Make It Ten: R3 Communications
They have created a new generation of wireless transmission technology and are ready to disrupt entire industries. Get to know Berlin-based start-up R3 — Reliable Realtime Radio Communications with their first product EchoRing and see how R3’s Managing Directors Mathias Bohge and Florian Bonanati answered our ten questions.
#1 Mathias/Florian, please introduce R3 Communications in less than 10 words.
R3 build reliable wireless technology for production/planes/elevators.
#2 What was the initial impetus or motivation to start R3 and what is your vision with it?
One of our founders, Prof. James Gross, has come up with a theory to increase reliability of and introduce determinism to wireless communication solutions. His university team built a first prototype — and then R3 was founded to bring it to the market. Mathias knew James, as the two were writing the PhD thesis on related topics at the same chair of telecommunications in Berlin. Eventually, R3 will be a leading expert for industrial wireless solutions in the URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communications) field.
#3 What company-related recent accomplishment are you most proud of?
Finishing the design of our first serial-product — to be launched on the SPS fair in Nuremberg at the end of this month.
#4 Five years from now, what will R3 look like? What will you be doing yourself?
In five years, our ECHORING technology will be widespread over the globe. Consequently, there will be R3 branch offices in all important regions. Our technology portfolio will be grown to include standard technologies, as well as further developments of our proprietary solutions. We will still be mostly a software company, but will provide some hardware solutions and advanced tools, too. The two of us will still be serving the company as MDs.
#5 Can you name three adjectives that describe the working culture at R3?
- collaberative
- friendly
- tasty (due to our Italian coffee machine (stuffed with Coffee Circle beans), free ecological fruits and our ice cream fridge)
And yes, we are looking for collaborative and friendly people to join our team. Enjoying good coffee is not a prerequisite to be hired…
#6 Can you name a detail that nobody really talks about but that is nonetheless crucial for the success of a company?
Supportive families. We are very lucky that the moms and dads that are working for our company get the freedom they need to do their jobs well.
#7 Which technological solution are we still missing in our lives?
A CO2 to love converter.
#8 What is worth spending time on other than R3?
Families. Music. Sports. Faith. And sometimes Hertha BSC.
#9 Why did you choose Creathor as an investor?
During our pitch at Creathor, we felt that Creathor has a deep understanding of the complex world of deep tech start-ups. There are not a lot of investors out there that understand our KPIs. We have trusted that you do — and have not been disappointed.
#10 Make it 10! There must be something that you have always wanted to ask us. What is it?
Mathias/Florian: Five years from now, what will Creathor look like? Will you still be invested in R3?
Gert: We support our portfolio companies (financially and with advice & deed) until they can stand on their own feet and/or can be sold — assuming a positive business development. As it often takes more than 5 years to build a solid IP-based business, the probability is high that we will still be on board at R3 in 5 years. Should there be a lucrative exit scenario earlier, we as venture capital investors will of course not say no to it.
Thank you Mathias and Florian!
If you would like to learn more about our other investments, please visit www.creathor.com and get in touch if you think we could be a match.
