The idea of inscape experiences to make new technologies playful to experience convinced the jury at the STAGE UP Elevator Pitches. Raphael Furrer, one of the founders of the four-person start-up, introduces us to their idea and reveals his ‘best practices’ for future entrepreneurs.
Let’s start with the idea. How did you actually come up with the idea of ‘inscape experiences’?
“We were given the opportunity at our employer at the time to spice up the company event with an Escape Room. All the puzzles revolved around the topic of digitalization. At the event itself, we realized how much fun the randomly selected teams had – and that even those teams that didn’t make it out of the room within the given time were thrilled with the final result. For us, it was clear: There’s a lot of untapped potential in making new technologies accessible in a playful way and linking them together in a meaningful way.”
Wow! Now you’ve already overcome many challenges since your original idea. Especially due to the Corona crisis, you were forced to develop an educational offer in addition to the experience offer in order to become more independent from the event business. It’s clear to you that many companies are willing to tackle digitization. How can you support employees and companies in this?
“We see ourselves as inspirers and impulse providers. The combination of an exciting experience through our mobile IoT Escape Room and sustainable training is intended to demonstrate the added value and potential of new technologies. Employees are the most important asset of a company and it is essential that they support digitalization.”
As inspirers to others, you’ve certainly made some great and lasting memories. Would you share one with us?
“Sure, we’d love to. Shortly after founding, we were allowed to test our IoT Escape Room prototype at a larger event at the Schule für Gestaltung Bern. The preliminary work was time-consuming, but the visitors who were enthusiastic about the final result confirmed to us that our offer really works and that we made the right decision by founding it.”
Last but not least: What are your personal “best practices” that you would like to recommend to future founders?
“Put together a motivated, capable and broad-based team. Establish binding rules about who wants to contribute how much time and commitment and, above all, who is able to do so. Address problems and frictions early and transparently. Activate your personal network and talk about your business idea at every opportunity.”
Then, with your diligent networking, participation in competitions and coaching sessions, such as here in the STAGE UP competition, you are well on your way to getting more people excited about digitization and its opportunities.
“Yes, we have a lot planned for the coming months – we definitely won’t get bored so quickly.”
Thanks for the exciting insights!