The Munich mobility startup Cluno offers auto-ownership in the subscription model, bookable via an app. Behind the start-up company are the three experienced founders Nico and Christina Polleti as well as Andreas Schuierer, who had already successfully founded Easyautosale. Nico Polleti answered our 7 questions.
- Who are you and what are you doing?
Cluno offers auto ownership in the subscription model – a revolutionary easy way to drive your own car without buying it. In just three minutes can be booked by app own car for the monthly all-inclusive package price, which is then delivered to the respective desired location.
I am Nico Polleti, 37 years old and a car economist. In 2004, I started my career at Porsche and, after only four years, became the youngest managing director of a Porsche center in Germany. My first own company – a car treatment – I founded in 1999, so at age 18.
The Cluno co-founders are my wife Christina Polleti, graduate in business administration, and Andreas Schuierer, graduated in engineering. The three of us have already started a startup before Cluno: Easyautosale (EAS). At that time, the company absolutely hit the nerve of the moment because it simplified the complex process of buying and selling used cars. In 2016, EAS was successfully sold to Scout24. ”
With Cluno his car delivered by subscription to the desired location
- But that’s already there!
Yes, we have been live with our concept since October 2017. Before the car subscription, there was only the opportunity to buy or lease – both very long term and not very flexible. What is special about Cluno: not only the access to your own car is digital via App possible. With Cluno, we want to digitize the complete experience around our own vehicle. At the moment we only see that with us.
Since the minimum duration and period of notice per vehicle is only six or three months, there is no long-term commitment, unlike purchase, financing or leasing or other offers. In addition, the costs through the all-inclusive price are transparent and easy to plan. You do not have to worry about anything, such as car repair or tire change.
- What are the three main ingredients of your recipe for success?
Important is the right idea at the right time and a great team. All in all, our success is based on three components: a highly motivated team, a clear and consistent focus and good timing.
- Butter with the fish: How’s the business going?
So good that we’ve raised $ 36 million in funding from well-known VCs like Valar Ventures, Acton Capital and Atlantic Labs in a single year.
We have 55 employees and a 1,200 sqm office. Since October 2018, we have recorded 10,000 app downloads. We are growing strongly in all areas: We now have 50 different car models from ten different brands and many partnerships with dealers and car manufacturers. Our customers come from all over Germany – from Garmisch to Flensburg – and are between 23 and 76 years old.
“Munich is simply ideal for our mobility and fintech startup”
- What does Munich mean for you?
Munich is a great location for us. Here we have successfully set up Easyautosale. Because Munich traditionally has a strong presence in OEMs, the city is simply ideal for our mobility and fintech startup.
Munich has a good infrastructure and many talents, which is important in attracting staff to drive growth. Originally we are from Lower Bavaria, and Munich is our adopted home. Munich has a great atmosphere and you meet a lot of good people there.
- How does your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at the Epic Fail Night?
We become a Unicorn by pursuing our vision as consistently and committed as ever, and remain excellently in the execution. Car experts agree that the car subscription is the promising new form of mobility. As a brand-independent and digitally driven startup, we can make an attractive and comprehensive offer and offer a modern customer experience. Car manufacturers are also interested in our model, as shown by our recent cooperation with Porsche. No, so I do not think we’ll see each other on Epic Fail Night.
Also published on Medium.