Matthias Heicke: Mastering the Art of Tech Evolution – From Club Motion to Sweap, a Journey of Innovation and Adaptation

In this illuminating episode of “The Bright Founders Talk” podcast, hosted by Chris from Temy—an international software development company—we delve into the inspiring journey of Matthias Heicke, the Co-Founder and CTO of Sweap. Matthias, a dynamic figure in the realms of marketing, entrepreneurship, and business creation, shares his insights and experiences with an undeniable passion. The conversation begins with a light-hearted clarification of Matthias’ name, setting the tone for an engaging and insightful dialogue.

Throughout the interview, Matthias reveals his favorite productivity hacks for working from home, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one task at a time and the power of methodical organization. His desire to continually learn, both in terms of programming and human languages, reflects his deep commitment to personal and professional growth. Matthias recalls his childhood aspirations, ranging from the classic dreams of being an astronaut and detective to his ultimate goal of becoming a ‘boss’—a dream he is progressively realizing through his entrepreneurial ventures.

The discussion takes a turn towards creativity, a core aspect of Matthias’ life and work. He reflects on his lifelong passion for creation, whether it was building with Lego as a child, organizing events in his youth, or, in his professional life, developing software and building a company. This narrative of creation and innovation is a testament to Matthias’ dedication to bringing new ideas and projects to life, making the interview a compelling listen for anyone interested in the journey of a successful entrepreneur and creative thinker.

Matthias Heicke: Crafting a Life of Creation and Connectivity

Picture this: Matthias Heicke, a visionary in the tech world, casually sharing his wisdom on the latest episode of “The Bright Founders Talk” podcast. The conversation, peppered with Matthias’s easy humor and down-to-earth vibes, quickly dives into what keeps his productivity engine running. His mantra? Keep it simple and focused. “Focus on one task at a time,” he advises, chuckling about his pet’s amusing ability to derail his workflow. It’s this blend of relatable anecdotes and practical tips that makes listening to Matthias feel like catching up with an old friend who just happens to be a tech whiz.

Focus on one task at a time

But Matthias isn’t just about coding and company strategies. He’s got a curious mind that leaps beyond the digital realm. When asked about his learning aspirations, he lights up, revealing a passion for languages—not just the ones that power software, but those that connect people. He muses over his school days learning Latin, a choice he humorously questions, yet it underscores a deeper thirst for understanding diverse ways of communication, both human and technical. This eagerness to embrace new languages speaks volumes about his approach to life: always expanding, always connecting.

And then comes a gem from his childhood—the kind of candid share that endears him to listeners. Matthias wanted to be the boss, a dream sparked from a young age, but not for the reasons you might think. It’s not the riches or the power, he clarifies. “It’s about being independent and able to do whatever is up in your mind,” he explains. This desire for autonomy and creativity has been his guiding star, leading him from constructing Lego masterpieces and forest forts to organizing events and, ultimately, building companies. As Matthias puts it, “Creating software, creating a company, creating connections—it’s always about this creative creation part.” There’s a profound sense of purpose in his words, a reminder that at the heart of every venture, every code, and every conversation, is the human desire to create and connect.

Matthias Heicke: Navigating the Creative Labyrinth of Tech Entrepreneurship

In the bustling world of tech startups, Matthias Heicke stands out as a beacon of creativity and practical wisdom. As he chats with our host on “The Bright Founders Talk,” his easygoing nature shines through. Matthias divulges his secret to overcoming creative blocks, a plight familiar to many in the creative and tech realms. “Put the thing aside, take something else, and then come back to it,” he suggests with a laugh, revealing how a simple change of focus can reignite the creative spark. This straightforward yet effective approach underlines Matthias’s ability to navigate the complex world of technology with a remarkable ease and adaptability.

Matthias’s journey isn’t just about coding and running a successful business; it’s also about finding balance. He shares how he delegates tasks like bookkeeping and taxes to focus on what he does best—innovation and creativity. This strategy isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about understanding one’s strengths and playing to them. Matthias openly admits, “As a founder, you will always come up with stuff, which is not 100% your cup of tea, but which still needs to be done.” His candidness about the less glamorous aspects of entrepreneurship adds a layer of authenticity to his story, making his advice all the more relatable and grounded.

Delving deeper into his background, Matthias reflects on his academic journey in computer science and software engineering. Unlike the stereotypical tech founder narrative of dropping out to start a business, Matthias chose a different path. He balanced his studies with his entrepreneurial ventures, a testament to his dedication to both learning and doing. “I always try to find people who are better at [certain tasks] than I am,” he says, highlighting the importance of teamwork and collaboration in his success. This blend of continuous learning, practical experience, and teamwork is the cornerstone of Matthias’s approach, setting an example for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

Put the thing aside, take something else, and then come back to it

Matthias Heicke: A Journey from Coding Hobbyist to Tech Entrepreneur

Diving into the tech world with Matthias Heicke is like exploring a treasure trove of experiences and insights. In our enlightening chat, Matthias reflects on his seamless transition from academia to the tech industry, attributing it to his early passion for developing projects at home. “I did the stuff before at home for myself, and then I did it for other people,” he shares, highlighting how his personal projects acted as a springboard for his professional career. This natural progression from personal interest to professional expertise underscores the importance of following one’s passion—a key takeaway for anyone aspiring to break into the tech world.

Matthias’s journey is marked by continuous learning and adaptability, traits that have served him well in his career. One particular insight he shares speaks volumes about his approach to problem-solving: “If someone says ‘probably,’ then to sit down and dig deeper and ask more questions.” This simple yet profound advice encapsulates his methodical approach to challenges, whether in coding or in business dealings. It’s a strategy that has enabled him to navigate the uncertain waters of technology and entrepreneurship with confidence and curiosity.

The conversation then shifts to Club Motion, Matthias’s first entrepreneurial venture. He candidly recounts the lessons learned from this experience, particularly the realities of working with club owners in Berlin. “It was really, really hard to do business with club owners,” he admits, sharing amusing anecdotes and the harsh business realities he faced. This chapter of his journey, filled with both fun stories and tough lessons, illustrates the unpredictable nature of startups and the resilience required to navigate them. Matthias’s ability to reflect on these experiences with humor and honesty not only endears him to listeners but also provides invaluable insights into the world of startups.

If someone says ‘probably,’ then to sit down and dig deeper and ask more questions

Matthias Heicke: Evolving in the Tech World, From Club Motion to Sweap

In a heart-to-heart on “The Bright Founders Talk,” Matthias Heicke reminisces about his journey from Club Motion to his current venture, Sweap. He vividly describes the pivot from club guest list management to a broader event platform, a transition spurred by the realization that serious businesses were seeking their technology for events like motor shows. This eureka moment led to the birth of Made, marking a significant shift in their business model. Matthias’s narrative, filled with the excitement of discovery and the satisfaction of responding to market needs, encapsulates the essence of entrepreneurial agility.

Matthias opens up about the challenges and learning curves encountered with Made. “We did so many mistakes on the road,” he admits, reflecting on the evolution from a small group of friends to a growing, structured company. This period was a crucible of learning, from hiring decisions to strategic choices. Matthias’s candid recounting of these experiences, interspersed with his easy-going humor, paints a realistic picture of the ups and downs in the startup world. His insights are particularly valuable for anyone navigating the complexities of scaling a business.

The conversation then flows into the genesis of Sweap, an evolution of Made. Matthias shares the thought process behind this new venture, emphasizing the continual evolution of their product and team. “It just didn’t felt like Made anymore,” he explains, highlighting the importance of recognizing when a project has transformed into something new. This ability to adapt and evolve is a testament to Matthias’s deep understanding of the tech landscape and his commitment to staying relevant and innovative. His story is not just about creating successful products but also about the journey of growth and adaptation in the ever-changing world of technology.

We did so many mistakes on the road