When Jannes started Beyond Weather, his vision was deeply rooted in his academic background in climate econometrics. This expertise naturally guided him towards addressing the pressing challenges of climate extremes. As Jannes puts it, “The idea that weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable isn’t just theory—it’s reality. Beyond Weather was born out of a need to better understand and prepare for these extremes, helping society to adapt and thrive in the face of uncertainty.”
A man on a mission
“I’ve always been a weather geek. My friends would call me to ask, ‘What’s the weather going to be like for my barbecue?’ I’d say, ‘Don’t you have an app for that?’ Turns out, they just trusted me more.”
As Beyond Weather developed, the mission evolved from a purely academic endeavor to a more pragmatic business approach, focusing on scaling and impact. Jannes admits, “Initially, we underestimated the complexity of scaling a climate tech startup. The challenges were numerous, but the relevance of our work in climate prediction and its societal impacts kept us motivated.”
Weathering wisdoms revived
Looking back, Jannes reflects on the wisdom he would impart to his younger self at the beginning of the startup journey:
Embrace complexity: “One of the biggest challenges was understanding the complexities involved in scaling a climate tech business. I would tell myself to embrace this complexity and view it as an integral part of the journey.”
Leverage early funding wisely: “The fund was a no-brainer for us. It provided the financial support necessary to move beyond the initial research phase and develop a scalable business model. Without it, bringing our vision to life would have been much more challenging.”
Focus on long-term impact: “I would remind myself to keep the long-term impact in mind, especially when faced with short-term challenges. Our goal has always been to make a substantial impact by providing predictive climate solutions that can help mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events.”
Why startup funding matters
Jannes found pre-seed financing crucial for several reasons. The most significant was the autonomy it offered. “One of the most significant benefits of the fund was that it allowed us to focus on refining our product without the immediate pressure of external investors. This autonomy was crucial in the early stages of Beyond Weather.”
Choosing the fund was a strategic decision for Jannes and his team. The fund offered not only financial support but also validation of their mission. “The support from the fund wasn’t just financial; it was a validation of our mission. It gave us the confidence to continue pushing forward, knowing that there were others who believed in the potential impact of our work.”
Through the pre-seed financing journey, Jannes gained valuable insights, particularly in financial management and strategic planning. “The fund provided us with the necessary resources to focus on our goals, refine our business model, and ensure that we were on the right track. This experience has been invaluable in shaping the future of Beyond Weather.”
The future of Beyond Weather
As Beyond Weather continues to grow, Jannes remains focused on expanding their impact across Europe. “Now, we’re focusing on scaling within Europe. Our goal is to make a substantial impact by providing predictive climate solutions that can help mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events.”
The journey of Beyond Weather is a testament to the power of early support, strategic decision-making, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference.
“I remember pitching to a room full of investors and saying, ‘Look, if you invest in us, I guarantee you’ll never get caught in the rain again.’ I don’t think they knew whether to laugh or run.” Jannes looks back with a smile and remembers the moment they secured their early-stage funding.