Meet Klaus Pilz, Managing Director at INNO-MS GmbH

Tell us about INNO-MS GmbH.

INNO-MS GmbH offers workshops for brainstorming ideas for new products and services (innovations) or for overcoming challenges based on a high-efficiency method. The INNO-MS Key Factors Synthesis allows ranking problems according to their success probabilities, which in turn creates opportunities to save financial resources and speed up the implementation of promising solutions. A Business Retreat format introduces Innovators into the methods.

Please give some more details of your startup story.

I founded www.innovators-at-work.com in early November 2024, shortly after retiring from a rewarding career as a Business Developer in the telecommunications industry. My vision was clear: to create a company that helps make change and innovation a reality – quickly, effectively, and with the right mindset.

Together with my colleagues Daniela and Selina, we’ve started bringing our workshops to the DACH market, using proven methods and a positive mental approach to support teams and organizations on their transformation journeys.

Tell us more about your plans for 2025 and what is your long-term vision.

Finalizing the Innovation Workshops approach “Create & Select”, we started to offer these workshop formats at the beginning of May to established companies. Furthermore, with a focused package format of “Create & Select”, we are able to support startups by helping them identify solutions to roadblocks that often occur in a startup environment. With a Business Retreat Workshop Format, Innovators receive the necessary mental and methodical input to become the driver, not the driven! Our goal for 2025 is introducing these workshop formats to the DACH market.

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

We built this startup from scratch. Thus, we consider it a huge win for us (back in 2024) when a Berlin-based company placed an order with us for a business format that would help them identify the most promising AI business model for a go-to-market strategy, alongside their traditional business model.
With our official go-to-market strategy now ready, we feel well placed to persuade the DACH market by providing a well rounded view of business challenges from different angles.

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

Looking back, my biggest takeaway from my experience as a founder is that one should avoid starting a company without a partner. When building something from scratch alone, it is challenging to get a comprehensive overview of all the problems and issues you are confronted with. There is no sparring partner to challenge your decisions and thought processes. Working in a team, where everyone gets along and making an impact, adds to the fun and success of the startup.

What motivates you to continue your business every day?

The excitement of the new, fresh challenges, unique customers, and inspiring teamwork. Every workshop is a chance to create something impactful, tailored, and original. It’s this dynamic blend of creativity, collaboration, and real-world value that fuels our passion.

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

Start before you feel ready. At 65, I founded my workshop company, not because the timing was perfect, but because I couldn’t let go of the idea. Stay curious, trust your instincts, and don’t fear late beginnings. It’s never too early or too late to build something that matters.

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

Being part of the Swiss Startup Association means joining a vibrant community that shares vision, courage, and drive. Personally, it’s inspiring. Professionally, it’s empowering opening doors, sparking ideas, and proving that together, we shape the future of innovation in Switzerland.

Would you recommend joining the Swiss Startup Association? Why?

Absolutely. Joining the Swiss Startup Association connects you with forward-thinking founders, valuable resources, and a strong voice in shaping the startup ecosystem. It’s more than a network – it’s a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and real impact. A smart move for any startup.

Have you ever visited the events of the Swiss Startup Association? If yes, which ones? Would you recommend them?

I only visited an event from the Startup Association a long time ago – it was a Founders Dinner. This was the event which drove me to found my startup! I, therefore, highly recommend joining events from the SSA.

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

INNO-MS is offering a one-day Innovation Creation & Select Workshop with 2 coaches to make the right product/service choice or overcome challenges. For Members of the SSA, the costs of such a Workshop executed at the premises of the Startup would be CHF 750 instead of CHF 2’000.
Furthermore INNO-MS is offering business retreats – see next: https://innovators-at-work.com/de/inno-ms-business-retreat/. For Members of the SSA, the cost of the retreat would be 1.000 Euro. For both offerings please indicate your SSA membership when applying for the offering.

Connect with Klaus on LinkedIn!

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About the Swiss Startup Association

The Swiss Startup Association (SSA) is the umbrella organisation and the voice of Swiss startups. As a sector-independent non-profit organisation, the SSA gives startups a strong voice vis-à-vis politics, business, and works to improve the conditions for startups in Switzerland.
Beyond its political engagement, the SSA fosters a community for startups, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Through networking opportunities, educational sessions, and practical services, the SSA collaborates with industry partners to offer tailored support and valuable resources to guide founders on their entrepreneurial journey.

Join the Swiss Startup Association! Tap into our member benefits, the comprehensive Investor List and get full access to our events. By becoming an SSA Member you enjoy discounted tickets to our Big Founders Dinners and the SSA Founders Day.