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Focus – Don’t try to do everything, try to do something very good.

Trafi: Jelbi app that connects all types of mobility in Berlin

Please introduce yourself and your startup Jelbi to our readers! 

I’m Christof Schminke, Managing Director Commercial at Trafi, responsible for the global business development and together with BVG we have developed a new app connecting all types of mobility in Berlin, Jelbi.

How did you get the idea to Trafi?

The cities are the beating heart of the mobility ecosystem. Yet, the offer met by citizens is often scattered and hard to digest. New mobility operators are constantly flooding the streets of urbanized areas, but today it is hard to get an overarching view of what the network system looks like, holistically and comprehensively. To make it easier for people to utilize the entire network of transport, and for cities to regain control of their mobility systems, we have created a digital infrastructure for operating and analyzing mobility. BVG instantly was on the top of our list for a partner to realize this vision with.

The Trafi technology suit makes it possible to connect all types of mobility, from multimodal options to the public transport network, into one fast and frictionless solution. BVG has a great public transit system as well as a great reach of users – the perfect conditions for a fully integrated multimodal app.

How difficult was the start and what challenges you had to overcome?

We have managed to launch Jelbi in record time, we signed the contract late last year and we are going live now in June. We have not had major challenges on the way, the next phase will however be very interesting with feedback from users and continuing to integrate more mobility providers.

Who is your target audience?

All major metropolitan cities in the world (like Berlin) as well as key mobility providers (Like Lyft) and OEMs (like Volkswagen)

What is the USP of your startup?

Eine Frau benutzt am Donnerstag (14.02.19) in Berlin die App Jelbi . Foto: BVG/Oliver Lang

Trafi puts the cities and the citizens first. For citizens, instead of adding obstacles to traveling we remove the hustle and create an experience which is seamless, convenient and better suited for the digital consumer on the go. For cities, we give them the tools and tech to optimize mobility systems. Through our connected services, they get a better picture of how their cities beat, what transport is needed and how new urban infrastructure can be enhanced with real-time data.

Can you describe a typical workday of you?

I take my bike from my home in to our Berlin hub at Hackescher Markt. Drinking a quick espresso I quickly run through my inbox and double-check my calendar. I’m heading our Business Development and Project Delivery teams and together we run through the upcoming meetings and city visits. After that, there’s time for lunch and I take our Head of Marketing and Communications Sigrid out for a jog.

We usually take a sports break for our meetings – if you can still talk and run when you’re 40, it must be a good sign. After our annoyingly sporty approach, I grab something from the closest café and have lunch á la desk. Then it’s time for a demo with a new exciting city and preparing for a conference the next week. On my way from work I pick up some groceries for tonight’s dinner and if I’m feeling very generous – which I usually do – also a little sweet treat for my two children.

Where do you see yourself and your startup Trafi in five years?

Trafi’s technology suit makes it easy to connect different types of mobility in a city. We want to make cities more livable, healthier and cleaner through the promotion of shared mobility. In five years, I believe that we are partnering up with even more cities to facilitate green urban areas with great urban planning.

What 3 tips would you give other Start-up founders on the way?

1. Team team team – It is all about the team. Surround yourself with people that are experts in their field and let them do their thing. If you are a leader, put being a leader first. For me, this means putting the team before yourself.

2. Focus – Don’t try to do everything, try to do something very good. Once you have mastered that you can venture out to new pilots and projects.

3. Break the silos – We believe in cross-collaboration and opening up the industry. Working in mobility, and other sectors, you can’t afford to not partner with other brilliant minds. 

More information you will find here

Thank you Christof Schminke for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

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