Founder of the week: The women founders for whom locking up is not a failure

In the world of startups, there can't always be huge successes, mega financing rounds and quick exits. Failure, the change of direction and the new beginning are also an integral part of the founder: the interior scene. Klaudia Bachinger and Carina Roth, the founders of the digital talent marketplace WisR, can testify to this. 

 

 

They recently had to shut down operations after four years (Trending Topics reported). Nevertheless, the two do not give up and look forward to the future with optimism. Because they show the resilience that is indispensable in the startup scene, they are more than worthy of the “Founders of the Week”. "Closing is not a failure" The basic idea of ​​WisR was to offer a job platform for older people in order to promote intergenerational cooperation and knowledge transfer.

 

 The startup was quite successful at the beginning, and the first round of financing was launched in 2018. In 2019 WisR also reached the final of the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award. But then Corona came. Because of the lockdowns, many companies no longer used the platform. Even a pivot in September 2020 to a provider of communication software between existing and retired employees: inside a company did not help. Because the financial means for growth were lacking, the two founders decided to liquidate. Nevertheless, they are very satisfied with their performance over the past few years. 

 

“It is a typically Austrian attitude that the company closure is seen as a failure. However, neither we nor our employees, investors and customers see it that way. For example, many of our customers say that we brought people together. Nine out of ten startups close and it is important to see that as a natural process, ”says Klaudia Bachinger.

According to the two founders, it was of course tough to make the decision to close. “It was a process that took several months. However, we went through all the alternatives, which is why we will not regret this step in the future either. Even if it wasn't easy for us, we are glad that we tried everything. I've never learned so much and met so many great people as in the past four years, ”says Carina Roth.

Bachinger and Roth can both give good tips for closing a startup, because leaving also needs to be learned in the start-up scene. “The knowledge about this is not available on any website. Instead, we looked at other start-up companies to see how they closed down. There are many things that you have to clarify in advance. When liquidating, it is important to discuss this process with funding agencies and investors, ”advises Roth. Start again? Yes!

“It is very important to be transparent when communicating, whether with the team, with the customers or with the investors. We never acted on anything in our development and were always honest, even when faced with setbacks and challenges. Our investors appreciate that, which is why there were no annoyances here. It is also important to let go at the right time and not hold on doggedly to a company until it is damaging to your own health, ”recommends Bachinger.

At the moment, the two founders of the week are still busy with administrative processes, which is why WisR will officially no longer exist until 2022. Bachinger and Roth are not stressing themselves for the future and take the time to weigh up their options. According to them, they now have the advantage over the first start-up that they know exactly what they want to do and what not. Your future looks very promising, because potential new corporate partners are already approaching you with offers. Despite the "death" of WisR, the two are very happy about their experience. 

When asked whether they would found a new company after all of this, they answered with a clear "Yes!"