Culture and Science 64 13 58 Academy of Fine Arts 23 49 54 14 57 M2 21 56 Marszałkowska Reaktor 34 Kampus Ochota PGE Narodowy Stadium 15 58 Startup Poland 35 Warsaw University de Gaulle roundabout 46 18 22 16 26 The Heart Warsaw of Technology and its palm tree 17 59 36 Youth Business Poland 36 Polish-Japanese Academy SOHO Factory Wał Miedzeszyński of Information Technology 60 Mermaid of Warsaw Monument Aleje Jerozolimskie 37 Cardinal Wyszynski 61 Aleje Ujazdowskie INVESTORS Zachęta National Gallery of Art 3 15 University 62 18 38 University of Social Royal Castle 48 1 35 AINOT 63 63 Ujazdów Castle 53 19 Experior Venture Fund Sciences and Humanities 8 12 64 20 39 University of Warsaw Złota 44 24 Ochota Giza Polish Ventures 40 65 Warsaw 34 21 Hedgehog Fund Warsaw University 43 22 Infini of Life Sciences Warsaw Metro 41 42 41 23 Warsaw School of Economics City Beaches aleja Niepodległości Inovo 42 24 Intel Capital Medical University City Parks 20 30 of Warsaw the River 1

Żwirki i Wigury Mokotów

51 40 17 19 EDITORIAL TEAM Jacek Brzeziński (Business Edge), Diana Koziarska (Reaktor), Borys Musielak (Reaktor)

Contents COVER DESIGN Together, Magdalena Stadnik (Business Edge)

GRAPHIC DESIGN AND LAYOUT 06 Get started in Warsaw! Paulina Kloc (Business Edge) we create Warsaw

TRANSLATION Jacek Środa (Kancelaria Środa) ‘Cities have one crucial resource – their people. Human cleverness, desires, 10 What’s Warsaw doing for startups? motivations, imaginations and creativity are replacing location, natural PROOFREADING resources and market access as urban resources. The creativity of those Marta Tomczyńska (Business Edge) who live in and run cities will determine future success’ – these words of a British urban planner, Charles Landry, included in his book The Creative Visit supporting PUBLISHER City, perfectly match Warsaw. Infrastructure, everyday dynamism, openness, 18 organisations in Warsaw! The City of Warsaw creative resourcefulness and ingenuity of its residents define Warsaw as the um.warszawa.pl city that is friendly towards everyone who would like to learn, live, and run firma.um.warszawa.pl their business here.

FIRST PUBLISHED IN 2017 Make your contacts in Warsaw! It is our great satisfaction to publish the first edition of this guide to the 22 Warsaw startup ecosystem of Warsaw as it splendidly depicts the diversity and Further editions of this guide will be dynamics of the scene created by the entrepreneurs of the capital of Poland. amended and updated following the Warsaw – the City of Startups is an inspiring journey through the capital that 30 Get funding for your startup in Warsaw! suggestions of our readers. Please is full of active institutions, organisations and ambitious projects. It is also send your comments and suggestions to an insight into the city of enthusiastic startuppers who speak about their [email protected]. experiences, successes and disappointments. We would like this guide to keep up with our city – we would like this guide to develop, show new places This publication has been funded by the and opportunities, talk about successes shared by the city and its people. 34 Accelerate in Warsaw! Municipal Office of the City of Warsaw. I hope that this publication will be a useful compendium, and will inspire The pictures used in this guide you to act and develop your bold ventures in business, and to discover the come from the Archive of the City potential of our city. 38 Get to know Warsaw’s startups! of Warsaw, from the startups, events’ organizers, and from influencers.

The views and opinions expressed by the Michał Olszewski authors of this publication do not necessarily The Deputy Mayor of Warsaw 72 Let others get to know you! reflect the position of the Municipal Office of the City of Warsaw. Get started in Warsaw!

No other place in the world is like Warsaw. Here, in the former distillery, Google has organised its startup space, and the once-dominant 60-year-old landmark of social realism in Warsaw, the Palace of Culture and Science, will soon be overshadowed by the tallest skyscraper in the . It is also here that impressive transformations take place: the National Stadium, the venue of Euro 2012 opening game, has replaced a former open-air market. Another spectacular example is a Michelin-star restaurant which is located in what formerly was a public toilet. This is the Warsaw of today – with its brilliant ingenuity, brave solutions and out-of-the box thinking. The city itself is growing like a dynamic startup. Warsaw’s excellent macroeconomic indicators, modern transportation infrastructure, thriving universities and, most of all, the capital’s unique character have all contributed to the dynamic development of the city’s startup ecosystem, which aspires to be the avant-garde of such initiatives in the countries of Central and Eastern .

6 #TechWawa #TechWawa 7 What is a startup? What do investors What do investors Warsaw, a city with appreciate about appreciate about an atmosphere Poland? Warsaw?

According to a definition by Startup The country’s stable economic growth Poland’s key political, economic, On David Bowie’s 1977 album, Low, there its own Soho resembling London’s Poland Foundation, a startup is and investment security since 1992 and cultural centre was a dark and distressing track: Warsaw. Shoreditch thanks to the originality and a business that meets at least one The largest domestic market of all Highest degree of pro-market and It matched the Warsaw of 1977, a grey flair of its people, well reflected by the of the following criteria: it operates CEE countries pro-development attitudes in Poland and sad city somewhere behind the Iron area’s impressive murals. One of them is in the field of with The most attractive investment (PwC, 2015) Curtain. Today, 40 years on, Warsaw is situated in the pretty district of Żoliborz data processing or related technol- destination of all CEE countries, Open to businesses: the 4th most so much unlike that bleak city from the and shows David Bowie, an artist of ogies as one of the key elements of Europe’s fifth most attractive business friendly city in Europe 1970s. Poland’s capital has transformed great intuition who included the Warsaw its business model, and secondly, it investment destination (European Cities and Regions, into a thriving European metropolis with album in his famous Berlin trilogy. creates new technological solutions (according to EY, 2016) 2016/2017) colourful streetlights and bustling res- Warsaw’s atmosphere today is often in IT/ICT. Member of the European Union Transport hub: two airports, taurants serving flavours from all corners compared to that of the contemporary Lower labour costs than in the over 120 destinations of the world to customers conversing in Berlin – although Warsaw most definite- countries of Western Europe Europe’s fastest-developing region in multiple languages. Along Vistula, the ly has its unique flavour. Low tax rates: CIT at 19% and 15% for terms of NUTS 2 (Eurostat, 2014) city has developed many attractions such small and new businesses The highest number of universities as public beaches, bicycle paths, boule- (Ministry of Finance, 2017) of all Polish cities: 77 universities and vards, the Multimedia Fountain Park, the Educated workforce: the 11th place 250,000 students Copernicus Science Centre, and the Na- in the OECD’s global International 150 institutions tional Stadium. In spring, seasonal clubs Education Ranking (OECD, 2014) Steady and continuing development and cafés pop up on both banks of the

About a third of all Polish Third position in the ranking of the of municipal investment: PLN 16 river and become Warsaw’s party and best startup locations (SeedStars/ billion to be invested in the years night-life hot spot for the warm season. startups are established Forbes, 2015) 2016–2022 ...Poland’s capital  in Warsaw, and a quarter 24th country in the World Bank’s 115 co-working offices (coworkexpert) The once-infamous Praga district situ- has transformed into Doing Business ranking (2015) 6th position in the global Investment ated on the right bank of the Vistula is of the capital’s startups Average Internet speed at 10.6 Mb/s Intensity Index (JLL, 2014) now home to Google’s Warsaw Campus. a thriving European  are active in the follow- (Akamai, 2015) The largest number of business The district also houses the Centre metropolis with events in Poland – 25,000 per year of Creativity Targowa and one of the ing industries: analytics, (Warsaw Convention Bureau) capital’s Business Links. The Nowa Praga colourful streetlights advertising technology or Creativity Centre – another municipal and bustling investment for artists and designers, is FinTech. under construction. The city also boasts restaurants...

8 #TechWawa #TechWawa 9 What’s Warsaw doing for startups?

Warsaw was one of the first cities in Poland to recognise the need to invest in startups. Consequently, the city created its first incubators which were soon appreciated by entrepreneurs: the Centre of Entrepreneurship Smolna, and the Centre of Creativity Targowa. Warsaw has also initiated Poland’s first city accelerator scheme funded by the local government. The city is also consistent in its implementation of entrepreneurship support policies which encompass training courses and workshops at preferential rates, space rental for companies and organisation of numerous events targeted at the startup industry. A comprehensive export activity support scheme for SMEs from the Warsaw agglomeration known as Grow with Greater Warsaw has been launched in 2016. By joining the capital’s startup community #TechWawa, companies can actively benefit from all forms of municipal support for innovative entrepreneurs.

10 #TechWawa #TechWawa 11 CENTRUM Centre of Entrepreneurship Smolna KREATYWNOŚCI TARGOWA

The Centre of Entrepreneurship Smolna in communication skills. The Centre is an entrepreneurship incubator and offers attractive rates for the rental of its Smolna 4 a co-working space managed by the office space composed of 40 open space 00-375 Warsaw City of Warsaw. It is located in a quiet workstations, four office rooms and tel.: 22 443 07 56 and centrally-located park, a few steps three conference rooms. There is also [email protected] from a city railway station. The Centre’s a consultancy centre where you can reg- activity focuses on training and consult- ister your business activity. Moreover, firma.um.warszawa.pl ing services, financial and legal services the Centre also runs its website for en- as well as accounting and management trepreneurs, firma.um.warszawa.pl, and facebook.com/CentrumPrzedsiębiorczości services for those planning to start their uses it to publish up-to-date information Smolna own business, or for existing businesses. on training, conferences, networking At the Centre you can attend lectures, events, funding opportunities, tenders networking events and training courses and projects in progress.

Centre of Creativity Targowa

CENTRUM PRZEDSIĘBIORCZOŚCI The Centre of Creativity Targowa is and advisory services, and more. In the SMOLNA situated at the heart of Warsaw’s Praga coming years, in the Centre’s vicinity at Targowa 56 district, in a renovated and charming Targowa 80 and Inżynierska 3, a sister 03-733 Warsaw tenement house built in 1867 (former- institution will be launched under the tel.: 22 465 90 66 (67) ly a property of the Minter family). name Centre of Creativity Nowa Praga. [email protected] Now the Centre is a venue open to The new centre’s leading idea will be artists and entrepreneurs from the ‘Do It Yourself’. It will offer access to firma.um.warszawa.pl/projekty/ creative industry. The incubator hosts workshop space for artists and a lab centrum-kreatywnosci-targowa-56 33 workshops and offers more than equipped with prototyping tools, as 3,000 sqm of space, including con- well as crafts workshops with profes- facebook.com/KreatywnaWarszawa ference rooms, exhibition and event sional upholstery, woodworking and space as well as a municipal reading metal cutting tools. The new facility room. The Centre of Creativity Targowa will also offer access to conference and supports startups from the creative exhibition space, micro-offices, an open industry by offering preferential rent space area, a rehearsal room and hostel rates, training courses, information accommodation.

12 #TechWawa #TechWawa 13 Zodiak Pavilion

Soon, in the middle of 2018, the group of Development. The Office will invite will be the venue of events broadcast on- Warsaw’s institutions for entrepreneurs entrepreneurs and civil society organ- line. If there is a need for more privacy, will be joined by the Warsaw Centre of isations to implement joint projects. Zodiak’s café and bookshop will be the Economic Promotion located in Zodiak Together, they will create an interactive perfect place for a meeting. Zodiak’s Pavilion. The Centre will create a space showroom, an economic show-piece of redevelopment is synchronised with the for public debates on the architectur- Warsaw and the metropolitan region. renovation of a line of buildings in central al, planning and economic future of The building’s ground floor space will Warsaw referred to as Ściana Wschodnia Warsaw. The first floor of this twosto- host exhibitions of architectural and city (the eastern flank of Marszałkowska). rey building, designed in the 1960s by planning designs developed by the War- renowned architects Jan Bogusławski saw Branch of the Association of Polish and Bohdan Gniewiewski, will be occu- Architects (OW SARP). On warm days, pied by the City’s Office for Economic the square located next to the building

Visualisation Gowin & Siuta Grow with Greater Warsaw

Grow with Greater Warsaw is an export The scheme will also support the market- support programme coordinated by the ing activities of products and services Smolna 4 City of Warsaw in the years 2016-2020, offered abroad by Warsaw’s SMEs. 00-375 Warsaw which aims to enable the international- Grow with Greater Warsaw will help tel.: 22 443 07 91 isation of SMEs and startups from the entrepreneurs from the agglomeration [email protected] agglomeration, to be implemented in develop their international position. 2016–2022. As part of the plan, com- The activities under the umbrella of gwgw.com.pl panies will have an opportunity to seek Grow with Greater Warsaw are part expert advice and training in how to of the WOF Expo programme for the access foreign markets. They will also be economic promotion of the Warsaw able to learn how to present their offer Functional Area, and are co-financed at international fairs, and how to take from the European Regional Develop- part in foreign economic missions and ment Fund, Operational Programme establish international contacts at B2B for Mazowieckie Region for the years events or conferences. 2014–2020.

14 #TechWawa #TechWawa 15 photo JimB40 Municipal accelerator schemes Projects implemented by Robert Janiszewski the City of Warsaw

Warsaw

Be Creative in Warsaw Startup Hub Warsaw WAW.AC #Academy_Smolna #Open_Smolna #Spin_Smolna

Be Creative in Warsaw was the first Startup Hub Warsaw is an acceleration WAW.AC was the first municipal accel- #Academy_Smolna is a series of profes- #Open_Smolna offers inspiring talks for #Spin_Smolna offers workshops on municipal foreign & domestic support programme implemented in 2016 and eration programme carried out by the sional business workshops, mentoring entrepreneurs delivered by renowned finding and confirming the key values programme for the most promising cre- commissioned by the Municipal Office of Office of the City of Warsaw. The course sessions and individual consultancy experts and leaders of the startup of the product or service with a view ative industries. It was launched in 2016 the City of Warsaw. Its aim is to devel- was attended by 40 participants, half sessions for budding entrepreneurs. The community. The events are aimed at to develop an effective communication in collaboration with AIP Seed Capital op ICT, the Internet of Things and life of whom qualified to the next stage, sessions are delivered by experts and developing the skills and competencies formula to match the clients, business (Academic Entrepreneurship Incuba- science industries in the city. Approx- i.e. individual coaching workshops. experienced practitioners. Their goal is necessary for effective company owners. partners, co-workers and investors. The tors). Over five months of the initiative’s imately 500 projects from around the The programme’s finale was the Demo to create an initial business model, teach #Open_Smolna has so far invited promi- programme’s final event is the Pitch Day, duration, 50 entrepreneurs representing globe applied to join the programme, Day, a startup presentation fest. One the lean startup method, and develop nent speakers including Artur Kurasiński, an opportunity for the startups to pres- fashion, design and computer games and as many as 60 applicants qualified to of the project teams participating in the matching business & sales strategy. Paweł Tkaczyk and Michał Sadowski. ent to a wider audience. industries took part in professional men- its first stage. They were able to par- WAW.AC, with Professor Magdalena toring sessions, networking events and ticipate in workshops, business consul- Król as its leader, received an EU grant training courses in business competen- tancy sessions and investor acquisition worth EUR 1.4 million for research on cies as well as startup development strat- training. The City also funded the main combating cancer. The programme’s egy modelling and elaboration. The main prize of PLN 30,000 for the best startup. operator was Med INN Foundation #Net_Smolna Creative Mikser Information Point at the Centre prize of PLN 20,000, an acceleration The programme’s operator was Startup for the Development of Innovation. of Entrepreneurship Smolna package and membership in AIP Business Hub Poland Foundation. It was the first WAW.AC has also run further editions The Centre of Entrepreneurship Smolnap Creative Mikser is a series of events for Link community was awarded to Nie- acceleration programme directed, among of the programme, implemented as the organises networking events which offer the creative industries, co-organised by The info Point at Centre of Entrepreneur- bagatela, manufacturer of hand-crafted others, to foreign companies which wish Foundation’s independent endeavours. a great opportunity to develop business the Municipal Office of Warsaw and the ship Smolna is where you can register wooden eyewear. to run their business from Warsaw. contacts, identify challenges and barriers British Council since 2011, accompanied a company promptly and with friendly to growth, find a common position of by inspiring presentations and heated assistance. You can also access expert waw.ac the startup business community to debates. The events offer a great oppor- guidance on the issues related to starting becreativeinwarsaw.pl startuphub.pl/warsaw be used in the contacts with the local tunity to meet outstanding personalities one’s own business, and on how to administration. and establish business contacts. They acquire funding for the development of are organised in venues associated with your business. The Info Point is located the creative industry and their open form in room 015. creates a favourable atmosphere for an unrestrained exchange of ideas.

16 #TechWawa #TechWawa 17 Visit supporting organisations in Warsaw!

Warsaw’s startup ecosystem would not be as impressive as it is if it were not for its well-organised community which is supported by an extensive infrastructure formed by business incubators, cooperation centres or Poland’s largest network of coworking offices. These supporting organisations, apart from offering their infrastructural support, assist entrepreneurs by providing them with access to training, knowledge, investors, mentors, and networks of valuable contacts. Their role is important but, what seems to be the most important factor is the energy and drive of the city’s young entrepreneurs and NGO activists who join forces to support innovative businesses in Poland. AIP Warsaw Campus Warsaw CZIiTT Kampus+ Startup Hub Poland The Heart Warsaw The Academic Business Incubators (AIP) Campus Warsaw is Google’s first Warsaw University of Technology’s Inno- Kampus+ is an initiative undertaken to The Startup Hub Poland Foundation The Heart Warsaw is a European centre are Poland’s largest startup community office space of the kind in CEE coun- vation Incubator is an infrastructural and tap into the capacity of the academic, (SHP) is a non-profit organisation whose for cooperation between offering the complete infrastructure to tries. It offers its entrepreneurs support expert support entity for entrepreneurs technological and business communi- goal is to internationalise Polish startups. and startups, created by D-RAFT, run one’s business, including co-work- in the development of their skills through and technological companies. Its services ties in Warsaw and the entire region of Among its other activities, the Founda- Ghelamco and MasterCard and locat- ing office space in 11 locations across networking, events, training courses and assistance are directed predominant- Mazowsze. The initiative will result in tion’s Warsaw branch manages a busi- ed on 38th floor of the Warsaw Spire, Clear area 03 Warsaw. Moreover, the AIP organises and workshops. ly to the persons or project teams who the creation of Europe’s largest Living ness incubation programme. It offers the capital’s tallest office building. The networking events to facilitate business wish to validate their business concepts Lab. Equipped with its innovative R&D access to office and laboratory space, Heart’s ScaleUp initiative and thematic Clear area It is a safe area around the logo on which contacts and enables young entrepre- or products throughout a 1-monthlong centres, the Living Lab will offer a space legal & operationalno graphic elementsupport, or text can appear. mentoring programmes support the region’s leading In this way the optimum readability of the logo is ensured. The clear area neurs to start their companies with pre-incubation programme or a 6-month- for testing and implementation of smart and assistance inis always business defined by the "A" letter module.development companies in the development of their

Primary - vertical version a sub-account, without the necessity to long acceleration programme for startups living technologies. and acquisition ofTo determine funding. the clear area use "A" letter businesses and global expansion. module twice on each side of the logo. register or pay social security contribu- campus.co/warsaw and young tech businesses seeking sup- Secondary - horizontal version To determine the clear area use single tions. At the end of 2016 there were 610 port and development opportunities. "A" letter module on each side of the logo. startups registered at Warsaw’s AIP. Centre of Creativity Targowa The Centre of Creativity Targowa sup- kampusplus.pl startuphub.pl theheart.tech ports startups from the creative sector by offering workshop and conference cziitt.pw.edu.pl aipwarszawa.pl space for rent. It also implements other Reaktor Startup Poland Youth Business Poland activities aimed at the development of ReaktorWarsaw is a non-profit organisa- The Startup Poland Foundation rep- Youth Business Poland (YBP) is an entrepreneurship (read more on p. 12). DELab UW tion established in 2011 for startups by resents the community of innovative accredited member of Prince Charles’ Business Link Warsaw University’s Digital Economy Lab startups. It offers coworking space and is entrepreneurs and is the voice of Polish Youth Business International (YBI), Business Link is an ecosystem for invites young companies such as start- famous for its monthly startup event, the startups. Its aim is to develop the aware- a foundation supporting entrepreneurs CENTRUM entrepreneurs and a workplace driven KREATYWNOŚCI ups, micro-businesses, foundations and OpenReaktor as well as the events with ness of startup’s capacity among decision and new jobs in 46 countries. YBP’s TARGOWA by values. It offers modern office space, projects to join its Activity Zone for the mentors called the Reaktor Open Office makers, politicians and representatives programme in Poland is managed by the co-working, conference rooms and firma.um.warszawa.pl/projekty/ endeavours which aim to foster different Hours. The organisation also runs its of local authorities. In its activities, the Inkubator Technologiczny Foundation, a wide array of supplementary services. centrum-kreatywnosci-targowa-56 forms of collaboration with the academia acceleration scheme, ReaktorX. Foundation focuses on identifying and a group of 100 mentors, i.e. experienced Business Link’s users acquire access to concurrently with their core business eliminating the barriers to the develop- business practitioners who have helped a network of contacts including investors activity. The Lab also conducts research ment of innovative companies in Poland. 600 companies get off to a start since and business celebrities. The network Centre of Entrepreneurship Smolna on the application of new technologies It also supports legislative efforts which 2008. YBP offers support in mentoring, currently spans 10 cities in Poland; War- The Centre of Entrepreneurship Smolna in economy and society. Consequently, lead to the development of the ecosys- acceleration, training, consulting, and saw’s Business Links are located in two provides training, consulting, financial, le- effective collaboration and knowl- reaktorwarsaw.com tem for startups. acquisition of funds. prime spots, i.e. the National Stadium gal, accounting and management servic- edge-sharing are the Lab’s key values. and the Zebra Tower (Mokotowska 1). es for startups. It also offers co-working space for rent. (read more on p. 13).

startuppoland.org ybp.org.pl CENTRUM PRZEDSIĘBIORCZOŚCI delab.uw.edu.pl SMOLNA blpoland.com firma.um.warszawa.pl

20 #TechWawa #TechWawa 21 Networking in Warsaw

The calendar of events for startups in Warsaw offers a rich mixture of international and local conferences, specialist training and workshops, hackathons, and networking events. There is plenty to choose from, and almost every day is an opportunity to take part in an event to suit your requirements. In this guide we present a selection of regular events which have earned a recognition within the startup community. You will find up-to-date information on the current events on the following web pages: startuppoland.org/wydarzenia and crossweb.pl.

22 #TechWawa #TechWawa 23 Wersje kolorystyczne logo

Logo powinno być zawsze używane w pokazanych wariantach kolorystycznych. Nie wolno umieszczać logo na innych tłach oraz w innej kolorystyce niż prezentowana.

Aula Polska Bitspiration Carrots Meetup Confitura Conferences for Women Entrepreneurs Innovative Economy Congress

Aula Polska develops the community Bitspiration Festival is a platform for Geek Girls Carrots is a community of Confitura is one of Poland’s largest Java The conferences organised by the The Innovative Economy Congress is and ecosystem for innovative companies Central and Eastern European entre- women who love new technologies. conferences. Since 2007, the event has Network of Women Entrepreneurs are a platform for all stakeholders who ben- and business endeavours. Its mission is preneurs, startuppers and key opinion Established in 2011 in Warsaw, its aim is been an international platform for the directed to businesswomen and are efit from innovation-friendly activities in implemented through practice and ex- leaders from the world of business and to increase the participation of women in exchange of knowledge and experience each devoted to a different, up-to-date Poland. Its mission is to offer solutions change of experience. Aula’s events are new technologies. In the next edition IT industry. The community’s members, among software developers. challenge from the domain of business for the development of knowledge-based attended by owners of young businesses, the Festival’s educational mission will be popularly referred to as the Carrots, and professional development. The con- economy. seasoned entrepreneurs, experts, and extended to include marketing strategies have implemented social initiatives for ference speeches offer new knowledge representatives of the media. and sales strategies for entrepreneurs. women in over 30 cities and 14 countries organised by: Brain Change Continental but also an opportunity to develop one’s worldwide. event frequency: 1/year network, start collaborative projects or organised by: the National Chamber number of participants: ~1,400 get inspired. of Commerce organised by: Artur Kurasiński organised by: PROIDEA sp. z o.o. confitura.pl event frequency: 1/year event frequency: 2/month event frequency: 1/year organised by: Geek Girls Carrots number of participants: 800+ number of participants: 150–200 number of participants: 1,200 event frequency: 1/month organised by: Fundacja Przedsiębiorczoś- kongresig.pl aulapolska.pl bitspiration.com number of participants: 50–100 ci Kobiet geekgirlscarrots.org event frequency: 2/year (spring, autumn) number of participants: 500 siecprzedsiebiorczychkobiet.pl/ konferencje

24 #TechWawa #TechWawa 25 SCALAR Scala Conference in Central Europe

Let’s Start Up! The Young & Innovative. NXTWAW OpenReaktor Pixel Heaven Scalar Conference Young Entrepreneurs Forum Let’s Start Up! is joint initiative of stu- NXTWAW is a community which intends OpenReaktor aims to facilitate network- Pixel Heaven is Poland’s largest event for The main goal of the Scalar Conference is dents of Warsaw School of Economics, The Young & Innovative – Young Entre- to change Warsaw by implementing new ing, knowledge- and experience-sharing Polish independent video games studios. to popularise the Scala language among University of Warsaw and Warsaw Uni- preneurs Forum is a place where young projects and initiatives. It encourages and integration of Warsaw’s startup The event is made up of PIXEL.EXPO, developers by presenting Scala imple- versity of Technology who are interested and dynamic entrepreneurs have an the exchange of ideas and tapping into scene in an informal atmosphere, an exhibition space, PIXEL.CONNECT mentations and case studies. The event in working for or starting a tech compa- opportunity to express their views on the potential of the local community in with pizza and beer to accompany the conference, and PIXEL.AWARDS. also offers practical workshops and live ny. The events organised as part of Let’s the legal, financial, economic and social order to translate innovative concepts discussions. coding sessions. Start Up! are an opportunity to present environment in which they operate. into activities which change the local a business, analyse its challenges and environment. organised by: PIXEL monthly magazine meet prospective investors. organised by: ReaktorWarsaw event frequency: 1/year organised by: SoftwareMill organised by: Polish Chamber event frequency: 1/month number of participants: 8,000 event frequency: 1/year of Commerce organised by: Drew Stachnik number of participants: 100–120 pixelheavenfest.com number of participants: 500 organised by: Student Business Circle at event frequency: 1/year event frequency: 1/month – always on reaktorwarsaw.com scalar-conf.com the Warsaw School of Economics number of participants: 300 the last Wednesday of each month event frequency: 1/year minnowacyjni.pl number of participants: 200 number of participants: 1,000 nxtwaw.com lsuwarsaw.pl

26 #TechWawa #TechWawa 27 Startup Coffee by flame. PROGRESS

Startup Coffee Startup Grind Startup Weekend/SWWAW Global Entrepreneurship Week Technologie Relacje Wiedza Wolves Summit

Startup Coffee organises meetings for Startup Grind is a community which Startup Weekend Warsaw is an interna- The Global Entrepreneurship Week is Technologie Relacje Wiedza (Technology, The goal of the Summit is to help start- young entrepreneurs who are embarking unites, teaches and inspires entrepre- tional hackathon format linked to Tech- an international project which has been Relations, Knowledge) is a series of meet- ups find sources of funding and contacts on the path of innovative business. The neurs. It was established in 2010 in stars accelerator. During the 54-hour- in operation since 2008. Present in 160 ings aimed at facilitating the exchange with the world of business through regular monthly events present useful San Francisco, and operates in 200 cities long event, the participant’s task is to countries worldwide, it promotes con- of experience and disseminating best networking events and one-on-one meet- techniques and methods for startup across 85 countries. Startup Grind events prepare and validate business concepts. scious development, pro-active attitudes practice for the implementation of inno- ings. Apart from organising the confer- development such as customer develop- present interviews with experienced The assumption is for every team to and innovative business undertakings. vative projects. ences, the Wolves Summit helps startups ment, lean startup, or agile management. entrepreneurs and creates a global net- guide their idea to the stage of prototyp- The event offers free training courses, set up their marketing and sales funnels working opportunity for Polish startups. ing/MVP (minimum viable product). workshops, debates and contests to help and use videos as a marketing tool. the participants acquire knowledge on organised by: BT Progress organised by: flame how to establish one’s own business, event frequency: 1/month event frequency: 1/month organised by: Anna Walkowska organised by: CoreTeam – Magda build a network of contacts, develop number of participants: 100 organised by: Fundacja Wolves number of participants: 5–15 event frequency: once every two months Borowik, Konrad Latkowski, Jarosław a startup. technologie-relacje-wiedza.pl Den Fundation meetup.com/startupcoffeebyflame number of participants: 80–120 Piotrowski, Bartek Staryga event frequency: 2/year (April/October) startupgrind.com/warsaw event frequency: 1–2/year number of participants: 2,000 number of participants: 100 participants, organised by: The Global Entrepreneur- wolvessummit.com 20 mentors and jurors ship Week Foundation swwaw.com event frequency: 1/year, always in the 3rd week of November number of participants: ~100,000 tydzienprzedsiebiorczosci.pl

28 #TechWawa #TechWawa 29 Get funding for your startup in Warsaw!

Most Polish startups finance their activity from their own funds. The most frequently used external sources of funding include EU grants, venture capital funds and business angels. Funding acquisition through crowdfunding platforms such as findfunds.pl, wspolnicy.pl or crowdangels.pl is also becoming popular. Capital for startups is also offered by large entities such as the National Economy Bank (BGK), the Mazovian Credit Guarantee Fund, the Mazovian Loan Fund or the National Contact Point for Financial Instruments of the EU Programmes. There are also other state institutions which provide funding for innovative endeavours: the National Centre for Research (NCBR) and Development and the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIIZ). It’s worthwhile checking the most up-to-date information on the websites of these institutions. In this guide we present a catalogue of venture capital funds which operate in Warsaw.

30 #TechWawa #TechWawa 31 GIZA POLISH HEDGEHOG inovo VENTURES FUND advisory investment management

1500 in 57 No. of No. of 26 12 since 2013 34 since 2012 13 since 2012 5 15 countries 14 15 since 2013 investments investments since 1991

concept, proto- stage of concept, prototype, early growth, growth, startup, initial phase, type, preliminary startups with seed, late seed, stage of seed or later stages all VC or early stage development preliminary business plan expansion development business plan, traction expansion development ready product

investment pln 0.5–12 pln usd 0.25– investment pln 800,000 pln 12 million pln 1–3 million pln 1 million usd 3 million pln 2 million level million 1 million + 250 million level

know-how, expert support communication, tech- patent, finance, technical analy- expert support in patent, finance, strate- expert support in for sales, mar- access to know- additional nologies, the media, know-how of Internet strategic, invest- ses, transaction management of additional gic, investment, tax, and management of the keting, finance, how of the services the Internet, entertain- business practitioners ment advisory handling, market- the business and services legal advisory services business operations and partners ment services ing support finance opera- HR tions

Internet Internet ainot.pl evf.com.pl/pl gpventures.pl hedgehogfund.pl infini.pl inovo.vc intelcapital.com mci.eu protos.vc address address

32 #TechWawa #TechWawa 33 Accelerate in Warsaw!

An accelerator is a device which accelerates particles to nearly light speed. However, the term is also used in the context of startup support, as business accelerators are also meant to give a budding enterprise momentum. Every year a number of acceleration programmes are initiated in Warsaw by supporting institutions, entities active within the startup community or by investment funds, corporations, and public administration bodies. New initiatives are cropping up all the time so in order to have a full picture you have to stay up-to-date.

34 #TechWawa #TechWawa 35 Fab Poland Warsaw

development interested entrepre- research, MVP, MVP seed MVP pre-seed, non- existing solutions idea stage, possi- companies at the TRL1–TRL7 no criteria scale-up phase MVP–pre-seed development stage of accepted neurs, seed active prototype equity accelerator, consistent with bly also MVP stage of prepa- stage of accepted startups prototype necessary Orange’s strategy ration for formal startups registration

programmes/ Company with preacceleration IMPACT, IMPACT_ GammaRebe ls in programmes for in- MIT Enterprise Orange Fab ReaktorX Business in Wom- BridgeAlfa Incu- Connector, Think Big 5-month-long programmes/ schemes no social security scheme for re- Poland, IMPACT collaboration with surancetech, FinTech Forum Poland en’s Hands bator 2015, Start- Startup Poland acceleration schemes burdens at AIP, AIP searchers Growth, Cycle Poczta Polska, Start- industries up Hub Warsaw Global programme coworking up Next Warsaw Accelerator

number of number of supported 470 20 100 10–20 41 25 6 5–10 50 8 199 no data 30–50 supported startups startups

services networking, work- access to business EUR 100,000 equity Free access to Am- individual mentor, PLN 200k for workshops, men- networking training: seed investment, industry events, winner will have mentoring, net- services shops, investments, management know- free, 6-monthlong azon AWS, Google workshops, one- business support, toring, coaching, events, work- workshops and mentor and BA participation in an opportunity working, acqui- partnership scheme, how, meetings with acceleration pro- and Microsoft cloud on-one sessions, PLN 50k for expert participation shops, mentoring individual consult- support, access to fairs, conferences, to grow their sition of funding, advisory and representatives of gramme (up to 250 services, PayPal’s access to knowledge services and consult- in conferences sessions ing, mentoring, a broad network discussion panels, business at UPC’s workshops consulting, pitching, the startup eco- hours of mentoring), Blueprint pro- and experts from ing. MIT Enterprise and partner’s networking of contacts, access to an in- side, main prize; legal personality, system, corpora- possibility of secur- gramme, and more. 500Startups and Forum Poland is events, access (incl. networking assistance in ac- vestor database EUR 10,000 voluntary social se- tions and business ing further rounds of Expert support, Techstars, tools of non-equity (it does to VC funds and sessions with quisition of funds curity contribution, support institutions; funding financial support, the programme’s not expect shares) business angels, female startupers, for the next round legal advice and workshops, individu- workshops partners, analysts scale-up opportu- inspiration and Be of investment. accounting services, al sessions of SpeedUp Group nities the Change net- We help discover on-line services Fund, possibility working events in the commercial- to acquire support a wider group of isation potential from portfolio com- stakeholders) of technological panies projects

siecprzedsiebi- Internet Internet aipwarszawa.pl alfa.ac fundingbox.com hardgamma.com hugething.vc mitefpoland.org orangefab.pl reaktorx.com orczychkobiet.pl/ startuphub.pl startuppoland.org thinkbig.upc.pl waw.ac address address programy

36 #TechWawa #TechWawa 37 Get to know Warsaw’s startups!

The international success stories of companies such as Audioteka, Filmaster, Ifinity or Showroom prove that Warsaw is the hub of the region’s innovative business. The Witcher, produced by Warsaw-based CD PROJEKT, is the third most-awarded computer game of all times. The number of Warsaw-based startups which are able to compete like equals with the largest global players is growing every year. You can read about some of them below.

38 #TechWawa #TechWawa 39 Jakub Terczyński, CEO Curious Booksy Element

What problem has Booksy tackled? costs while increasing the safety or simply thinking that you can meet all your Booksy delivers a solution for quick and introducing the fun element. objectives on your own. easy appointment booking for customers of health & beauty businesses. We also How did you know there was demand What’s your advice for budding help beauty salons manage all aspects of for your product? entrepreneurs? their activity, e.g. sales, warehouse, mar- Already at the initial phases of the pro- They should be relentless, they should be keting activities, employee remuneration, jects all our implementations are preced- looking for better solutions all the time, they etc. Booksy users make their appoint- ed by consultations with the end users. must not be afraid of change and they should ments on average 20–30% more fre- be flexible. Experts always have plenty of quently than those who use traditional How did you find your first clients? critical comments for each project but you communication channels. The businesses Stefan Batory, CEO We owe it all to networking and face- must remember that the project is your vision save time which they can later use to to-face contacts. Over the first year of and you need to be sensible in filtering the develop lasting customer relations. What were the biggest mistakes you’ve What’s your advice for budding What problem has Curious the startup’s operation we took part in feedback you get. Stick to your vision and made and what lessons have you learnt entrepreneurs? Element tackled? approximately 20 events. Business fairs mission at all times. How did you know there was demand as a result? I think they need to focus on building We operate in business and entertain- turned out to be really helpful – we for your product? We were too quick to enter some mar- a product and finding a group of cus- ment industries where one of the key showed our product together with a busi- What makes Warsaw stand out on the startup We tested Booksy for six months with 50 kets. The organisation was not yet ready tomers first. It’s a good idea to try to do challenges is a high cost of training set-up ness partner who showed their comple- scene and is Warsaw’s originality the reason hairdressers who helped us fine-tune the for up-scaling. Consequently, not all of without investor support for as long as or display stand set-up. Rooms and their mentary product. why you decided to launch your startup here? system and create the matching business our business processes worked well. possible. equipment are subject to wear-and-tear We took part in the Be Creative in Warsaw model. Now I know it is sometimes a good idea and they don’t flexibly match the new What were the biggest mistakes you’ve project for 50 leading startups from the fash- to wait for some time. What makes Warsaw stand out on the objectives. Our solution is based on VR made and what lessons have you learnt as ion, design and computer games industries. How did you find your first customers? startup scene and is Warsaw’s originality and it has no physical constraints. Each a result? We met many young, talented and passionate We found them online, through PPC What are the key experiences from the reason why you decided to launch virtual room we generate on our com- Our largest mistakes were too extensive people there. The event was valuable for us channels. your startup launch? your startup here? puters enables companies to reduce their planning, too lenient team management because it enabled us to build a network of Three years ago, when I was research- I don’t know any other startup scenes overhead associated with equipment and and mismatched recruitment, but thanks interesting contacts and learn some tools to What stage of development ing the market with Konrad Howard, really so I can’t make any comparisons. materials, space, and transportation to to our mistakes we’ve learned a lot. guide us through the critical moment in the are you at now? nobody believed in our idea. We knew the training venue. In our solutions we Most of all, we’ve grown sensitive to the startup’s operation. The Warsaw competition We’re currently closing round 1 at 4 our project had that ‘something’ in it so apply the most advanced VR techniques features of the persons who add little stood out because of the attitude of the con- million dollars. We’ll soon be scaling the we decided to fund the first stage on our industry: SaaS which enable you to immerse yourself in value to the project. We’ve also learned testants: there was no aggressive rivalry, we business up on our key markets, i.e. the own, and that is how we got our MVP. It headcount: ~70 a totally made-up environment where you to manage processes within a startup in supported and inspired one another instead. US, the UK, Brazil, and Poland. We’ll also was well worth it. Without that decision established in: 2015 can look around, move around, and move a more mature way. look out for opportunities to expand to and the further traction we wouldn’t acquired funding: USD 4 million objects with your hands. We provide ac- other markets. Currently, 25k appoint- have acquired funding later. If you’re biz.booksy.net cess to applications which are simply tools What are the key experiences from industry: IT, multimedia, VR ments are made through Booksy every certain about the value of your idea, it to meet the needs of the clients and help your startup launch? headcount: 4 day. Our goal is to reach the level of one makes sense to bet everything on this them operate in their business. Thanks to The most important experience was established in: 2015 million appointments within 2 years. one horse. our solutions, our clients decrease their to open to others and shift away from curiouselement.com

40 #TechWawa #TechWawa 41 DocPlanner

I understood that doing simple things is often the most disruptive positive factor for the company’s activity.

What problem has DocPlanner tackled? users looked for reviews of doctors However, we were able to reach them country without someone from the lo- ideas which are redundant on your path ZnanyLekarz.pl was initially a platform on-line. However, there was no single and convince them to cooperate with us. cation, someone knowledgeable about to small-scale success. Talk with your for gathering information about doc- site where they could find information the local reality. customers. Test. Analyse the numbers tors and doctor reviews. Currently, about a specialist, read patient reviews, What stage of development and figures. And, last but not least: talk our sites are available in 30 countries. and make an appointment at the same are you at now? What are the key experiences from with the persons who have followed Apart from the initial functionality they time. ZnanyLekarz.pl site was already in The entire DocPlanner group cur- your startup launch? a similar path. facilitate making appointments with the operation at the time. I recognised its rently employs 260 persons. 25,000 Most of all, it was a unique opportunity Mariusz Gralewski, CEO selected specialist. We have 18 million potential and decided to invest in it. As doctors pay for our services. We have to see for myself how much product What makes Warsaw stand out on the users each month. We help doctors the system developed and as our con- offices in Warsaw, Barcelona, Rome, simplicity matters if you want it to be im- startup scene and is Warsaw’s originality with private practices acquire more tacts with the medical profession grew and Istanbul. We lead the market in plemented and serve the society. Some- the reason why you decided to launch patients and manage their appointment I realised that the way doctors organise Poland, Spain, Turkey, Italy, Brazil, and times it’s enough to work a bit longer on your startup here? calendars. We also offer a convenient their work did not match the modern in Mexico. the textual content of the site, button Compared against other cities in Poland, system for appointment management for standards. Many doctors were still using visibility – simple things really, but ones Warsaw is big. It may sound obvious but health centres. paper print calendars to manage their What were the biggest mistakes you’ve that enable you to achieve better results. it is really important as it easier to find schedules. We decided to help them made and what lessons have you learnt I also understood that doing simple excellent professionals here or expats How did you know there was demand and automate the everyday tasks for as a result? things is often the most disruptive thing with fluency in foreign languages. War- for your product? more efficient practice or health centre Looking back I have to admit that my for the company. saw is also Poland’s largest business hub. I was looking for a good doctor myself management. biggest mistake was my insufficient at one point in time. Nobody was able to ability to say ‘no’ to some new ideas What’s your advice for budding recommend the best specialist availa- How did you find your first customers? which we simply didn’t have the time entrepreneurs? industry: Internet portal, Healthcare ble. Then I realised that the market was Through direct sales. These weren’t for. Consequently, we suffered a few I have a few tips to offer. They’re equally headcount: 250 not transparent. I was trying to come the easiest of times. We were not yet defeats by losing the vital tasks from important. Most of all: do not com- established in: 2012 up with a solution, a way to change the popular at the time, and doctors are ex- sight. I also understood that it is impos- plicate, make it simpler. Try to do one acquired funding: USD 34 million state of things. I knew that Internet tremely busy and demanding customers. sible to build a sales team in a foreign thing but do it very well. Say ‘no’ to all docplanner.com; znanylekarz.pl

42 #TechWawa #TechWawa 43 DreamJay GetLine Łukasz Młodyszewski, CEO

What problem has DreamJay tackled? recruited through personal profiles on so- Kacper Wikieł, CEO We spend, or at least should spend, 33% cial media. They were followed by others of our lives sleeping. We don’t know thanks to recommendations of those who very well what is happening when we wanted to get rid of their nightmares. are asleep, or how make the best use of We’ve also attracted many users thanks the time. DreamJay wants to change it to interviews and presentations at con- by introducing augmented sleep for the ferences. first time. Thanks to our methodology based on scientific research we create What stage of development products which will enable us to use are you at now? human sleep in order to improve the he- We’ve finished testing on a limited alth and well-being of millions of people number of users. Nightly will shortly be Our first product is Nightly, around the world. Our first product available in AppStore, in the first quarter is an application, Nightly, for persons of 2017. an application for persons suffering from nightmares. This problem suffering from nightmares. affects 600 million people worldwide. What was your main drive when you Our methodology was created during launched a startup? a target group of around 600 clinical trials. So far the app has been After a few years of work for venture million people worldwide. tested on over 140 persons suffering capital funds I wanted to set up my own What problem has GetLine tackled? a narrow niche. Now it is of key What makes Warsaw stand out on the from nightmares, often traumarelated business. Then Michał, the startup’s GetLine facilitates access to capital importance for us to introduce prof- startup scene and why did you choose nightmares, or PTSD-related nightma- co-founder, convinced me to work on for those who take loans and enables itability and upscale the operations. Warsaw as the place to res. How does Nightly work? Before you sleep improvement. those willing to invest to get an launch your startup? fall asleep you pick and watch a two-mi- Comparing with the Silicon Valley, Poland’s attractive return on investment while What was your main drive when you Warsaw stands out thanks to nute-long relaxation video. At night, the What were the biggest mistakes you’ve capital is cheaper for business and for offering an opportunity to fund an launched a startup? organisations such as Reaktor or app produces sounds which influence made and what lessons have you learnt research. The competition to attract original business model. The main drive was our willingness Campus Warsaw. The city also of- sleep quality at the right moments. This as a result? the best specialist is also not so fierce to do it. fers an opportunity to recruit your enables you to get rid of your nightma- Investors wanted to give us more money here. Consequently, Warsaw has created How did you find your first clients? employees and co-workers quickly. res and you wake up more feeling more than we actually needed. We didn’t good conditions for the development of The project was launched at Startup What were the biggest mistakes relaxed. Nightly is the first augmented accept these excessive amounts. disruptive products without the necessity Weekend Fintech 2014 in Warsaw you’ve made and what lessons have sleep product but in the pipeline we Looking back – I think we should have of attracting huge funding. where I was able to acquire the first you learnt as a result? industry: FinTech have further products to support thera- taken the money. group of 150 users within 24 hours. The trickiest thing was the con- headcount: 11 pies, increase the patient’s motivation viction that I need to have a ready established in: 2016 or to detect sleep disorders. What makes Warsaw stand out on the industry: digital health, med-tech, wellness What stage of development product to be able to talk with acquired funding: PLN 100,000 startup scene and is Warsaw’s originality headcount: 11 are you at now? customers. Today I know it is exactly getline.in How did you find your first customers? the reason why you decided established in: 2014 We’re upscaling our solution. So the other way around. The first app testers for Nightly were to launch your startup here? dreamjay.com far it has been working well within

44 #TechWawa #TechWawa 45 Growbots

resources where they are truly needed. experience on two sites: sixteenventures. when we thought we had reached the Valley. Startuppers there are very helpful Growbots, by connecting suppliers with com and kissmetrics.com. I must add peak: we’d released our software and and eager to share their experiences. receivers, also facilitates the validation here that our post on Kissmetrics was a few companies wanted to buy the And everything is transparent – you of business concepts and elaboration among the portal’s top three most shared product. On top of that we were also can easily have an open conversation of customer profiles. posts. After the publication we promoted convinced we’d found an investor. In an even with your competitors. Every time both articles through cold mailing i.e. by unexpected turn of fortune, the investor we visit our San Francisco office, the How did you know there was contacting the renowned SaaS experts. resigned and the prospective clients open-mindedness of Americans and the demand for your product? These activities attracted our first clients never paid for the product. Our team at spirit of the Silicon Valley inspire us to In fact we verified the existence of who visited the Growbots website. the time was 20 people strong, and we act; we always come back with heads full demand for our product long before the had less than one hundred dollars on our of ideas. product itself was developed. When What stage of development bank account. But luck was soon back Grzegorz Pietruszyński and I were run- are you at now? with us. The day after we sent an email What’s your advice for budding ning a lead acquisition agency working We’re at an important and exciting to our employees telling them we’d be entrepreneurs? What problem has Growbots tackled? with US clients we noticed that there stage now. We’re trying to secure round late with their remuneration, suddenly When it was Amazon’s first day as a list- One of the greatest challenges faced by was a market niche that nobody had A funding, we’re growing extremely fast an investor approached us. However, the ed company, CEO Jeff Bezos wrote to almost every company is how to acquire filled. That niche was the lack of an at over 20% monthly, and hugely talent- whole situation was an important course the company’s shareholders ‘it’s always clients and build an easily up-scalable automation tool for all the sales activities ed people are joining our team. We want in humility. We learned to always take day one’. That is the quote which always sales system. In most cases the process that are necessary but also very timecon- to keep investing in our dynamic growth. the pulse of the company and control inspires me to act. Never rest on your is preceded by a tedious, manual and suming – I mean finding prospects and Currently our focus is on extending our the spending. Now we know that finding laurels. Even if you reach the peak, it time-consuming search for contacts developing contacts with them. That is San Francisco team of 7 people: apart an investor is never a trivial task, and means day one on a new trail. It’s just like with prospective clients and customers. how we created the first specification of from salespersons we would like our San a client is truly a client only when they’ve in the mountains. When you’ve managed The next step is usually to present the our tool. Francisco staff to include marketing and paid for the product. to climb a mountain, you are able to see offer and start active sales. Growbots customer success teams. In Poland, we’re the next one that you hadn’t seen before. has built a tool for B2B companies How did you find your first clients? developing very strong product compe- What are the key experiences from So you set off to climb that mountain which can automate and simplify the We focused on the US market from tencies and our plan is to double the size your startup launch? too, and behind it there sure is another process of client contacting and acqui- the very beginning. We realised that it of our team within the next 12 months. Most definitely – our participation in 500 one. Managing a startup is a never-end- sition. We have an up-to-date, precise was a difficult market, particularly for Although we are already in a position to Startups accelerator. It was there that we ing story. There’s never a moment where and diverse database and a system a small and unknown Polish business. generate profits, we still prefer to remain felt the incredible atmosphere created by you wave your flag at the top and say for e-mail communication based on We approached the challenge very close to the break-even point, which is 35 companies working together in one ‘we’ve done it!’. You must all the time be machine learning. We’re also devel- carefully, and with a clear method. We why we can keep investing in the com- open space office. There were more than venturing beyond your comfort zone, oping Artificial Intelligence for sales realised that in order to acquire clients pany. We most definitely won’t welcome 100 entrepreneurs and mentors at our trying to achieve more. because we want products to automat- on such a large and foreign market we any stagnation in our business. arm’s reach, ready to exchange experi- ically find their customers. Our tool needed to become credible. We decid- ence with us. Most of them had already is currently able to save the precious ed to develop the required trust and What were the biggest mistakes you’ve done businesses worth millions. Only industry: SaaS time of entrepreneurs and salespersons. our sales experts image by publishing made and what lessons have you learnt the accelerator was able to ensure such headcount: 65 With the solution, instead of focusing our guest feature posts on the indus- as a result? an environment. I’d also add our stay in established in: 2014

Łukasz Deka, on manual and repetitive activities, try’s widely recognised blogs. Grzegorz It was our clear mistake to announce our San Francisco and the opportunity to feel acquired funding: USD 1.7 million CPO & co-founder companies can now use their human was able to present his knowledge and success prematurely. There was a time the entrepreneurial spirit of the Silicon growbots.com

46 #TechWawa #TechWawa 47 HealthUp

​Łukasz Kołtowski, CEO & founding partner Piotr Bajtała, COO & founding partner​

What problem has HealthUp tackled? positive assessment of our investor What were the biggest mistakes you’ve It has to be developed, tested, and wants to establish a startup but the Our focus is on spirometry. We and supervisory board who have very made and what lessons have you learnt implemented. You should not fear question is ‘what’s next?’ Going back have developed MySpiroo, a system extensive experience in bioscience as a result? making decisions and sticking to the to the main question, in Warsaw we which helps patients with asthma products. So far the selection of external suppliers choices you’ve made. Don’t look back value the Centre of Entrepreneurship Every idea is worth taking and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary has been a challenge. We are currently and ponder whether you may have done Smolna highly. It is a great place to Disease (COPD) control their How did you find your first clients? implementing key tasks internally, something differently. create a business, located in the a look at. It has to be breathing problems. It can also be We are currently still negotiating with and we are running audits of our key middle of a park in Warsaw’s Powiśle developed, tested, and used to assess the breathing capacity clinics, doctors, health organisations and suppliers. What makes Warsaw stand out on district. Smolna offers very favourable of athletes. pharmaceutical companies. the startup scene and is Warsaw’s conditions for business development. implemented. You should not What are the key experiences from the originality the reason why you decided That is why our seat is there, too. We fear making decisions and How did you know there was demand What stage of development launch of your startup? to launch your startup here? recommend Smolna. for your product? are you at now? The three most important aspects are I don’t like the term ‘startup’, and sticking to the choices you’ve Our friends from the medical We meet all the spirometry standards the development of business relations, neither am I fond of the term ‘the made. industry, expert advisers and (ATS/ERS). We have also implemented patent protection and budget. startup scene’. I prefer notions such industry: health & medical devices doctors told us about this business ISO 13485. Our medical device has as entrepreneur, industry, company. headcount: 8 need. It was later confirmed in the acquired the CE label, too. This means What’s your advice for budding It’s about your approach. You need established in: 2014 reports from international health we are now officially a manufacturer of entrepreneurs? a serious approach to business and its acquired funding: USD 1.1 million organisations and, most of all, in the medical devices. Every idea is worth taking a look at. development. Nowadays everybody myspiroo.com

48 #TechWawa #TechWawa 49 Adam Jesionkiewicz, CEO Ifinity

What problem has Ifinity tackled? implementations which can solve business partners, further acquisitions Our navigation and geolocation services a tangible problem existing in outdoor were easier. Particularly thanks to the facilitate digital contextualisation (e.g. in space. That is why we focused on cities media interest that our activities have mobile apps) of space as well as particu- because it is there that usability counts caused. lar objects. The most valuable solution and the scale is big enough. We were we are proud of is navigation with con- able to find a common ground with What stage of development textual information, developed in mind representatives of the City of War- are you at now? with blind persons and persons with saw, which has resulted in many joint We are currently delivering positioning sight impairment living in Warsaw. It projects. It has also naturally led to the technologies for a few large integrators is the first implementation of its kind development of our competencies and that we cooperate with. At the same globally; the solution offers information knowledge of the real needs of urban time, we are also working on BEACON- about public infrastructure. Thanks to population. ING, a European educational platform our solution Bloomberg Philanthropies which is being created as part of the beginning you need to look for pure course, in many cases commercialisation and brave, risk-taking officials from Foundation awarded Warsaw with How did you find your first clients? EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. This business value, not technological value. is not possible, particularly if solutions the municipal office. I’ve been observ- a special prize in the Mayors Challenge. We contacted them directly and showed project is particularly important for us similar to yours are not yet present on ing a quality and mentality shift in the them tangible benefits. As we were due to its size and scale. There are 10 What are the key experiences from the the market. I’m not convinced if it is public administration, a good sign for How did you know there was demand dealing with a new technology, this partners from across Europe on the launch of your startup? a good idea nowadays to launch pro- the future. for your product? was not an easy task. That is why we project, and its budget amounts to EUR The most precious knowledge you learn jects in Poland which require building From the very beginning of our business developed a special pilot programme for 7 million. We are the only project part- throughout the process of innovative a market from scratch. That’s what you the key goal was to validate the concept mitigating the client’s decision-making ner from Poland. We’ll be working on business development is the aware- need to be aware of. industry: Internet of Things/smart cities and the technology based on real-life risk barrier. When we attracted our first this project for three years, which will ness of what’s not working. You have headcount: 12–60 (depending on the offer a great opportunity to develop our to be very agile and ready to shift your What makes Warsaw stand out on the projects in progress) products and competencies in the smart priorities. The conclusion is that you startup scene and is Warsaw’s originali- established in: 2014 city domain. Moreover, we’re constantly shouldn’t upscale your business too fast; ty the reason why you decided to launch acquired funding: >PLN 4 m seeking optimal alignment of our tech- the bigger a young company is, the less your startup here? getifinity.com nology with market needs, a priority for flexible it becomes. I was surprised to see the openness the coming years. to new innovative projects here. Until What’s your advice for budding entre- recently the general idea was that What were the biggest mistakes you’ve preneurs? when a large organisation such as a city The most valuable solution we are proud of is navigation made and what lessons have you learnt When you’re developing your startup in cooperates with very young businesses, as a result? with contextual information, developed for blind persons Poland you shouldn’t count on a series it looks strange if not suspicious. I think We were too optimistic in terms of of investment rounds. At the seed stage that Infinity has been able to blaze a trail and persons with sight impairment living in Warsaw. It is market adaptation. New technologies you have to acquire enough funding to for startups which are brave enough to the first implementation of its kind globally; the solution need time. It is sometimes impossible last you until your completely self-suffi- cooperate with public institutions. Of to convince our clients to accept what cient; this means that the commercial- course the credit goes not only to our offers information about public infrastructure. seems obvious for us. Since the very isation of your idea will be a must. Of company, but mostly to those qualified

50 #TechWawa #TechWawa 51 Invoice Ocean

Marcin Stefaniak, CEO & CTO

What problem has Invoice register their accounts. We purchased Ad- the business. I worked in that mode for why, as mentioned before, you need to Ocean tackled? Words campaigns and it soon turned out a few years and every day I was growing pick the industry and the type of work InvoiceOcean is an invoicing system. It that there were some interested users who more and more dissatisfied with what that you like. What I haven’t mentioned facilitates invoice archiving and e-mail- were actually using the system and who I was doing. Eventually I decided to cut before and what matters a lot is to ...translating your concept ing. It also generates ongoing reports on were ready to pay for the service. As you myself off the ongoing projects and surround yourself with a group of people the company’s finances. An additional can see we were able to confirm very quickly devote all my time to product develop- with whom you can cooperate smoothly. into a profitable business will functionality of the system is to issue that our tool was useful and that we could ment. Although we struggled financially most likely take more time invoices in different languages and cur- sell it on-line. at the beginning, the work was excit- What makes Warsaw stand out on the rencies, a helpful feature for businesses ing and fun again. It was a very good startup scene and is Warsaw’s originality and money than you initially operating on foreign markets. What stage of development are you at now? decision and a proof that you should the reason why you decided to launch thought. We operate in Poland (as fakturownia.pl), on do what you enjoy doing. I only regret your startup here? How did you know there was demand for English-speaking markets (invoiceocean.com), I hadn’t made that decision a few years In my opinion, Warsaw is a great city to your product? and in France (vosfactures.fr). Each month earlier. start and manage your business. Firstly, We were running a software develop- our customers use the system to issue more it offers access to a large talent pool of ment company and we needed a simple than 500,000 invoices. We’re currently What are the key experiences from the people who will help you develop and invoicing tool – one that could, firstly, focusing on the development of the system launch of your startup? promote the product. Secondly, Warsaw show the current balance, and secondly, and its alignment with the requirements of The moments after the system went is a friendly work environment with work without the intervention of a pro- new markets. live and we sent a release to the press many networking events. Reaktor is the fessional accountant. That’s how we built were simply unforgettable. It was ex- initiative I identify with the most – that a system for our own company, but we What were the biggest mistakes you’ve made citing to wait for the first reactions of is where our office was for 3 years, and also assumed that there were plenty of and what lessons have you learnt as a result? our customers. that’s where we met many great people. other businesses with similar needs. Before we launched InvoiceOcean, I man- aged a software business delivering tailored What’s your advice for budding How did you find your first customers? software according to client’s specifications. entrepreneurs? industry: FinTech When the initial version of the sys- In that business we always wanted to de- As a practitioner I know that translating headcount: 20 tem was ready, we launched the velop something new by ourselves, but the your concept into a profitable business established in: 2010 fakturownia.pl website and we opened on-going projects were always the priority. will most likely take more time and fakturownia.pl, invoiceocean.com, it for customers who were able to They delivered profits and let us maintain money than you initially thought. That is vosfactures.fr

52 #TechWawa #TechWawa 53 LiveCall Migam

Maciej Dulski, Przemek Kuśmierek, founder & COO CEO

What problem has LiveCall tackled? to pay for the service we now are What’s your advice for budding What problem has Migam tackled? What stage of development than you and tell everyone about LiveCall offers a way to support verbal convinced that the solution helps entrepreneurs? Migam is our response to the commu- are you at now? your project. customer care. We help our clients bet- them attract new customers. Currently The best solutions are often the sim- nication problems faced by the Deaf. We’re up-scaling our solution. ter convert the website traffic, leading we’re focusing on up-scaling the busi- plest ones. It is enough to focus on the As a sign of respect for the community, What makes Warsaw stand out on the to an increased number of sales calls. ness and reaching the widest possible challenge and think about what it is please write the word with a capital D: What were the biggest mistakes you’ve startup scene and is Warsaw’s originali- group of prospects. exactly that customers need. Deaf. Our app enables them to commu- made and what lessons have you learnt ty the reason why you decided to launch How did you know there was demand nicate using any device, e.g. a computer as a result? your startup here? for your product? What were the biggest mistakes What makes Warsaw stand out on the or a smartphone. Thanks to the inclu- The biggest challenge was to select the I like Aula and Reaktor a lot. Besides, Even before we built the prototype we you’ve made and what lessons have startup scene and why is it in Warsaw sive nature of the solution we provide right team and define the right business most of Polish B2B clients are locat- had contacted almost 100 companies you learnt as a result? that you decided to launch your startup? equal access to products and services model. And the lesson learned is simple: ed in Warsaw. and told them about the key features I attached too much importance to Most of all, I appreciate the events for the Deaf. it’s all about not repeating the mistakes of our concept. They reacted with technology. The methods we wanted where you can meet other startuppers. you’ve made before. great interest. to use to automate some processes These meetings enabled us to establish How did you know there was demand industry: services were overly complicated. It turned out LiveCall and then attract customers. for your product? What are the key experiences from headcount: approximately 30 How did you find your first clients? that our clients expected a far easier I employed some deaf persons and the launch of your startup? established in: 2011/2012 Our first clients were the companies we solution. I soon understood the idea was good. You have to be extremely resilient, and acquired funding: >PLN 3 m knew well and liked, which is why we industry: SaaS Moreover, hearing loss or impairment you have to persevere despite the odds. migam.org were able to have honest and concrete What are the key experiences from the headcount: 5 affects hundreds of thousands of Poles I’ve never worked as hard as I’m working conversations about their expectations launch of your startup? established in: 2015 and over 72 million people worldwide. now, and I’ve never been more satisfied and methods of product optimisation. An unforgettable experience was when acquired funding: USD 50,000 with what I’m doing. the first client registered without livecall.io How did you find your first customers? What stage of development any support, started the account and I would tell everybody I met about the What’s your advice for budding are you at now? began to pay the subscription. project and I would convince them to entrepreneurs? Thanks to our clients who decided become our client. Learn from those who are smarter

54 #TechWawa #TechWawa 55 NEO-Ecology

Sara Berent, project coordinator

What problem has on natural, environmentally friendly and food producers. From the very start plan with farming, transport and storage the problem was tackled by appropriate December, convinced me to move. We NEO-Ecology tackled? components and has antibacterial and we focused our efforts on the most industries will be based on a license contractual provisions but it taught me spent almost the entire August partic- NEO-Ecology was initially a research fungicidal properties. It has proven its resilient and resistant pests in order to model covering the particular segment to be cautious and made me aware of ipating in Startup Hub Poland’s accel- project that turned into a business. Over effectiveness against microorganisms help replace the existing highly toxic and application. We would also like to how important it is to safeguard – when eration programme. I learnt a lot there two years of laboratory research we from the EU’s quarantine pathogen list. methods and products with environ- promote our own product, the Shelf Life money is at stake, you can come across and the knowledge has tremendously developed combinations of essential oils It can be used in agriculture, storage, mentally friendly ones. Extender, a solution for retailers to fa- all sorts of behaviours. helped the project develop. Warsaw is which are a cheap alternative to toxic transportation and as a disinfectant. We cilitate longer storage of fresh fruit and a great ecosystem for startup develop- pesticides and plant protection formu- are also intent on reaching individual Who are your clients and what stage of vegetables by ensuring protection from What’s your advice for budding entre- ment. It offers a multitude of promotion, las. Our technology is exclusively based customers through a line of household development are you at now? rot, pests and infections. preneurs? collaboration and funding opportunities. and portable products. Our objective is The first group of clients are pesticide Choose sensibly what you want to focus It’s here that business gets done, and it’s to arouse environmental awareness in and food safety product manufacturers. What were the biggest mistakes you’ve on and become an expert in the field. here that innovations and novelties are our customers, too. Currently, in a joint We have already contacted the research made and what lessons have you learnt Believe in yourself, grow, make contacts, sought and found. project with the Advanced Technologies institutes and laboratories of a number as a result? learn to recognise the potential in peo- Foundation, we are preparing an educa- of companies. We are now working on I’m only 20 now, so when I was estab- ple, and create an ambitious, talented tional campaign concerning molecular another R&D round recommended by lishing the startup and developing the team. Inspire it with your enthusiasm, industry: farming, food production, science, including food chemistry. The the corporations and their represent- projects I came across many potential remember to carefully plan next steps, food storage initiative is directed to secondary school atives. This round will define a further pitfalls. Luckily, so far we’ve been able and work hard. headcount: 4 Believe in yourself, grow, students. commercialisation path. We also coop- to avoid major problems or complica- established in: 2016 What makes Warsaw stand out on the make contacts, learn to erate with Polish organic farms. We’re tions. We have a great team of people neo-ecology.com How did you know there was demand focusing on the development of our with passion, vision, and enthusiasm startup scene and is Warsaw’s originali- recognise the potential for your product? market entry strategy and we’re looking who are also able to make a detailed ty the reason why you decided to launch your startup here? in people, and create an NEO-Ecology is a biotechnology project for suitable business partners who plan of further actions. The only actual based on many years of lab research and could also help as carry out large-scale problem we’ve experienced was an I come from Tri-City and I’m here be- ambitious, talented team. intended to meet the needs of farmers industrial testing. The cooperation we intellectual property issue. Fortunately, cause PwC, NEO-Ecology’s mentor since

56 #TechWawa #TechWawa 57 Niebagatela

I was stubborn enough to make glass frames on my own, I came up with my own technology and everything that may seem tedious or difficult from today’s perspective doesn’t matter – because when I’ve completed the project we’ll be proud of a great and original product from Poland.

What problem has There have been some mistakes for What’s your advice for budding Niebagatela tackled? sure but it’s difficult to remember entrepreneurs? Well, it’s hard to call it a problem. them as I’m focusing on the Never give up! It may sound I created the first wooden eyewear implementation of the business idea. commonplace, but few people realise workshop in Poland. I’ve combined I was stubborn enough to make what I’ve been through to get the fashion and nature and added frames on my own, I came up with my product of this quality. quality to the mix to get the output: own technology and everything that Niebagatela. may seem tedious or difficult from What makes Warsaw stand out on today’s perspective doesn’t matter the startup scene and is Warsaw’s How did you know there was demand – because when I’ve completed the originality the reason why for your product? project we’ll be proud of a great and you decided to launch your startup I didn’t know it in fact, I simply liked original product from Poland. I’m not here? Warsaw is wonderfully evolving, my own idea very much. in it for the money, or at least money you can see it at each corner, every Łukasz Marzecki, founder is not the key motivation. If I wanted single day. What stage of development to earn money quickly, I would’ve are you at now? imported eyewear from China. I’m perfecting the product all the time Instead, I want to create something industry: fashion and health in order to achieve world-class quality grand on my own. headcount: 1 and use the innovative technological established in: 2013 solution to the maximum. What are the key experiences from acquired funding: PLN 20,000 the launch of your startup? the prize in Be Creative in Warsaw What were the biggest mistakes In business you mustn’t trust anyone competition, the remaining part of the you’ve made and what lessons have apart from your family. That is the investment was self-funded you learnt as a result? painful truth. niebagatela.pl

58 #TechWawa #TechWawa 59 Prowly

...at a certain stage of Joanna Drabent, CEO development, no job is more important for the CEO than effective recruitment and onboarding. That is because people are behind every success, regardless of the product you’re offering.

What problem has Prowly tackled? PR agency. Sebastian Przyborowski and services and become the first company What were the biggest mistakes you’ve business – after all you need to make startup map. It gets mentioned more and We’ve created Prowly in order to make I then prepared a business case and we in Poland to have its own brand journal. made and what lessons have you learnt ends meet before your startup gets off more often during conversations we have the lives of marketing and PR specialists acquired the first part of funding for the as a result? the ground and becomes profitable. So abroad, also as a very likely location for easier. The main objective of our project’s development, PLN 230,000. What stage of development Our failed launch in the US has you end up juggling two jobs, working the launch of another unicorn in this part application is to facilitate and streamline The feedback we got after the launch of are you at now? taught me that at a certain stage of twenty hours per day or longer. It makes of Europe. The multitude of initiatives communications: from writing press the app’s beta version was very positive: We’re still at the beginning of our development, no job is more important sense to prepare well for this effort. such as D-RAFT Demo Days or VC Speed releases to the development of Internet the first clients were paying their journey and there’s a lot of work for the CEO than effective recruitment Dating helps young entrepreneurs not newsrooms. The most useful part of subscription already in the first month ahead of us. However, we already and onboarding. That is because people What’s your advice for budding only make contacts with businesses but Prowly is its analytical module which of our operation. Within three years we have extensive experience and are behind every success, regardless of entrepreneurs? also acquire their first pitching experience. supplies reader response data after have been able to attract a few hundred knowledge which we’re accumulating the product you’re offering. It is then, Create a prototype as soon as possible Such events send wind into the sails of content is released and posted on the clients. The results have enabled us to all the time in order to translate it when we failed, that I learned how to and confront it with market demands and Polish startups, particularly when it comes platform. This functionality enables the secure USD 1.1 million of funding, a key into our business objectives. We’ve delegate responsibility which is simply expectations. Don’t devote too much to building our position abroad. user to know who opened and read boost before entering foreign markets. learned about the expectations and unavoidable when the company is time to ‘fine-tune’ the product. Use the a particular content, and skipped it, demands of the market. We know our growing at a fast rate. knowledge and opinions of your clients: either consciously or unconsciously. How did you find your first customers? target. We’ve developed our team they’ll be the end users, after all. industry: public relations, content We were lucky enough to attract the and processes in particular domains. What are the key experiences from marketing, brand journalism How did you know there first clients soon after the launch of the We’re continuing to grow, we have the launch of your startup? What makes Warsaw stand out on the headcount: 18 was demand for your product? beta version. For imagebuilding purposes our objectives in every area of activity It may sound trivial but startup startup scene and why did you cho- established in: 2013 We started to think about Prowly in we wanted to attract large, global brands and, most importantly, we’re starting development requires hard work ose Warsaw as the place to launch acquired funding: USD 1.1 m 2013 when I was looking for a tool to at the very beginning. The breakthrough to see the pathways to reach these and perseverance. A large majority your startup? prowly.com let me improve the effectiveness of my was when Spotify decided to use our objectives. of startups are launched as a side Warsaw is a bright spot on the global

60 #TechWawa #TechWawa 61 Quotiss

Our biggest mistake was the assumption that a good product and a good concept are the most important factors. Of course they are the crucial foundation, the sine qua non condition, but Marcin Zarzecki, CEO & founder their weight in the overall success is 10% at most.

What problem has Quotiss tackled? also in India and Kenya, and I wrote very time-consuming. Additionally, our What are the key experiences from the build the prototype first and gauge the excellent developer and our IT partner. Quotiss offers logistics software. thousands of quotes and offers myself. implementations change the commercial launch of your startup? market’s reaction. Our cooperation has been working out The turnover of shipping container Based on that experience we’ve created operations of our clients, which often The key positive experience was the very well. I’d like to use this opportunity companies is two times bigger than Quotiss. I sent the prototype to 80 users poses a practical challenge. I am also immense amount of helpful support of What makes Warsaw stand out on the to thank all of those who gave us a help- Poland’s GDP and amounts to around in 10 countries who confirmed the algo- happy about the fact that none of the the startup environment. It was very startup scene and is Warsaw’s originality ing hand when we needed it – I hope USD 1 trillion. As in every other busi- rithm’s usefulness. meetings we’ve had so far was a failure. refreshing to experience that after giving the reason why you decided to launch we’ll be able to reciprocate at some ness, logistics companies have to The clients who have not yet decided to up corporate life where the advice you your startup here? point. produce quotes on their services, and How did you find your first clients? go for implementation are still interested hear most often is not to stand out. Here, I don’t know what makes Warsaw stand the industry’s invariably leading tool Our Polish and foreign clients come from in cooperation. They’re waiting for the breaking the stereotypes, positive energy out from other startup environments as is Excel and manually written e-mails, the network I have been developing product to extend and become mature. and the atmosphere of ‘fingers crossed’ the Warsaw startup scene is the only industry: SaaS, SaaS, logistics software often containing mistakes. We have for 13 years now. I’m also aided by my and cooperation are visible at all times. one I know. Having said that, I appreciate headcount: 3 created a unique algorithm based on the business partner who also worked in the What were the biggest mistakes you’ve Sometimes, however, the optimism was a lot what Warsaw is doing for young established in: 2016 Pareto principle to make the process of industry for 10 years and has experience made and what lessons have you learnt overblown – I met many people who entrepreneurs. For example, the city sup- acquired funding: external funding was transport price estimation a hundred from many markets. as a result? thought they had a brilliant idea but ported us to take part in a highly useful not sought; PLN 35,000 came from the times faster, with one hundred per cent Our biggest mistake was the assump- didn’t have a clue about the market or training course organised by Innovation Battle of Startups; the remaining invest- accuracy. This is not marketing gibberish What stage of development tion that a good product and a good the path to product commercialisation. Nest. It enabled us to be successful at ment was self-funded – our solution is working and I hope we’ll are you at now? concept are the most important factors. Kongres 590 were Quotiss won 2nd quotiss.com be able to revolutionise this huge yet Quotiss was launched in February 2016, Of course they are the crucial foun- What’s your advice for budding place in the prestigious Battle of Start- very traditional industry. and the app hit the market in October. dation, the sine qua non condition, entrepreneurs? ups. And I learned about the Battle at It only took a month before we re- but their weight in the overall success Focus on communications, build your a different event organised at Reaktor How did you know there was demand ceived four letters of intent. Currently is 10% at most. The key factors are network, stand out, get out there, where one of the speakers encouraged for your product? we’re at the stage of implementation marketing, sales, simple and effective meet your clients, don’t be stuck in us to take part. I also appreciate the I worked in logistics for over 10 years at four client sites. This fills us with communications. Without them, success your basement and don’t code too fact that Warsaw is home to Campus in Poland, Russia, Belgium, Holland but pride as B2B sales process is typically is impossible. much at the beginning. Make sure you Warsaw – and that is where I met an

62 #TechWawa #TechWawa 63 SHOWROOM.PL Telemedi.co

Michał Juda & Jasiek Stasz, co-founders

What problem has Showroom tackled? What stage of development What are the key experiences from the Firstly, Showroom helps young inde- are you at now? launch of your startup? pendent designers and brands reach We’re the biggest platform of the kind We soon discovered that it is of key im- their customers. Secondly, it facilitates in this part of Europe. We’re currently portance to listen to the users and meet quick, safe and easy shopping for clothes developing our German and English their needs as well as building a tight- and accessories. language versions. ly-knit team.

How did you know there was demand What were the biggest mistakes you’ve What is your advice for budding for your product? made and what lessons have you learnt entrepreneurs? Paweł Sieczkiewicz, co-founder In its early days Showroom was a Face- as a result? Make sure you think it through really book app which facilitated sales through There was a point in time when we were well: are you ready to accept failure and the fanpage. That is how we learned too confident about our market position. its consequences? about the needs of designers. We found We started a shopping club project which What problem has Telemedico What was your main drive when you originality the reason why you decid- the right solution and we launched had no chances of survival. Fortunately, What makes Warsaw stand out on the tackled? launched a startup? ed to launch your startup here? showroom.pl. we killed the idea soon enough. It taught startup scene and is Warsaw’s originality The problem of access to doctors. Our I wanted to build something big. I was There are very many B2B clients in us to analyse the market more accurately the reason why you decided to launch solution facilitates quick consultations inspired by the success stories of my Warsaw. It’s a great place to carry out How did you find your first customers? and admit that we’ve made a mistake in your startup here? with medical professionals. friends. I am a developer so I wanted your first implementations. The cap- At fashion events attended by designers. front of our team and investors. This city has a well-developed startup to make use of my knowledge. ital is also easy to reach from other community and offers a large number of How did you find your countries, and its people are well-ed- regular events where we can exchange first customers? What were the biggest mistakes ucated and speak good English. our experiences. Through AdWords (B2C) and network- you’ve made and what lessons have ing (B2B). you learnt as a result? I was too lenient for the product for industry: tele-medical services industry: fashion/e-commerce What stage of development too long, I didn’t exercise process headcount: 7 headcount: 40 (in Warsaw) are you at now? quality control, and I too often be- established in: 2013 + 10 (in Berlin) We’re constantly improving our prod- lieved that others had done their job acquired funding: ~ PLN 1 million established in: 2012 uct. We are also running implemen- just because they said so. lekarzonline.telemedi.co showroom.pl tations across Poland. Additionally, we’re looking for new clients both What makes Warsaw stand out on domestically and abroad. the startup scene and is Warsaw’s

64 #TechWawa #TechWawa 65 Wandlee

Igor Sawczuk, CEO

What problem has Wandlee tackled? How did you know there was demand My biggest mistake was that I didn’t the reason why you decided to We develop Artificial Intelligence for your product? include in some of our contracts the launch your startup here? algorithms for chatbots, i.e. software The demand has been verified by the provision enabling me to officially brag Warsaw offers a wide array of events that resembles virtual assistants. The market: we’ve been able to attract many about these projects. for startups. It is also the seat of many ...the trust among the difference is that our solution not only clients who use our services. companies and their boards, delivers information but is also able to What are the key experiences from your which makes it easier to contact people company’s founders is solve some problems. The task of our How did you find your first clients? startup launch? and manage your business. crucial... products is to have a natural conver- The first group of people interested in I understood that the trust among the sation with customers and ensure top our solution turned up already at the company’s founders is crucial. quality service, 24/7. We currently stage of minimum viable product (MVP). industry: artificial intelligence have a few services on offer, directed What’s your advice for bud- headcount: 6 to different businesses and commu- What stage of development are ding entrepreneurs? established in: 2016 nication channels. I see great oppor- you at now? First you need to build a team, then acquired funding: seed stage tunities in Facebook-based solutions We’re at the phase of up-scaling. an MVP, and then look for clients and wandlee.com where our chatbots are able to take investors. orders, confirm deadlines, manage What were the biggest mistakes you’ve marketing actions – and they’re capable made and what lessons have you learnt What makes Warsaw stand out on the of much more. as a result? startup scene and is Warsaw’s originality

66 #TechWawa #TechWawa 67 Zofia Kwiatkowska, Warsaw founder Dog

What problem has Warsaw Dog You can say I have been into the pet tackled? business for years. Before I launched Dogs are more and more often seen my business, I posted a questionnaire, in public spaces. It occurred to us that a short market survey on my blog. It they should be more visible, striking and was answered by 500 people within 8 colourful. Bigger dogs often provoke hours. Both the level of interest and the fear. We would like to change that as- answers to my questions proved that we are entering the western markets. Suddenly, all the things unrelated to to support young entrepreneurs. When sociation by accessorising them, adding there indeed was demand on the market In the meantime, we’ve expanded our developing your business seem trivial. I was setting up my business, I relied a splash of colour. We are dog owners for a new product. offer by adding textile products for Learning to compartmentalize and set on the government program Wsparcie ourselves. We found it important to dog-owners. boundaries between my personal and w starcie (Startup Support) that offered My startup has taught create a modern brand that follows the How did you find your first customers? professional life was a real challenge. preferential loans. It’s highly likely latest trends in fashion and design and The blog’s readers were our first What were your biggest mistakes and Even now, 2 years on, I catch myself I would not have received the support me that relaxation is that we would be happy to have on our customers. Their friends and neigh- what lessons have you learnt from them? thinking about Warsaw Dog while doing if it hadn’t been for the help of the just as important as T-shirts, too. Obviously, the looks isn’t bours followed as the word of mouth is We put our logo on the buckles. house chores, which is a path to profes- Employers’ Association of Warsaw and not the only aspect that matters, the extremely important among dog-own- Unfortunately, we chose the wrong sional burnout. My startup has taught the Masovia Region who assisted me in my job. practicality is equally important for us. ers. Clients often call us and ask about printing method for the first series of me that relaxation is just as important drafting my business plan. I take part in We adore walking our dogs and we are accessories, admitting they had seen our products. The inscription disap- as my job. classes for the entrepreneurs organised fully aware of how fast all the dog har- them on their neighbour’s dog and peared in no time. At first, we didn’t by the Centre of Entrepreneurship Smol- nesses and leashes get muddy and dirty. saying they’d already decided to make know how to deal with sharp edges of What would be your advice for budding na and Youth Business Poland. The fact This is why we use a fabric that dries a purchase but simply needed some the fabric either. During a walk, my dog entrepreneurs? that all trainings are free of charge and fast, doesn’t absorb water, is machine help with choosing the right size. pulled the leash which badly chaffed Clearly designate your working hours take place in the capital means that the washable and with colours that don’t my hand. Now, before we launch a new and time off work. Do not quit your support I need in developing my busi- wash away easily. What development stage product, we test it in a number of ways hobbies. Remember, you are yourself ness is easily and readily available. are you at right now? and we are ready to make continu- first and entrepreneur second. How did you know there was a place on For the first year, our one-bedroom ous improvements. the market for your product? apartment was the hub of our business, What do you think sets Warsaw apart on industry: accessories for dogs I have been the author of the blog our home, our warehouse, our sewing What are the most important experienc- the startup scene? Why did you decide headcount: 2 ‘Warsaw Dog’ for the last 6 years. Just room and office. Recently, we have es related to launching your startup? to launch your business here? established in: 2015 like my readers, I am a happy owner moved the command centre to a small It’s easy to become a workaholic I really appreciate the institutions in warsawdog.com of a cute pup and I live in a big city. workshop. We are planning to grow and when you launch a startup (laughter). Warsaw whose sole and only purpose is

68 #TechWawa #TechWawa 69 Bettina Zawłocka, CEO Wise Stories

For a startup, it is crucial to test various business models at various development stages. The objective is to find the most effective one.

What problem has Wise Stories to being afraid of the dark. Wise Stories How did you find your first clients? biggest mistake so far was getting really proportionate to what they know, to the tackled? support the development of good At the stage of validation of the concept, attached to some aspects of the busi- competencies they hold and to the startup At Wise Stories, we consider all issues habits in children so that the time spent obviously. ness model. For a startup, it is crucial to development stage. When launching a startup, from multiple perspectives. However, with the new technologies becomes test various business models at various you have to be mentally prepared for a highly the issue we find most urgent at pre- productive. When working on a new What development stage development stages. The objective is to interesting experience. For me, the awareness sent is related to the use of new tech- product, we strive for this product to are you at right now? find the most effective one. that I am not alone on this journey, that I have nologies by young children. It worries be of real value to modern families. As for our product, we have improved people around me, is of utmost importance. us that computer games and applica- it by incorporating VR and relying on its What are the most important experien- Your team is absolutely crucial. tions lead to increased aggression le- How did you know there was a place on growing potential. At present, we are ces related to launching your startup? vels in children. I often see parents be- the market for your product? developing a new VR demo version of The first pitch decks, definitely. They What do you think sets Warsaw apart on the come genuinely worried when they see We started with a market study on Wise Stories. It should be ready within were extremely stressful but every one startup scene? Why did you decide to launch their children playing video games or a group of 50 people, all of them pa- a few weeks. We are also working to of them increased our awareness of your business here? using a tablet. However, the question rents, resorting to the traditional focus attract funding to further develop our risks and opportunities that our business The unique character of Warsaw lies with isn’t, whether or not we should allow group interview formula. The results business. We are considering a launch faces. The questions raised by mentors the city’s rich offer of startup-related events, children to use the technology, but of a study on such a small group may, of a crowdfunding campaign. or finding and by the audience usually carry a we- training and accelerator programs. I appreciate rather how to put the child’s interest in however, be misleading. Our next step a private foreign capital investor. ight with them and I am truly grateful for the undertakings organised by Campus War- new technologies into good use. Wise was to use a pilot landing page. The the opportunities offered by the Polish saw, Reaktor, Startup Academy, BussinessLink Stories is so much more than great fun conversion levels it achieved turned out What were your biggest mistakes startup scene, including the opportunity and Orange Fab. for the kids. It allows parents to put to be quite satisfactory. It must be kept and what lessons have you learnt to engage with more experienced peers. their anxieties to rest. The storylines in mind, however, that even positive from them? of games and educational tales that we market feedback does not necessa- It is a very good question. First of all, What would be your advice for budding industry: mobile, gaming, virtual reality develop talk about everyday problems: rily translate into a startup’s success I learnt that sometimes it does pay off to entrepreneurs? headcount: 7 from a visit to a dentist, through getting as multiple factors typically come commit an error, even if it’s very difficult Every member of the startup scene has established in: 2016 motivated to learn to read and count, into play. to accept that you were wrong. My their own opinions and observations wisestories.us

70 #TechWawa #TechWawa 71 Introduce yourself to us!

Influencers have grown out of Warsaw’s startup ecosystem. Currently, as Internet celebrities and role models for young audiences, the influencers are making use of the possibilities offered by social media to exert tangible influence on the shape of the ecosystem – they are its promoters and ambassadors who set the trends and directions for development.

72 #TechWawa #TechWawa 73 Yuri Drabent

Yuri is a Polish social media pioneer and the founder of one of the Aula Polska | BanFi Group first social media marketing agencies in Poland. | DailyArt Dentsu Aegis Network participant. This startup hype we are Sometimes I have the honour to witnessing at present, well, I am not speak publicly about the story of a big fan of it. I stick to doing my own Lubię to. On such occasions, I try to Dni Wolnej Sztuki | Geek Girls thing. It is the effects of my work that provide my young audiences with should speak for me, not my network- some sound business advice. Those ing skills. who are interested can also watch How did your startup adventure begin? me online, including my speech at the Carrots | KSYcorp.com | Lubię to When Facebook became popular, my How has the Warsaw ecosystem Reaktor. The speech was funny and friend suggested that I start my own evolved over time? wise, it’s a good idea to watch it. business instead of simply running his I do not feel competent enough to be | | parents’ company Facebook profile. voicing any opinions on this matter, What is the best way to contact you? Manubia Metamuzeum Moiseum Another friend, a future business part- for the reasons we have already Use Facebook. ner, came to me with the same idea. discussed. I agreed, and in 2010 we launched Personal branding vs. company brand- MUSE | Polski Fundusz Rozwoju Lubię to. Good advice, good timing, What are the main differences between ing – which is more important? Has your and off it went. the Warsaw startup ecosystem and the recognition as an influencer ones abroad? helped you in the process of developing How did you get to where you are today? People are nicer to one another Lubię to? Speaking Carrots | Startup Poland We spent four years working round abroad. They’re more willing to help Yes, it was of great help to us. Howev- the clock, day and night, developing one another and share knowledge and er, it depends on the market segment Lubię to. We wanted to ride the tide ideas than here. you operate in. In my opinion, in the | because we discovered a niche that case of serious B2B tools, company SWWAW Wellfitting turned out to be a true goldmine. In Who helped you the most when you took branding is more important than per- 2014 we sold the company to Dentsu your first steps in business? sonal branding. Nevertheless, Aegis Network where we stayed with My business partner, Maciek Biel- we must keep in mind that personal for the next 2.5 years. icki. I helped him in exactly the same branding is a two-edged sword. Peo- way, too. ple will remember you better but What do you think of the Warsaw once you’ve become public property startup ecosystem? What advice would you give to it is more difficult to simply leave and Honestly, I am not an active young entrepreneurs? move on to the next project.

74 #TechWawa #TechWawa 75 Eliza is Innovation Development Director at Polish Development Eliza Kruczkowska Fund where she coordinates a government programme for innovation development, Start In Poland. Eliza is the former president of the Startup Poland Foundation which strives, among others, to create better development conditions for entrepreneurs working with new technologies.

How did your startup adventure begin? into my work for the foundation. I can related entrepreneurship may really yield development: from pre-seed, through number of initiatives will also translate I’ve always been interested in technol- proudly say that when I was leaving that positive results. If only we can inspire seed and early stages to development into high quality of the projects. ogy. That’s why I started working for an job in September 2016, I left the founda- people in Poland to fulfill their dreams and expansion stages. Depending on the international PR agency which provides tion in the hands of a very professional and to actively chase them by creating development stage of a given project, Why did you decide to join the Polish services mainly to the IT industry in Mu- team. Now, as Innovation Development their own businesses, it will be a won- the available financing ranges from PLN Development Fund? nich. I worked with brands like Mozilla Director at the Polish Development derful achievement. 200,000 to as much as PLN 20 million. Thanks to this transfer I can continue to Firefox, Huawei and Logitech. Then Fund, I take care of the Polish startup In January 2017 we are launching recruit- support technology-related entrepre- I went to Spain for three years and there, ecosystem, too, but I have more tools at What are the main differences between ment for financing agents. neurship but I have more tools now and, during my hours off work, with a Spanish my disposal. the Warsaw startup ecosystem and the therefore, a larger impact. I do not care friend of mine we developed our own ones abroad? What is the best way to contact you? if I sound bombastic but I truly believe startup idea. We took part in the Startup What do you think of Warsaw’s startup We are not open to people and busi- Just email me. I am also happy to invite that myself, this modest person here, is Weekend in Valencia and we won. Then ecosystem? nesses from abroad. I hardly ever meet people to my office for 20–30 minutes changing her country for the better in we engaged in an accelerator program. It is the largest in Poland. The results of foreigners at various events here. As of a face-to-face chat. some aspects. There is an army of such the last study by Startup Poland show I spent a number of years abroad myself, idealistic but business-oriented people How did you get to where you are today? that 27% of startups in Poland are born I know that working in a multicultural What do you think is the greatest in the Polish Development Fund. We Our life at present is a combination of here. I quite like the fact that Praga environment can broaden your hori- achievement of the Startup Poland foun- really want to see the implementation of decisions made in the past with the district is becoming the new Tech City, zons, teach tolerance and humility. It is dation you used to manage? projects that are important for this coun- consequences of these decisions. I’ve even if there still is a long way to go my dream to see more of international Maybe the fact that startups no longer try. We will be helping them turn into always been interested in three things: before we get to where London is now. startups from Poland. stay hidden in the shadows, like some- reality, shaping them from a practical politics, technology, and communica- thing amateurish to be ashamed of but perspective. I will do whatever it takes tion. My friend showed me a job listing How has the ecosystem in Warsaw How can you help budding that they have professionalised and to see us succeed. for the position of president with the evolved over time? entrepreneurs? entered the mainstream instead? I am Startup Poland foundation where these Startups have entered the mainstream The Polish Development Fund is a group really happy we managed to raise the three areas interact. I submitted my culture. Even my grandma has called me of financial institutions and advisory awareness and establish this industry’s application. I presented my development up recently to tell me she heard about service providers for entrepreneurs, position in the eyes of the decision-mak- strategy concept based on my profes- ‘those startup companies you deal with’ local authorities and individual clients. ers. As a result, we have witnessed the sional experience and I was selected in the evening news. Some people, of We invest in sustainable social and creation of some practical support tools from among 400 candidates. I was the course, will undervalue startups, smirk economic development of Poland. At for young entrepreneurs. The next years right person in the right place, and at ironically and say it’s just a hyped-up present, we offer four funds directed at are going to be really interesting for the the right time. I poured so much passion fad. However, promoting technology innovative SMEs at different stages of startup industry. I just hope that a high

76 #TechWawa #TechWawa 77 Julia Krysztofiak-Szopa

Julia is President of the Startup Poland Foundation. She formerly worked as programme director for Blackbox. vc., a California-based startup accelerator. get involved and committed, and you It translates into lower density, which only on their Polish investors and the An entrepreneur, owner of the global brand Wellfitting, she has been in the need to try a lot of different things. One results in fewer interactions and an local market, it stands no chance to startup industry since 2008. She gained most of her experience in the Sillicon of them is sure to deliver. This is the imperfect knowledge transfer within the compete on the global stage. It is the Valley and . Her educational background is philosophy. attitude I would like to see and promote ecosystem. People coming from abroad mentality that must evolve. Startups in Poland. As far as the foundation have an advantage due to the business must see themselves as global actors, goes, we can support young entrepre- skills deficit in Poland. This advantage as businesses that operate and func- How did your startup adventure begin? What do you think of Warsaw’s startup it is true to say that Warsaw startups neurs by organising networking events, may let them grow dynamically. As far tion in the globalised world. I started attending meetings in Aula ecosystem? have a lower ‘wow!’ factor than what workshops and mentoring programs. as similarities go, I would say network- Polska in 2008. There I met Tomek Ko- It has grown significantly over the last we see in the Sillicon Valley, Berlin or We are trying to improve the commu- ing functions in a very similar way, or You’ve been President of the Startup linko who, at the time, was developing five years. When I was leaving Poland in London. However, they offer competi- nication which should translate into maybe even better than in Switzerland, Poland Foundation since October 2016. szuku.pl, the first people search engine 2012, the only meetings were the ones tive prices and high quality of services a better knowledge transfer within the where startups are often launched at What are the objectives you plan to in Poland. I and my husband joined his organised by Aula Polska. Nowadays, and products to match their foreign ecosystem. We also assist in situations universities. It must be stressed that the reach in the next few years? team – I was the front-end developer there are so many of them that you can counterparts. that require representing the industry Swiss academic circles have devel- My long-term goal is to develop and my husband was the back-end attend a different startup-related event before public administration, including oped a strong cooperation with young tools to exert effective pressure and developer. That’s how it all started. almost daily. Warsaw is unique on the Who helped you the most when you issues related to the simplification of entrepreneurs. We don’t have that here. convince our public administration national scale in due to its dynamics. It took your first steps on the business the legal system. Maybe this is why networking is better to establish an entrepreneur-friendly How did you get to where you are is in this city that you can meet the larg- front? in Warsaw than in Zurich? legal framework. To meet this ob- today? est number of experienced people who Piotr Wilam helped me greatly in Po- What is the best way to contact you? jective, a further integration within At present, I am the president of the are really worth listening to. In other land. He is a terrific mentor. Also, my By dropping me an email: What can the Polish startups do to the industry and an expansion of our Startup Poland Foundation which words, the ecosystem is thriving. beloved sister with whom I opened my [email protected] compete on foreign markets? contact network are required to let aims at creating favourable develop- first business. She is the best business There is this anecdote: a Jew comes to our voice be heard further and wider. ment conditions for the Polish startup What are the main differences between partner in the whole world. In the US, You worked in the Sillicon Valley, in see his rabbi and says ‘Rabbi, my teach- We must also identify and monitor all ecosystem by means of promoting the the Warsaw startup ecosystem and the in terms of personal development, I was Switzerland and in Poland. What do er, my apartment is so small. So crowd- challenges faced by startup companies. industry and useful legal solutions. ones abroad? supported by Fadi Bishara, the founder you think are the similarities and dif- ed. My mother-in-law lives with us, This knowledge will help us strengthen How did I get to where I am now? Warsaw’s startup ecosystem might be of Blackbox.vc accelerator. ferences between these three startup there are the kids, and even the goat. our position as a credible partner. We I spent five years in California and Swit- doing great but it is still smaller than ecosystems? What do I do to get some more money?’. want to implement projects that do zerland. When I came back to Poland the ones in Berlin or in London. It is not What would be your advice for budding Let me start with the differences. There And the rabbi answers: ‘You know what, not focus solely on Poland but on the in April 2016, I started to work with only the size that is different but also entrepreneurs? is one startup per 15,000 residents in you should buy a lottery ticket’. When whole region where similar problems startups within institutions surrounding the venture capital maturity, particularly First and foremost, the goals you set for Poland. In Palo Alto – one per 500. In it comes to startups, a lottery ticket occur. This will boost our position, the business environment and at an if we compare the Polish ecosystem yourself must be ambitious. When I was Poland we need one whole town for and good luck will of course be helpful which will result in increasing our accelerator. I quickly realised we have to Palo Alto or San Francisco. One of living in the Sillicon Valley, I realised that one startup to be created, while in (laughter). However, it is more impor- impact. Moreover, educational projects the unique opportunity to implement the reasons is that investors have more those highly successful people there the Sillicon Valley there are thousands tant to have global ambitions. Startups at schools that suffer a shortage of the best practices from more mature limited amount of financial resources at are no different from us. I thought that of them in one small town. The other should plan for entering foreign markets teachers who know a thing or two ecosystems. It is mostly the Sillicon their disposal. Consequently. they are people like Mark Zuckerberg were born major difference is pricing. In Poland, from the very beginning, and then they about entrepreneurship are also high Valley that I have in mind. My mission more apprehensive of taking risks. It is with a silver spoon in their mouths. services offered by startups are cheaper. should just do it. We learn solely from on our list of priorities. We have a lot is to develop the Polish ecosystem. of course a sweeping generalisation but But that’s not true. You simply have to There are fewer businesses of this type. experience. If a Polish startup is focused to offer in this respect.

78 #TechWawa #TechWawa 79 Artur Kurasiński

Artur is President of MUSE’s Management Board and an entrepreneur focused on supporting technologyrelated projects, also through investment. A mentor, a blogger and an active industry expert. Artur is also a co-founder of the meetings in Aula Polska and Aulery prizes. Father of two daughters, a futsal fan and an RPG player.

How did your startup adventure begin? or Cracow are competing on a subject, What are in your opinion main differences What is the best way to contact you? I have been interested in the inter- they may in fact be slicing a small cake between the Warsaw startup ecosystem You will find me on FB practically any face between technology, design and instead of trying to bake a larger pie and the ones you know from abroad? time. You can also drop me an email to business for as long as I can remember. together. Due to low financing, Polish First of all, the scale, the amount of [email protected]. In 1999 a group of my friends and I de- startups are not very competitive when investment available and the lack of veloped an MP3 search engine and then seen from a broader European perspec- experience of the Polish venture capital. You have been developing startups and a music portal that, at the time, was one tive. A company from Berlin, in its pre- Unfortunately, we need at least a decade you’ve been an active industry member of Poland’s first and largest. It was then seed development stage, may receive as to change this state of things in Poland. since the turn of the centuries. How has that I fell in love with developing my much as EUR 1 to 3 million in funding, the situation in Warsaw changed over own technology and Internet-oriented while in Poland it’s PLN 1 million at Who helped you the most when you took time? businesses. We found an investor pretty most. That is why we shouldn’t waste your first steps on the business front? The city authorities have finally realised quickly, which provided us with an op- our energy on splitting hair and building The business meetings organized by that startups are not a closed, en- portunity to develop a better portal and artificial walls. Instead, we should Michał Feber and then Aula Polska trenched clique but genuine businesses ... a wave of ‘dotcom’ bankruptcies hit focus on changing the status quo and community helped me greatly. I could al- generating real income and paying their Poland. Literally overnight, our business improving the conditions for all Polish ways count on them to provide me with taxes. Such businesses must be support- partners stopped believing in what we companies. a piece of advice or a small favour. I like ed. The Smolna accelerator is in opera- were doing and we were left with no ad- the fact that a lot of us who remember tion and the Municipal Office supports vertising contracts. So, the beginnings of How has the Warsaw ecosystem the early days of the Warsaw startup many startup events. This is a good sign. my life-long fascination with the internet evolved over time? scene still stick together. and startups were not easy. 2007, together with a few people, we What do you think of Warsaw’s A lot of talented and driven young Is it easier to establish a global business started to actively support the education startup ecosystem? people have entered the scene. Łukasz How can you help budding entrepreneurs? in Warsaw these days? How did you get to where you are of Polish startups and we created Aula It’s unique. It has an enormous poten- Haluch, Mariusz Gralewski and Jakub I will always happily tell you how not to Yes. There are more people who will at present? Polska. Then new opportunities materi- tial due to its location. At the same Krzych – they are a living proof that do things and help you identify a number gladly share their experiences and show I’ve gone a long way. I have always alised, and I developed a few businesses time it is internally divided and not too you can dream global when operating of problems that can kill a startup. I do you the right development path. known I want to develop my own and a dozen of various projects. Most of eager to cooperate internally. When in Poland. Their mastery of advanced not have much experience in up-scaling businesses and work on my own terms. them died but I learnt a lot. At present, compared to Cracow which, in my technologies and ambitions are incredi- foreign businesses or exits (I have only I never accepted offers I divide my daily work to combine the opinion, is a beacon of integration and ble. Many of them leave Poland as soon done it twice) but I can advise you on from consulting companies or advertis- development of my businesses with cooperation within the industry, the as they pass the preliminary validation how to develop a startup, build your ing agencies. I never thought that they educational activities such as discussion Warsaw startup ecosystem seems less phase to seek financing in the Sillicon brand and a network, how to hire people could provide for my development. In panels, competitions and managing Aula. ambitious. I suppose that what Warsaw Valley or in Asia. and search for financing.

80 #TechWawa #TechWawa 81 Konrad ‘ksy’ Latkowski fell in love with the Internet during their first date facilitated by Konrad Latkowski a modem in 1999. He has been active in PR, communications and broadly understood marketing since 2004. Between 2010 and 2013 he worked with Marek Małachowski on developing the Manubia system. He spent two and a half years cooperating on and developing BanFi Group, where he learnt to provide ‘traditional services’. At present, he works at KSYcorp.com. After hours, Konrad co-organises Startup Weekend War- saw. He’s also a co-founder of the Startup Poland Foundation.

Flaker and Adam Zygadlewicz whom of experienced, knowledgeable people Recognisability. Talents. Legal regula- How can you help budding provide the community with some fresh I helped organise Democamp or Shop- have come to Warsaw and there are so tions. Investors. There are still too few entrepreneurs? blood. We help to validate ideas under camp, which put me in contact with a lot many events and meetings that it is really successful enterprises that are widely There is no simple answer to this ques- time pressure. We teach people to prepare of interesting people. difficult to say what is truly worth your recognisable and associated with War- tion. Sometimes I can put you in touch for discussions with mentors and help time. Not to mention how difficult it is saw. We are still experiencing brain drain with someone else, sometimes I’ll have them use the opportunity such meetings How did you get to where to squeeze all that into your calendar. At instead of draining others. Our laws, the a conversation about your strategy or offer to the fullest. Finally, we prove that you are at present? the end of day, the success of any given fact that they are ambiguous and change idea. Some other time, I will bluntly say the BMC template can in fact be used for I’ve always liked doing the cool stuff. If ecosystem can be measured with the so often, it doesn’t build trust. Local ‘Drop it, don’t waste your time because..’. every business idea, before you start ‘look- I were to name my major competencies, projects that it produces. More and more investors have less money than foreign ing for an investor for this new project.’ I would say I am competent in PR and large and global companies and business- ones so they often avoid costly and risky What is the best way to contact you? On the other hand, we try to educate the building and launching brands. It is the es are created in Warsaw. projects. Via email or in person, for example during corporations so that they can cooperate early days that I get the kick out off: an OpenReactor event. I really don’t like with startups. And we provide them with strategy development, analysing what How has the Warsaw ecosystem Who helped you the most when you talking on the phone, mine is on silent opportunities to do so. needs to be done, whom to do it with, evolved over time? took your first steps on the business mode most of the time. implementing all that. Every new project These days it is much easier to start front? What do you think of the Warsaw eco- is, to a degree, accidental. It is a com- a business, thanks to all the information A lot of people. Probably it was Marek For years you have been organizing system from five years ago – from the bined result of meetings with various on how to do it that is available online, Małachowski, my business partner from Startup Weekend Warsaw with the time when you organised the first Startup people whom I used to work with on one such as books or movies. There are more Manubia, who helped me the most. It ambition of making it possible to start Weekend Warsaw? How does it compare thing and then, two or three years later, and more resources for prospective was not his first business. When we a business within 52 hours. Why do you to where it is today? we meet again to do something different. entrepreneurs. On the other hand, it is differed in our views, he often knew keep organising the event? The community members are better pre- much more difficult for a beginner to from experience how selecting a specific Let me start by explaining that SWWAW pared these days. We no longer hear ‘oh, How did your startup adventure begin? What do you think of the Warsaw decide whom to talk to. More experi- option might end. All things considered, is organised by a team of four: Magda we have no competitors’ or ‘our services It depends on how you want to look at startup ecosystem? enced businessmen aren’t always active however, I think it was all the discussions Borowik, Bartek Staryga, Jarek Piotrowski are addressed at everybody’ that much. it. You can say it all started in 2010 with It is difficult to be a fair judge of an community members and some sources I had that helped me most. Before and and I. It’s important since I would never Unfortunately, ‘we will be earning money Manubia, the sales monitoring system ecosystem you yourself are a part of. of information are, let’s say, accidental. after the launch, I had a lot of conversa- be able do it without them. We asked on advertising’ is still alive and kicking. on Allegro. However, 3 years earlier But looking from a meta perspective, tions with the people whom I didn’t even ourselves the ‘why’ question the first 3–4 I am also happy to see that more and more I had taken an active part in a different TechWawa is a sum total of the problems What are in your opinion main differ- know at the time. Nowadays, I some- times. We heard the answer directly from people within the community already technologyrelated project that I was not and opportunities that exist nationwide. ences between the Warsaw startup times hang out with some of them on the participants. They helped us under- have at least a few years of professional a shareholder in. From a different per- There is still too little being taught about ecosystem and the ones you know Friday nights to talk and discuss some stand the role that Startup Weekend experience. It was mostly young people, spective, the breakthrough came with entrepreneurship in Polish schools. A lot from abroad? interesting topics. plays within the ecosystem. In short – we including students, who dominated before.

82 #TechWawa #TechWawa 83 Kamila is a social entrepreneur, a public Zuza is the founder of Moiseum and the author of the Free Art Day, Meta- Kamila Sidor speaker, and a co-creator of the global muzeum, TechnoAtMuseo and DailyArt app ideas. In 2014, she was listed among Zuza Stańska community Geek Girls Carrots where the ‘50 most creative people in business’ by ‘Brief’ magazine. She received the she coaches public speaking skills in Young Creative Entrepreneur Award in Culture category. Speaking Carrots.

How did your startup adventure begin? What are, in your opinion, the main who supports women entrepreneurs. How did your startup adventure begin? Who helped you the most when you took In 2007, I came to Aula Polska for the differences between the Warsaw startup What would be your advice for people By accident. I was a volunteer at Warsaw your first steps in the industry? first time and got fascinated with the ecosystem and the ones you know from launching their businesses or creating Startup Weekend in 2011. Then, I got At first I was totally on my own, then topic and all the creative people I met. abroad? their own organisations in Warsaw but hired as a community manager by a ven- I got a lot of support from more experi- The Warsaw ecosystem is young, it has planning to expand globally? ture capital fund. At some point, I came enced friends from within the industry. How did you get to be where no access to smart money and appro- Geek Girls Carrots supports the women up with my own business idea and it Konrad Latkowski, mostly. you are at present? priate financing. We are still learning whose drive and intention is to work in worked out well. I am here thanks to my stamina. I spent what entrepreneurship is about in this technology, not necessarily as an entre- How can you help budding a few years working for half the average beautiful country, especially the startup preneur only. As for the advice – your How did you get to be where you are at entrepreneurs? national salary, sometimes 12 hours aspect of it. We are, I’d say, two genera- gender is irrelevant. Build your own present? I can direct them to the people who will a day. I met a bunch of helpful people, tions behind the Sillicon Valley. network of contacts. Stick to your idea. It has all been slightly accidental. be of help for them. I’ve been lucky, too. Surround yourself with the people who Who helped you the most when you took support you. Then learn, draw conclu- What do you think of the Warsaw startup What is the best way to contact you? What do you think of Warsaw’s startup your first steps on the business front? sions from your failures, and take risks. ecosystem? Via email or on FB. ecosystem? Tomek Kolinko, who has been into start- It’s growing by the year, new people and It’s developing really fast. Not much was ups since his childhood. He’s able to You have been recognised as one of the companies keep coming. It’s all really Your projects are a living proof that even going on seven years ago. At present, accurately predict trends in technology. most creative people within the Polish good. things as remote from technological there is a number of communities, business circles, you have met presi- innovation as art can profit from the events, conferences and accelerator How can you help budding entrepre- dents, received a number of awards for How has the Warsaw ecosystem evolved less-than-obvious marriage of art and programs. All we lack is a few spectac- neurs? your work. Does it help? Does it boost over time? technology. How have you managed to ular success stories and some smart I am a mentor on two programs for the development of your organisation? It has grown significantly. pull it off? money. female entrepreneurs. It definitely does. We needed PR around That was what I wanted to do so I went our activities in Poland and abroad. Plus, What are in your opinion the main ahead and did it. You’ve developed How has the Warsaw ecosystem What is the best way to contact you? during the events we continue to build differences between the Warsaw startup a startup even though you lack technical evolved over time? Come have a chat with me when you our contact network. It’s always better ecosystem and the ones you know from skills. You do know how to code. How Startup School and Aula Polska used see me at an event, during a conference to attend them than not to. abroad? did you manage to find the right people to be the only organisations serious or a party. Things move at a slower pace here, the to fill this gap? It’s enough to have about building startups. Today, there are people are less open and do not talk to the money. Importantly, I knew cod- so many of them I can no longer keep You have developed a Warsaw-based, one another as much. ers, they were my colleagues from the track, despite trying my best. successful international organisation same industry.

84 #TechWawa #TechWawa 85 #TechWawa 87 Warsaw – the City of Startups is a guide to the city’s technological startup ecosystem, currently expanding at an incredible pace. Global rankings of startupfriendly cities reflect Warsaw’s growing importance on the scene: Poland’s capital city has been consistently and swiftly climbing the list of the industry’s hot spots. This impressive progress has been possible due to a number of factors including the international success stories of Warsaw-based entrepreneurs, the dynamism of the local organisations which promote startups actively, and the lasting commitment of the local authorities to improve the quality of life in the city while turning Warsaw into a startup-friendly environment. This guide presents the opportunities Warsaw offers to anyone with an innovative business idea, and to those who are already at the implementation stage. It also presents the stories of talented young people whose passion, ideas, stamina, dilemmas, failures and successes are reflected in the featured interviews. Warsaw – the City of Startups will help you navigate the lush startup ecosystem of the city and draw inspiration from its richness.

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