The document discusses key topics from the Bits & Pretzels event in Düsseldorf, highlighting the importance of diversity, the future of mobility through autonomous driving, and the shift towards customer-centric service customization. Diversity is emphasized as essential for corporate culture and innovation, while advancements in technology promise a more efficient and eco-friendly transportation system. Additionally, the document underscores the need for start-ups to prioritize customer needs in order to create successful business models in the evolving marketplace.

1. WAVEMAKER AT
BITS & PRETZELS
Düsseldorf, October 2018
Contact: marketing-de@wmglobal.com

2. 2
THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL
TECHNOLOGY HAS FINALLY
ARRIVED IN OUR PRIVATE AND
WORKING LIVES.

3. 3
TOP TOPIC: DIVERSITY
Our daily environment is created by people and this is where diversity starts.
In 2017, sexual harassment cases in private and
working situations evoked the need to focus on
what already should be fundamental in our society:
tolerance and respect as cornerstones of our social
life. Hence, we should no longer accept anything
that harms human rights and the personal well-
being of an individual.
With regards to this, diversity was the main topic at
Bits & Pretzels 2018. The opening keynote was held
by #meetoo movement founder Tarana Burke, who
has lent her voice to people that had to fight for
being heard.
But why is diversity so relevant for a start-up event,
one might ask? Well, because aspiring companies
are growing regardless the sexuality or cultural
background of their employees.
FIRMLY ANCHORED DIVERSITY IN A
CORPORATE CULTURE ENSURES THAT
TOPICS ARE VIEWED FROM DIFFERENT
PERSPECTIVES. THUS, MORE CULTURAL
DIVERSITY WILL ALSO LEAD TO BETTER
OUTPUT FOR US AND OUR CLIENTS.
Lars Weigel, Media Youngster

4. 4
THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY: AUTONOMOUS DRIVING AND EXPANSION INTO THE AIR
The shift from manual driving to complex computer-driven vehicles allows new freedom of transportation.
Imagine a world without traffic jams and
overcrowded streets during rush hour. This
scenario would not only make traveling more
efficient but also it would mean a huge impact on
the environment.
In the future, extensive autonomous driving will
help solving most of transportation issues such as
accidents or overcrowding. Also, ecofriendly long-
lasting battery systems are one step forward into a
greener way of transportation.
Thinking ahead, this technology could be used
beyond regular traffic spaces and even in the air.
Modern cameras, new measuring methods and
data evaluation systems will allow autonomous
ways of transportation by cars, busses and even
autopilot air-taxies.
Already in 2019, the first prototypes of
“Volocopters” will be launched in the USA.
AS FUTUREMAKERS, WE WATCH AND
EVALUATE LATEST TECHNOLOGY TRENDS OF
ALL VARIETY SO OUR CLIENTS CAN PROFIT
FROM THAT KNOWLEDGE AND OUR
FUTURISTIC THINKING. WE SEEK FOR
TRENDS AND TALK ABOUT IT PROACTIVELY.
Alisa Ryjkina, Media Youngster

5. 5
SERVICE CUSTOMIZATION IS KING: IT IS ALL ABOUT CUSTOMER CENTRICITY
No more random services without focusing the needs of the customer.
Progressive customization severely impacts our
daily lives. Already, we are addressed specifically by
advertising throughout the day simply because we
are leaving our digital footprints wherever we go.
No wonder, consumers refuse sharing data with
third parties.
But what if your data would mainly be used to
improve services for you and find new ways, to
make your life much easier? The answer might be
new SaaS-systems which can provide
straightforward and customer-focused solutions.
Nowadays, successful start-ups often start with
listening to the needs of customers and positioning
themselves where they expect a profitable gap in
the current service portfolio, explained Valentin
Stalf, founder of the personalized banking service
N26. If the focus is always on the user and his
needs, even brands of rather unloved services like
banking can be loved by the customer.
IT DOES NOT ALWAYS HAVE TO BE A NEW
BUSINESS MODEL OR AN UNOCCUPIED
MARKET TO ESTABLISH A SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS. WITH A GOOD PRODUCT AND THE
FOCUS ON THE USER EXPERIENCE, IT IS ALSO
POSSIBLE TO TAP ESTABLISHED MARKETS.
Lars Weigel, Media Youngster