The brain behind the start-up, Nadine Herbrich and Alessandro Cocco, hit on the idea of using electric cargo bikes to collect used glass, paper, clothing and deposit bottles from companies and private households. The team is also involved in social projects and with the homeless in particular and are rethinking the circular economy. Commenting on the senators' visit, Herbrich remarked: "It shows that we are on the right track with our idea of a recyclables collection service and our commitment to recycling and sustainable urban logistics." Recyclehero secured millions in a pree-seed financing round in July and will now put the fresh capital towards expansion and hiring more staff.
Recyclehero is one of many start-ups in Hamburg that has successfully weathered the pandemic-induced crisis thanks to the Corona Recovery Fund (CRF). The company offers a climate-friendly collection service of recyclables and is now on course for growth. Michael Westhagemann, Senator for Economics, and Andreas Dressel, Senator for Finance, visited the company in St. Pauli earlier in August.
Cargo bikes for sustainable logistics
Corona Protective Shield
"I am delighted by the commitment Recyclehero has shown towards a sustainable solution for recyclable logistics. The heroes are on the last mile with their climate-friendly e-load cargo bikes, and take social responsibility for a variety of projects," said Westhagemann during the visit. Dressel added: "We are very pleased to have boosted fledgling companies in Hamburg through our Corona Protective Shield and the CRF. That has helped them surmount challenges posed by the coronavirus-induced crisis." CRF offered innovative start-ups and growth-orientated SMEs venture capital from federal and state funds through June 30, 2022.
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