Nils mangold speaks bluntly about the fate of Nilman Bicycle, a start-up he founded in Drusenheim (Bas-Rhin) in 2022: “My business is simply in mortal danger…” Specializing in the production of 100% French bicycles,this company may go out of business due to an unlikely accident on november 7th.
“After working for two years on the design of our bicycles, we finally had to move on to the marketing phase during the Made in France show in Paris,” explains the entrepreneur. The three employees of the start-up then head towards the capital with four prototypes of their carbon bikes carefully stored in the back of a van. Once they arrive at the hotel in Malakoff (Hauts-de-Seine), the employees unload their luggage and take possession of their rooms.
The bikes were to be presented at the Made in France show
“The van was parked on the street for a few minutes. when we returned to our vehicle, the four prototypes had disappeared,” says Nils Mangold. The observation is fast: the side door was forced and the four two-wheelers stolen. “It was a hard blow because we had no model to present at the show and therefore no marketing possibilities,” confides the man who was part of the French track cycling team and who came eleventh at the World Championships in 2022. We landed quickly and we understood that the future of the start-up was at stake.”
To deal with the emergency, save two jobs and the future of Nilman Bicycle, Nils Mangold has launched an online fundraiser. He hopes to raise 30,000 euros by January 9th. In this case he estimates the damage at 80,000 euros.
What measures are start-ups like Nilman bicycle taking to recover from setbacks like theft?
Exclusive Interview: Nils Mangold of nilman Bicycle Discusses the Future of His Start-up after a Devastating Theft
Editor (Time.news): Nils, thank you for joining us today. Your recent experience with nilman Bicycle has been quite shocking. Can you explain what happened on November 7th during the Made in France show?
Nils Mangold: Thank you for having me.Unfortunately, on that day, while we were at our hotel in Malakoff, our van was broken into, and four of our carbon bike prototypes were stolen. We had worked for two years to design these bikes,and thay were crucial for our marketing efforts at the show. The theft left us without any models to present, which severely jeopardizes our chances for success.
Editor: That must have been incredibly difficult.You mentioned that the company is in “mortal danger.” Can you elaborate on the implications of this theft for your start-up?
Nils Mangold: Absolutely. Without those prototypes, we can’t effectively market our bikes. The theft not only deprives us of the physical products but also undermines our credibility as a new player in the cycling industry. As a small startup specializing in 100% French-made bicycles, every chance to showcase our work is vital. this incident has put our jobs and the future of Nilman Bicycle at serious risk.
Editor: It’s clear that this situation is dire.What steps are you taking to recover from this setback?
Nils Mangold: In response to the crisis, I’ve launched an online fundraising campaign to raise €30,000 by January 9. Although I estimate the total damages at around €80,000, every bit helps. The funds will aid in producing new prototypes and will help us maintain operations while we recover from this shock. The support from the community and cycling enthusiasts has been tremendous.
Editor: Launching a fundraiser is a proactive measure. What advice would you give to other start-ups facing unexpected challenges?
Nils Mangold: my advice would be to stay resilient and mobilize your community. Use social media to share your story and gather support. Even small contributions can add up and help you navigate through tough times. Also, consider diversifying your marketing strategy—there are always option routes to showcase your product, be it through virtual platforms or engaging local events.
Editor: As an expert in the cycling industry, what insights can you share about the current landscape for new companies like yours?
Nils Mangold: The cycling industry is currently growing, largely due to a shift towards eco-friendly transportation. However, competition is fierce, especially for brands emphasizing local production like ours.It’s crucial for start-ups to innovate while effectively communicating their unique selling propositions. Crafting a compelling narrative about sustainability and quality can greatly resonate with consumers today.
Editor: Thank you for sharing that insight. Lastly, how can readers support Nilman Bicycle aside from contributing to your fundraiser?
Nils Mangold: Readers can definately help us by spreading the word about our situation. Sharing our fundraising campaign on social media or within their networks increases our visibility and chances of reaching potential supporters. Additionally, staying engaged with local cycling communities and attending events can provide a platform to introduce our brand and products once we’re back on our feet.
Editor: Nils, thank you for your time and for sharing your experiences.we wish you and Nilman Bicycle all the best in recovering from this crisis.
Nils Mangold: Thank you for the opportunity to share our story. It’s crucial for us to keep fighting and we greatly appreciate any support from the cycling community.
