There is no trodden path or signpost to show you the way – but there is one thing that is absolutely essential for anyone planning to start their own business – flexibility. Without flexibility, it is impossible to keep a start-up on track and fulfill the needs of its customers. Luca Christel started up the digital pharmacy by the name of Apoly in 2016 as a delivery service for medicines. The service he offers should soon be available across Germany. Although its growth is already healthy, the start-up enterprise is still in the process of finding its feet.
Luca Christel is convinced that doubt is one of the most important character traits for anyone starting a business. “When you get your business concept underway, it’s essential to be honest to yourself and permanently ask yourself if you are doing things right – that’s the only way to improve the situation,” says the 28-year old. While studying for his bachelors degree, his wish to make a positive contribution to the community with his own enterprise began to mature. Later, during his masters, this idea bore fruit and ripened into the idea that became Apoly. Christel envisaged a digital pharmacy that would simplify the German healthcare system and strengthen the position of patients. Customers should be able to order prescription-free medicines from a local pharmacy and have them delivered to their door. The upshot of this is that Apoly patients would have easy and convenient access to the right treatment for minor illnesses, aches, and pains. At the same time, the start-up would help pharmacies to market their products online.