Pixelschleifer

"In principle, we sell Imagination" is how the two founders of the start-up Pixelschleifer, Peter Kubior and Jiannis Giatagantzidis, describe the activities in and with their company.

Founded in 2015, Pixelschleifer stands for 3D visualisations of all kinds, whether as an image, in animation or as a model from the 3D printer. The aim is always to offer viewers a vivid, explanatory and emotional visualisation of objects.

An order usually comes from architectural offices or property marketers, who in turn usually need these visualisations for their (end) customers. These can be both private individuals and companies.

Jiannis grew up in Krefeld and initially came to the University of Siegen in a roundabout way. A strong affinity for computers and media led his further considerations - and ultimately him - to the University of Siegen, where he discovered the Media Planning, Development and Consultancy degree programme in 2002. Peter Kubior comes from Siegen, where he initially trained as an energy electronics technician. It was only later that he decided to study architecture at the University of Siegen. The two founders got to know each other during their work at the university.

As both founders wanted a certain degree of security, they decided in the course of their start-up to continue to build up a second mainstay alongside their self-employment. In addition to Pixelschleifer, Peter and Jiannis now also work as employees at the University of Siegen and the University of Heidelberg.

Their work at Pixelschleifer mostly takes place remotely. Only occasionally do the founders get together at a table. While Peter manages and designs the creative work, Jiannis provides media support and manages the office.

How did you come up with the idea for Pixelschleifer and the associated idea of 3D modelling?

Jiannis: The programs that were available in 2011/12 were all still very complicated at the time, so hardly anyone actually dared to try 3D animation and visualisation. But then I got to know a programme together with a colleague that was much easier to use and we thought we should use this technology. Animation was already very much in demand at the time and our competitors in this field were very slow to use new programmes. That's when we discovered the potential of this medium. I pursued the idea with my colleague and we even founded the company together. However, the collaboration didn't work so well on various levels, so we dissolved the company again.

Peter: Jiannis and I got to know each other while working in the modelling lab at the Department of Architecture at the University of Siegen and in 2015, together with other colleagues, we picked up on his earlier founding idea from 2011/12. However, we later reorganised and continued to pursue Pixelschleifer as a duo. In architecture, the problem is that people often use 2-dimensional plans to talk about 3-dimensional buildings that are several storeys high and the other person can't visualise the developments. We then realised that architectural firms would like to use 3D modelling and made this our task. Today, however, our core business tends to focus on static 3-dimensional images as opposed to moving images. (Animations are very time-consuming and expensive.) Some of our customers also require a 3-dimensional working model that they can hold in their hands and we then build with the help of the 3D printer.

What attracted you to setting up your own company?

Peter: For me, the advantage was to build something of my own. You can watch "the child" grow and at some point it runs all by itself. You're then very proud of what you've achieved.

Jiannis: I'm also attracted by the autonomy and freedom that comes with being self-employed. The best confirmation is when you have gained a customer who comes back more often.

When did you decide to set up your own company?

Peter: That happened gradually. We sat around the table together a few times and discussed the next steps, clarified the framework conditions for the foundation and then founded the company.

Jiannis: For my part, I was initially a little cautious due to my previous experience with my first start-up and really had to think about whether I wanted to start up again. In the end, it was simply the team that convinced me.

What is/was innovative about your company?

Jiannis: At the time, the potential was simply there because there were enough architecture firms that wanted to use this modelling, but didn't want to change their own structures and therefore commissioned us as a service provider for them.

Peter: In the meantime, things are changing. The structures in young offices (where the older generation has already been replaced) have changed to the extent that some of them are tackling such 3D modelling themselves by hiring their own staff.

What was the biggest challenge you faced at Pixelschleifer?

Peter: I think the biggest challenge of being self-employed is always the customers. Convincing them and doing them justice, but also defending what you do.

Jiannis: In relation to the constant "self-defence", pricing is particularly difficult. You have to offer the customer a good price and at the same time not sell yourself short.

To what extent did the university's Gründerbüro support you?

Jiannis: We received support in the form of useful coaching sessions and informative events. We also received free office space. But what was particularly valuable for us were the contacts with the other founders and the creative dialogue with each other.

What is your advice for young founders?

Peter: I think it's important to always reflect on what you're doing. The world around you changes and so sometimes your business idea has to change too.

Jiannis: I definitely think it's very important to have the right team. You should ask yourself: after the euphoria, can you also go through difficult times together? I think the communication among each other has to be good and there has to be a good human fit.

Would you found a company again?

Jiannis: Yes, I would if the opportunities arose. I'm not looking for big business models. If it comes from my own resources and an opportunity arises, then I would start up again.

Peter: For me, it depends very much on whether you start up in the service sector again or with a technology. In the meantime, I probably wouldn't set up a service company. The market is simply too big and fast-moving.

This portrait is based on an interview with Peter Kubior and Jiannis Giatagantzidis in September 2020 and was written by Janice Gust.

 

Click here for the start-up's homepage.