Sponsor interview with Jochen Baumeister of Jochen Baumeister Consulting

Jochen Baumeister is the founder of Jochen Baumeister Consulting. Baumeister supports others in the development and implementation of business ideas and new products hence, his involvement with StartupBus Africa as sponsor of one of our buspreneurs — Antony Wainaina.

1. Who are you?
   I am the founder of Jochen Baumeister Consulting. The company’s focus is the setup of new services within mobile phones and on the internet. My basis for start-ups goes back to my work within futurology for Mercedes Benz in 2000; an experience that brought out a lot of creativity. From 2001 to 2005, I established Mobile Ticketing in public transport in Germany with my second company. Since 2006, I support others in the development and implementation of business ideas and new products.
2. What is your take on the StartupBus Africa project?
   I like the concept of StartupBus and believe that connecting entrepreneurs within Africa can speed up the already high level of innovations taking place in some African countries. I hope that the number of areas where African countries are leading the market, for example Kenya in mobile payment, will continue growing.
3. Is there any advice that you have for the buspreneurs as they prepare to board the bus?
   Don’t forget your pillow! Timing of ideas is important; consider that you might be too early! Forget the venture capitalists at this early stage, they bet that 1 out of 10 companies will be successful but you may be prepared for one bet only.