Bootstrapping in the startup world: the journey of the Hundeo app

There is an oft-repeated narrative in the start-up world: it all starts with a great idea that is pitched to investors. After a cash injection, you then scale up as quickly as possible. But does this approach really suit every business model and every founder? Can this approach also work in an industry like the animal sector, where customer trust is not just a secondary consideration, but the basis for everything?

Why I decided on bootstrapping

When I founded Hundeo, I was faced with precisely this question. I had a clear vision: to create a platform based on user trust and satisfaction. But how was I going to finance it? I had the option of bringing investors on board, but I knew that this route could force me to make compromises that I didn't want to make.

The decision to finance Hundeo through bootstrapping was complex and involved trade-offs. On the one hand, I was foregoing the financial security and additional resources that investors could have offered. I also had to accept a slower growth rate. On the other hand, it gave me the independence to pursue my vision for the company without external influences.

Financial challenges arose immediately. Especially in app development, costs can rise quickly, and special projects such as creating professional learning videos with experts required additional funds. In this situation, it was crucial to scrutinize every financial decision. Despite these difficulties, I retained full freedom of choice over funding and was thus able to consolidate Hundeo's long-term focus.

The priceless benefits of bootstrapping

This financial discipline also has its advantages. It forces me to be creative, work efficiently and really understand every aspect of the business. It also gives me the opportunity to work closely with our early adopters. Their feedback can be taken on board and adapted accordingly in our app. This close relationship with users is proving invaluable. In an industry where animal welfare is paramount, customer trust is everything.

The role of the team in the bootstrapping process

An often overlooked aspect of bootstrapping is the importance of a dedicated team. Without the support of investors in both financial and business matters, a dedicated team is essential. This team must believe in the vision of the company and be willing to put in the extra effort that bootstrapping entails. At Hundeo, I have been fortunate to find employees who are on this journey with me and play a crucial role in its success. Especially in difficult times, our startup is sustained by their dedication.

A final thought for aspiring founders

The bootstrapping approach must therefore be individually adapted to the business model and intention and, above all, carefully considered. It is not suitable for everyone and comes with its own challenges. But with a clear vision and the willingness to grow step by step, it gives you the freedom to shape the company according to your own rules. For me, bootstrapping is more than just a financing option: it is a way of running a business, it requires patience, discipline and a strong customer focus. However, when it succeeds, bootstrapping opens up a rare form of entrepreneurship in the fast-paced startup world: the opportunity to create a sustainable and value-based business that cultivates a deep connection with its customers. And in the end, that is priceless.

About Enrico Bachmann & Hundeo

Enrico Bachmann is a book author and founder. Hundeo is a company that specializes in dog training and care. Founded in 2017 by Enrico Bachmann, Hundeo offers a mobile app that provides dog owners with a convenient way to train their dogs. The app has training reminder features and uses gamification to maintain motivation. With more than 400,000 downloads and an average rating of 4.6 with over 1,500 reviews, the app has received positive feedback from dog owners. Hundeo's vision is to help dog owners worldwide with dog training and to offer the app in different languages to appeal to a broad target group.

Links to the Hundeo app, social media presence and the latest news about the company can be found on the Hundeo startup base profile.