Villeroy & Boch founds Innovations GmbH – Young companies sought as co-operation partners

Driving the digital change and optimally utilising the opportunities of digitalisation – this is the background against which Villeroy & Boch founded a company that invests in innovative startup companies. Young companies whose products and solutions strategically fit with the core business in the areas of tableware as well as bathroom and wellness and that are digitally expanding these areas are being sought after. In addition, internal developments and the development of its own digital business models are being advanced by Villeroy & Boch Ventures GmbH, which was also newly formed under the Villeroy & Boch Innovations GmbH. Villeroy & Boch Innovations GmbH is a holding company of Villeroy & Boch AG.

The company has proven time and time again in its more than 270-year history that it always strikes the balance between tradition and modernity. Since its beginnings, Villeroy & Boch was a pioneer when it comes to innovative materials and manufacturing methods as well as design. “The digital transformation offers many opportunities for the divisions of Bathroom and Wellness and Tableware: Technological developments allow for completely new business models, products and services. Rapid continued developments, which are mainly driven by startups, have tremendous potential”, explains Dr. Peter Domma, managing director of Villeroy & Boch Innovations GmbH. “On the one hand, our goal is to offer customers more new and innovative products and services, but on the other hand to continue to optimise internal processes as well”.

Startup Pitch Day on 26 August 2019 in Mettlach

As part of the Startup Pitch Day of Villeroy & Boch Innovations GmbH on Monday, 26 August 2019, in Mettlach, young companies will have the opportunity to present their innovative business ideas and convince the jury to collaborate with them. A co-operation with Villeroy & Boch Innovations GmbH can include financial investment as well as a collaboration on a sales basis. Startups active in the areas of digital and networked products, e-commerce as well as production processes or that develop innovations in the materials sector and that operate in the current trendy topics of e-health, nutrition, fitness and lifestyle are sought after. Participation in the competition is free.

Applications can be submitted online until 31 July 2019. Ten teams will be selected from all applications who will be invited to the Startup Pitch Day in Mettlach. In addition to a possible co-operation, the winners will also receive prize money.

Additional information about the Startup Pitch Day and the application process can be found at the following link: http://vb-pitch-day.com/en

Images available for download: https://cs.villeroy-boch.com/admin/share/f4cfcb88