This interview was originally published in German and has been machine translated.
Start-up & Idea
Hi Matthias, you are one of the faces of Studyclout. What does your start-up actually do?
Studyclout is a platform by students for students. Our goal is to make complex university life easier through digital tools by offering a central point of contact for the entire student journey.
How would you describe your vision in one sentence?
We want to help students find connections, pursue their interests and study more effectively. In addition, we want to give employers greater visibility and help them reach graduates and working students who are a good fit for their company.
What was the trigger or problem that inspired your idea?
We observed that while there are many individual solutions for students, they are highly fragmented. Many students have little overview of the opportunities available at their university, whether that concerns student associations or simply finding out who else is in the same degree programme. Centralised information and easy ways to connect are missing. That is why we started Studyclout: we offer a unified platform where students can find everything important for their studies clearly organised in one central place.
How do you make money?
Studyclout is free for students, student councils and similar groups — and it will always remain so. Our business model is based on connecting employers with students at an early stage and giving companies the opportunity to present themselves and their corporate culture, for example through information about the company natively integrated into the platform, examples from day-to-day company life, case studies and, of course, direct job offers. The companies pay for this — not only to increase their visibility, but above all to reach students at an early stage in their studies.
Team & Day-to-Day Work
What does your team look like today, and how do you complement each other in your roles?
Our team currently consists of two people: my colleague Vincent and me. We originally met at a founder meetup organised by Triathlon at Saarland University and, after a few detours, reconnected several years later. Since we both experienced during our studies how much existing platforms lacked connectivity and access to information, our motivation was immediately there. Vincent brings the computer science background and built the platform. With my business administration background, I focus on translating students’ problems into concrete features and making the platform better known.
How do you experience everyday start-up life between product development, finances and customer acquisition?
It is definitely challenging. You have to operate in so many different contexts and take on so many different roles. That can be exhausting, but it is also very rewarding. It means a lot to Vincent and me when users write to us saying that our platform really helps them. We work every day for exactly that effect: making the lives of other students a little better.
Personal Background & Motivation
What has your personal path into entrepreneurship looked like?
I was strongly shaped by my family background, as both of my parents have founded several companies. Even as a child, I experienced the highs and lows of entrepreneurship at the breakfast table, and today I am very proud of what they have achieved. That motivated me to take a similar path. For me, it was a decision in favour of freedom: I want to be able to realise my visions without being restricted by rigid structures in established companies. We can move freely, solve real problems and sustainably improve student life.
Were there any key moments that shaped you?
There were many important moments, both positive and negative. But the positive experiences have stayed with me the most: when we see our user numbers increasing in black and white, and when we receive thank-you messages from students whose everyday lives we have genuinely made easier.
Which personal qualities or mindsets help you most in everyday start-up life today?
A high tolerance for frustration and persistence are essential. You must not become too attached to one specific solution too early, but instead keep trying to deeply understand the actual problem. Speed in implementation also helps, as does the ability to maintain a fresh, creative perspective so you do not become blind to your own assumptions.
Challenges & Learnings
Is there a mistake you would not make again when founding a start-up?
I would never again spend too long building a product without first speaking intensively with users. It only makes sense to develop something that is truly needed. Ideally, the problem is so urgent that users are willing to accept an initial solution that is not yet perfectly developed. In addition, when choosing co-founders, you should pay close attention to their commitment and to your own gut feeling. My personal test is: Would I also enjoy going out for dinner or drinks with this person in the evening? If so, they are usually the right choice.
Tips & Perspective
What advice would you give to someone who is currently thinking about founding a start-up?
Find people who think similarly to you, because many things are easier in a team. Ideally, the team should consist of people with very different skills who complement one another. And very importantly: speak to potential customers as early as possible. Not everything you personally consider a problem is actually one for your target group.
Final Question
What motivates you on days when nothing really seems to work?
My teammate Vincent, my girlfriend and my family, who always stand behind me and provide wonderful support. When things really are not working out and I lose motivation, I read the thank-you messages from our users. I have saved them, and they lift me up again.
Thank you for your time!
Further information about Studyclout: https://www.studyclout.com/de
