It all started with an idea: Gregor Hohmann and Max Rieger aimed to develop a “Google Maps for organizations” with Galactify - a SaaS solution that uses an innovative zooming user interface that visualizes complex processes in the company across an infinite number of levels. At the same time, O2 Telefónica was lacking an effective solution to handle their feasibility checks. Wayra brought them together - a win-win for both sides.
When Gregor Hohmann and Max Rieger founded Galactify in 2019, they already had a clear mission. "Our technology represents a completely new way of working with computers. We wanted our software to be universally applicable and accessible to everyone. Initially, our focus was very much on technical feasibility so that we could then test various use cases", explains Max Rieger, Co-Founder & CTO.
Galactify revolutionizes organizational knowledge by providing a transparent and intuitive overview for employees. Utilizing a patented semantic 3D interface, it visually and hierarchically organizes project management elements like goals, tasks, and decisions, fostering seamless collaboration among teams. Positioned as a dynamic link between structure and content, Galactify serves various scenarios in companies. As a “Google Maps for organizations” working with OKRs, it systematically documents and displays objectives from corporate strategy down to individual tasks.
From “residents” to corporate venturing: the Wayra concept
Despite being at the forefront of technological innovation, many startups find it challenging to identify specific use cases and target customer segments for their technology. Galactify's first project with Wayra happened to be a game changer. In 2019, the two founders Gregor and Max were invited to work as “residents” in Wayra’s Germany office, Telefónicas open innovation hub. Wayra’s location in the heart of Munich offers not only a coworking setup but also access to Telefónica’s entire ecosystem.
As the Open Innovation Hub of the telecommunications company Telefónica, Wayra scouts, scales and invests in start-ups with the aim of bringing Telefónica together with the most innovative young companies. Wayra acts as a strategic partner for both sides and paves the way for a mutually beneficial collaboration.
Feasibility checks: A complex process with many stakeholders
And that’s exactly what they did in collaboration with the Customer Success & Sales business unit. Under the leadership of department head Silke Wolf, the team was tasked with overseeing the launch management of all new products and processes throughout the customer journey. This included conducting essential "feasibility checks": new ideas or requests submitted by customers or employees from Service and Sales are meticulously evaluated for their viability. Depending on the nature of the issue, multiple specialized departments and various hierarchical levels were teaming up to determine whether implementation is feasible.
"We had tools and processes in place; however, they were outdated, non-compliant with data protection regulations, and inefficient. The existing process demanded substantial resources. My goal was to streamline it, and allow our team to redirect their efforts towards improving customer service,” says Silke Wolf, Manager Service Development at Telefónica Germany.
The Venture Development Team at Wayra: A Crucial Interface
Unable to find an adequate solution internally, Wolf turned to Wayra’s Venture Development team for help. Nicole Hrusa, Senior Venture Development Manager at Wayra, explains: “Our job in the Venture Development team is to understand the business unit’s needs. We then analyze the relevant use case, scout suitable start-ups, conduct initial discussions and create a curated shortlist. We also try to proactively introduce solutions to the departments within Telefónica. Afterwards, we handle preliminary checks to ensure that they are both structured and future-proof.”
Once a suitable startup is selected, Wayra provides project management and funding during the proof of concept (PoC). Additionally, Wayra’s “fast track” for startups significantly simplifies the lengthy process of onboarding new suppliers.
Win-win for both sides: The Proof of Concept (PoC)
Telefónica was able to ensure the project stayed on track, while Galactify gained valuable insights and feedback, evolving their product to serve this new use case. “The Galactify team had the flexibility and courage to start from scratch. We communicated our needs, and they developed the solution together with us. Their agile approach allowed us to achieve our goals quickly and efficiently. Without any bureaucratic obstacles, this close collaboration was incredibly valuable, allowing us to achieve results faster than we could internally”, explains Silke Wolf.
The Proof of Concept (PoC) took five months and revealed the potential for long-term collaboration, as the software effectively tackled the challenges faced by Silke Wolf and her team. Feedback processes are now streamlined, enabling easy participation through levels that ensure visibility of all user input.
Galactify now supports feasibility analyses, campaign testing, and promotions, with much communication happening directly on the platform to boost employee engagement. Wolf and her team intend to expand the platform as a central feasibility solution for Telefónica Deutschland.
“Our first growth phase began here, allowing us to hire initial employees during the PoC. Almost simultaneously, we joined a funding project by the Free State of Bavaria”, says Gregor Hohmann.
The Customer Success & Sales initiative leaded Telefónica’s omnichannel team to request a solution for tracking OKRs. Over three months, the omnichannel team’s feedback helped develop project management blocks that let users navigate seamlessly from overviews to specific objectives, key results, and tasks. Originally designed for the omnichannel team, this feature quickly became a popular project management tool with clients like Wayra. Although the initial project didn’t lead to a subcontract, it provided valuable insights for Galactify, helping refine workflows across multiple companies.
Open feedback culture benefits start-ups
This positive experience encouraged Wolf’s team to explore other innovations within the Wayra network, especially in AI. Galactify is still benefiting from Telefónica’s commitment to innovation and its honest, constructive guidance.
“Telefónica stands out for its innovative spirit and willingness to embrace change, even at the risk of failure. Honest feedback was crucial for developing our product into what it is today”, said Max Rieger.
Gregor and Max continue to work in the Wayra office as a crucial part of the ecosystem. So far, they are self-financed, but are open to investors in order to take the next growth milestone.
