Setting Member: WirNachbarn

Do you know all of your neighbours? Do your conversations go beyond the usual 'hi' in the hallway? CEO Philipp Götting from WirNachbarn made it his mission to change the interactions we have in our closest environment and launched earlier this year the neighbourhood platform WirNachbarn. We talked to him about his vision.

Why did you start WirNachbarn?

Initially, I was fascinated by a book called “Bowling Alone”. Author Robert Putman lays down the development of social connections between individuals. In essence: we spend less and less time with others regardless if in friendships or clubs and institutions. In addition, we lost cultural techniques of getting to know each other. Especially in the neighbourhood. As I made good friends with my neighbours e.g. when I lived in Frankfurt or London, I thought about introducing a platform that brings neighbours together, inspires community and neighbourly support. Here we are.

Why did you chose to come to Berlin for your startup?

Berlin is a melting pot of excitement, tranquillity, energy, creativity, boredom, inspiration, chaos, dirt and style: I love it. And simply the best place to start with a new idea.

How do people use WirNachbarn?

WirNachbarn is your very local online notice board. Neighbours use WirNachbarn to interact with each other, to get to know each other and to support each other. The benefits for you: ask for useful recommendations (good handyman?, trustworthy babysitter?), share what you have seen and heard (cat ran away? car demolished!?), use classifieds or sharing items with your neighbours. In addition, organise a street feast with other or invite for a leisure group or just discuss very local developments.

What was your biggest lesson while building WirNachbarn?

Be faster. Pace counts. Every day.

What do you like to do outside work?

Other work ;-)
Arts, sports (sailing, jogging, skiing), politics, literature

www.wirnachbarn.com

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