Droppie: From idea to Amsterdam West recycling hub!
Despite deposit returns schemes on cans, some glass bottles, and textile recycling bins dotted around the city, waste management challenges persist in Amsterdam. Droppie's mission is to tackle this by turning recyclables into valuable resources using a unique collection method and a mobile app that incentivizes users to recycle. Users earn rewards for recycling, which they can collect or donate to community projects. The platform also educates users on proper recycling, ensuring cleaner waste streams and giving valuable streams and data to recycling companies. The founders say that participating in the AMS Startup Booster program was a crucial step in refining their approach, scaling their impact, and setting up their first physical hub.
How did the AMS Startup Booster shape the startup's journey?
“The program gave us specific business contacts. We met with local government members and key opinion leaders in the recycling industry. Partnering with AMS has provided us with credibility towards key stakeholders”
Stef Traa, Founder
Stef and co-founder Natascha Hermsen note that they were motivated to join the AMS Starter Booster to gain insights from the highly skilled mentor network and make connections. Using their insights and the training provided, they were able to bring their initial concept into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) during the program. The connections were also key to moving from MVP to the pilot phase.
“Our biggest learning from the program was the necessity of adopting a customer-centric approach and testing the app right from the beginning – now, we're getting noticed”
Stef Traa, Founder
Further, they note that the program emphasized the importance of understanding customer needs and pain points, encouraging them to engage directly with users and ensure that the app and service met real-world demands. This customer-centric approach has been pivotal in shaping their ongoing development and the platform's effectiveness during the current pilot!
So, what's next for the startup?
Droppie has ambitious plans to scale its solution across the Netherlands and beyond. With the recent opening of its first physical location in Amsterdam (Staatsliedenbuurt), it is set to continue developing its service in the coming months.
Stef and Natascha underlines that Droppie is always open to future collaboration opportunities, particularly with organizations interested in partnering or developing circular business models through reverse logistics. They invite potential partners to connect and explore how they can work together to drive positive environmental change!
"Bag it. Drop it. Cash it." Droppie's colourful hub on Van Limburg Stirumplein. Bring your waste to exchange and collect your reward!
Nauti: Turning around water pollution
Despite being water-rich, the Netherlands struggles with some of the worst water quality in Europe due to nitrogen pollution. Traditional cleanup methods are expensive, temporary, and rely on harmful chemicals, underscoring the need for a sustainable, long-term solution. Nauti's journey began with a clear mission: to provide a sustainable, long-term solution for water pollution. The startup's solution leverages a bioremedy process that treats biological contaminants like harmful algal blooms (HABs). The modular system cleans water and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
How did the AMS Startup Booster shape the startup's journey?
“The AMS Startup Booster program significantly advanced our solution by providing access to industry experts and mentors who helped us fine-tune our technology and business model”
Johannes Trebes and Rawan Khater, Founders
The founders say that they joined the Booster program driven by a desire to refine their solution and connect with a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. The program equipped them with essential resources and insights, allowing them to understand market needs better and adapt their technology accordingly. Nauti's experience in the program was marked by continuous iteration and testing, leading to significant improvements in its product, making its water cleanup service more effective and market-ready.
“We learned the value of cross-industry collaboration. Insights from startups in different fields, such as IoT and data analytics, helped us enhance our product's capabilities”
Johannes Trebes and Rawan Khater, Founders
The program also provided invaluable opportunities to connect with key stakeholders and potential investors – paving the way for future collaborations, note the founders. And importantly, the Booster program provides a space for founders to learn, including from failures. For example, the founders note a memorable challenge they faced during their first pitch; stage fright led to some colorful language being used in front of a bustling crowd of 300, and one of them even fell from the stage! They humorously note that this will never happen again —a nod to their growth and resilience!
Nauti were first place winners of batch 6!
So, what's next for the startup?
Nauti plans to expand its operations and pilot their solution across various water bodies in the Netherlands and Latin America, hoping to secure €80,000 in non-dilutive funding to build autonomous vessels equipped with high-quality probes. This funding will be crucial in scaling their technology and increasing its impact on water quality. Nauti is eager to continue collaborating with partners and investors to further its water quality transformation mission.
If you want to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future, the founders are ready to collaborate and bring their innovative water solutions to life.
Batch #7 is now open!
Have the stories of these two batch #6 graduates inspired you? Apply now for batch #7 here.
