“How can we find a balance that works for the economy and the environment?”
Interview with Johannes Ranscht, CEO, Seedmatch
The startup that is going to win the 2018 Green Alley Award will have to convince the seven members of the jury first. Not a simple task. But who are these judges, anyway? Get to know the 2018 jury in our series of interviews and find out about their professional background, the greatest circular economy challenge and their tip for a successful pitch.
# What is your professional background and how will it help you judge the six finalists of the Green Alley Award 2018?
As CEO of Germany’s first crowd funding platform Seedmatch for startup companies, I work very closely with our deal flow managers, whose daily business is to examine in detail the applications of future startups. This means that we check whether their business model is innovative and sustainable and whether the team has the required expertise to solve problems and meet current and future challenges. The Green Alley Award epitomizes the main issue: how can we lead a more sustainable life and find a balance that also works for the economy and the environment?
# In your opinion, which are the key challenges for a circular economy in Europe?
That is a good question: I believe it’s a huge challenge to grow ideas, measures and procedures from a local stage to a global one and, thus, commit partners and decision-makers to the common goal. Climate change and resource depletion do not stop at national borders. Likewise, potential solutions have to overcome these barriers.
# What are your tips on how to deliver the perfect pitch at the Green Alley Award finals in Berlin?
I would advise all the applicants to be authentic, honest, focused, as well as realistic. They should be able to name the problem and present their solution. Furthermore, if they can demonstrate that they have a grip on reality and the resilience to build up a business, whilst keeping the big picture in mind, then they will have all the makings of a winner.
This year, our partner Seedmatch will honour one of the Green Alley Award finalists with the Seedmatch Crowd Award. Find out more about this special prize here.
Find the interviews with the other Jury members of the Green Alley Award 2018 here: