Meet Evan Petkov, Co-Founder & CEO at Optiml

Please tell us about Optiml

Optiml (PropTech) revolutionizes the decarbonization of real estate with a holistic software solution for asset managers and consultants. The AI-powered software optimizes decarbonization and investment strategies for assets and portfolios and creates actionable renovation plans on component level.

We are an ETH-spin-off, founded in 2022, focusing on decarbonization strategies for the real estate sector. The idea came up during my PhD research in regards to the topic of making CO2-efficient and at the same time profitable decarbonization decisions. Later on my two co-founders Jordi Campos, CTO, and Nico Dehnert, CCO and formerly from BCG, joined.

Tell us more about your plans for 2024 and what is your long-term vision.

Our primary focus in 2024 is on client success in DACH and UK, bringing a holistic approach for decarbonization to the sector. In April 2024 we launched a new software category called “Real Estate Decision Intelligence”, which will help industry leaders make investment decisions that align with CO2 targets, cost-efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

What has been the biggest success that you have achieved in your startup?

Since being founded two years ago, our biggest success has been building a cutting-edge, science-based product which has proven actionable decarbonization in real estate with 1000s of buildings optimized. Furthermore, we have secured over $6M in funding over the last 18 months in a tough economic environment, along with growing an amazing team of over 20 Optimists.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? What are your biggest learnings?

Two key learnings: In the very beginning, we hired the wrong people, just two, but this was due to limited experience, which led to early dismissals. “Hire slow, fire fast.” Secondly, we initially focused on the Swiss market, only to realize our software had global interest. This is why we launched our software in DACH and the UK and are planning to expand soon to the US.

What motivates you to continue your business every day?

What drives us every day is knowing that Optiml isn’t just another software – We’ve proven this with 8 awards already this year! We are solving one of real estate’s biggest pain points – decision-making for complex buildings. The sector is responsible for a significant portion of CO₂ emissions, and every renovation decision we help optimize reduces that footprint.

One piece of advice for someone who is just starting out with their startup?

Don’t be afraid to pivot or adjust your vision based on market needs. For us, customer insights have been invaluable, giving us direction on how to refine and improve Optiml to serve the needs of asset managers and consultants who want to balance sustainability and profit​.

What does it mean to you to be a member of the Swiss Startup Association?

Membership in the Swiss Startup Association means being part of a dynamic ecosystem that values collaboration and innovation. Personally, it’s been rewarding to connect with like-minded founders, and professionally, the association provides resources and networking that open doors for partnerships and growth opportunities.

Would you recommend joining the Swiss Startup Association? Why?

I would! It’s a well-connected network that facilitates invaluable resource-sharing, which are crucial in the early stages of any startup. You also foster a collaborative atmosphere that accelerates growth and innovation by bringing together diverse expertise and industry knowledge, which can help startups overcome hurdles.

Have you ever visited the events of the Swiss Startup Association?

I’ve been to many fun and rewarding pitch events focused around Sustainability, AI, and PropTech.

Is there anything that we haven’t asked you that you would like to share the community?

As we’re dedicated to addressing global climate goals by partnering with innovative industry leaders, we are happy for everyone reaching out, interested in exchanges, joint projects, partnerships. Also, we are hiring!