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We offer
the best support for start-ups and established players of the bike world.
When we launched the Cycling Innovation Accelerator (CIA) in December 2022 as the first global platform for startups in the bike world, we were inundated with countless applications. In 2023 alone, over 180 startups applied. But it quickly became clear that the need is much greater: every company needs innovation - even established players. That's why our consulting offer for startups AND established companies is now the next logical step.
As active entrepreneurs with unique industry experience and network, we want to actively shape the bike world and achieve real results. Through the magazines ENDURO, GRAN FONDO, E-MOUNTAINBIKE and DOWNTOWN as well as the Design & Innovation Award, we test more products than the development departments of the biggest bike brands. In combination with our CIA start-up program, reader data from 2 million monthly active users and our international advisory board, this results in unique expertise.
What is it, that clearly sets your brand and your products apart from your competitors? What stops other brands from copying you? What are your answers to current trends and market developments? How do you make your company future-proof and ensure further development? And which investments are actually worthwhile? The bike world has an oversupply of brands and products, most of which are vying for exactly the same target group.
With our unique consulting offering, we help bring clarity to company and product development, promote innovation, open up new markets and target groups, help avoid expensive missteps and provide tangible tools with real action plans. Because every consultation is only as good as its implementation.
No matter whether you are a start-up, an up-and-comer or an established company – everyone can benefit from our support!
Who's behind
the C.I.A.?
The head and president of the Cycling Innovation Accelerator is Robin Schmitt, co-founder of 41 Publishing, investor, serial entrepreneur and visionary. Together with his brother Max, he founded ENDURO, GRAN FONDO, E-MOUNTAINBIKE and DOWNTOWN as well as the Design & Innovation Award. From their own start-up, which kicked off with a € 6,000 loan from Grandma Schmitt, they developed over the past 10 years what has become one of the most influential media companies in the international bike industry with over 30 passionate collaborators worldwide.
Robin loves to tackle new projects and exploit potential, not just engaging with the future, but actively shaping it. With a strong sense for trends and potential, unique product as well as industry experience from thousands of tests, a very strong global network in the bike industry, media, retail, influencers and professional athletes as well as in business management and building, he has a unique combination of assets from which countless start-ups can benefit.
