#Interview
“We started with a conviction – and made it a reality,” says Lars Havighorst, founder of blue activity. The startup from Heidelberg is aiming to replace chemical biocides in industrial cooling systems with microorganisms.
The Heidelberg CleanTech blue activity, Founded in 2021 by Lars Havighorst and Michael Simon, it focuses on the “sustainable treatment of cooling water in industrial evaporative cooling systems”. The CleanTech’s “real-time monitoring dashboard” monitors “all relevant KPIs – biofilm, scaling, corrosion and fill level”.
Wind Capital (Paris), Venture Stars (Munich) and Angel Invest (Berlin) recently invested 8.5 million euros in the company, which employs 10 people. The fresh capital will help “accelerate product development and expand commercial activities in European industrial markets.”
In an interview with deutsche-startups.de, founder Havighorst speaks in detail about the state of affairs at blue activity.
How would you tell your grandmother blue activity explain?
Large factories require huge amounts of water to cool their production. To keep this water clean, companies traditionally rely on toxic chemicals – which, however, harm our water and nature. They do not solve the actual problem, but create new ones: they pollute our rivers and soils. We have found a unique way to do the same thing with tiny microorganisms. These clean the water naturally, without any dangerous substances. The result: processes run more efficiently – and nothing harmful ends up in our water.
Was this your concept from the beginning?
Our core vision was clear from the start: to replace chemical biocides in industrial cooling systems with microorganisms. This focus guided us and continues to drive us today. Of course, we developed the product iteratively – but we never doubted the basic orientation.
How did blue activity developed since its founding?
Since we were founded in 2021 – back then with two people – we are now a team of ten people. Sales grew from 60,000 euros in the first year to seven-figure sales, and we were able to convince a steadily increasing customer base of our solution. Figures that we are proud of – and that show that the market is ready.
Most recently you were able to collect 8.5 million. How did you get in touch with your investors?
We actively sought dialogue from the start: addressed investors directly, presented the idea clearly and convincingly – and trusted in the power of our technology. The response has confirmed to us that we are on the market at the right time with the right approach.
Please take a look back: What has really gone wrong since the company was founded?
In an early phase, we drove growth faster than the product maturity allowed. The necessary adjustments took more time than planned, which temporarily slowed us down. Looking back, an important insight: scaling must be in harmony with product maturity and team building.
And where have you done everything right so far?
We started with a belief – and made it a reality. The fact that our technology was recognized as future-oriented by the VDI after five years is a special confirmation for us. But above all: We have delivered real added value to our customers and built long-term partnerships.
What general tip would you give other founders?
Check your idea continuously and critically – not only for its technical feasibility, but also for whether the market is ready for it. Timing is everything. And then: don’t give up. The path will not be linear – it will be in waves. Those who accept this and still move forward consistently have the best chances.
Where will blue activity Startup be in a year?
We plan to increase our turnover to 3 million euros and expand the team to 13 to 15 people. We are facing an exciting phase of growth – with a solid foundation and a clear course.
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