5 minutes with... Dominik Obermaier, co-founder and Managing Director at HiveMQ GmbH

Four friends found a start-up in 2012, are developing a server software and shortly afterwards sit in the official OASIS committee together with big companies like the Software AG in order to drive forward M2M communication. How come?

As young entrepreneurs we were full of ambition from the start to develop revolutionary solutions that facilitate new markets or offer specific business advantages. This is how the Internet of Things server software HiveMQ came into existence which rapidly gained acceptance all around the world. As a small company, so to say, this qualified us to take part in the definition of an Internet of Things standard, the MQTT protocol.

How significant is the HiveMQ product for M2M communication?

We have developed HiveMQ specifically to be implemented in business-critical services. Our server software creates a stable platform that hundreds, thousands and even hundreds of thousands of smartphones, tablets, devices and sensors can use to communicate with each other. It is easy to operate and integrates perfectly into all systems. As a central component of IoT communication, HiveMQ is today used all over the world in areas such as industry 4.0, connected car and even as cloud back-end for iOS and Android apps. Huge perspectives – for companies of all industries – will emerge in these fields in the next few years.

What is your opinion of the growth opportunities for start-ups in Bavaria?

I think they are very good. HiveMQ developed very dynamically thanks to the project business. Measured upon the number of staff we are still small, but when it comes to our projects we are definitely at the top of the league. Bavaria is an ideal location in order to act on a global scale. The most modern industries, strong small and medium-sized companies as well as very good educational institutions are located in and around Landshut. This is complemented by a close collaboration between business and research.

Where do you see the biggest potentials for innovative companies?

The right IT can contribute a lot to becoming more efficient, flexible and productive. Any department in a company can benefit from a customised software solution. Our customers are just as likely to include a traditional wood manufacturing company from the Bavarian Forest as a Munich-based energy corporation or an American IoT start-up.

What are your favourite things to do in Landshut and the local area in your free time?

Landshut is where medieval and modern times come together. Our old town is truly magnificent and Trausnitz Castle was the seat of government for the dukes of Lower Bavaria for centuries. But of course we also know a few secret spots along the Isar...

Bavaria is an ideal location in order to act on a global scale. The most modern industries, strong small and medium-sized companies as well as very good educational institutions are located in and around Landshut. This is complemented by a close collaboration between business and research.