Overcoming Burnout, Purchasing Train Tickets, and Self-Funding Startups
In a candid conversation on the new video podcast format, Pitch & People, Sebastian Flick, the co-founder of Branchly, opened up about his career, challenges, and the journey that led to the creation of his latest venture.
Sebastian Flick's professional journey began in retail, where he worked at renowned brands such as Hirmer, Ralph Lauren, Prada, and Hackett. His retail experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for interpersonal skills, customer loyalty, and trust, values he carries over to the software world.
In 2017, he joined the Munich-based AI startup, E-Bot7. After contributing significantly to the company, it was acquired by the US firm LivePerson in 2021 for approximately $70 million.
Fast forward to 2022, Sebastian Flick co-founded Branchly, a company that offers a dynamic solution semantically accessing content and is truly multilingual, differentiating it from traditional chatbots. Branchly was bootstrapped from the start, with financing secured through startup grants, initial paying customers, and the company's own reserves.
The company, now in its second year, has around 30 customers, primarily in Germany and Austria. Long-term contracts averaging 24 months ensure cash flow security for Branchly.
Despite the success, Sebastian Flick has not been immune to the pressures of entrepreneurship. He experienced multiple breakdowns due to the stress and was eventually diagnosed with burnout. However, he has since recovered and continues to lead Branchly with renewed vigour.
Sebastian Flick also shared his thoughts on the challenges faced by startups in Munich, particularly the tax burdens such as input tax and trade tax, which can be a hindrance to growth, especially for profitable but still small startups.
Branchly was initially launched in shadow mode and officially entered the market at the end of 2023. Today, it stands as a testament to Sebastian Flick's resilience, innovation, and vision for the future of customer interactions.
In an era where personalised and seamless customer experiences are paramount, Branchly is poised to make a significant impact. With its unique approach to chatbot technology, the company is set to redefine customer service and foster deeper connections between businesses and their customers.
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