Founder Stories: Jannik Lawaetz On Building LuggageHero

In today’s Founder Story, we feature Jannik Lawaetz, CEO of LuggageHero!

Read on for lessons he has learned from launching and marketing his luggage storage business.

1. Please introduce your business and share your role.

I’m Jannik Lawaetz, the CEO of LuggageHero. We’re all about hassle-free travel. 

With my co-founder, we have built a platform that allows local businesses and hotels to offer temporary luggage storage by utilizing spare space in their venue.

Picture this: you’re exploring a new city, but your luggage is heavy, and do not know where to leave them. We step in with secure and affordable luggage storage options, lightening your load and letting you roam freely. 

LuggageHero has two missions: we make travel smoother for everyone from backpackers to business travelers, while also giving local businesses a boost by partnering with them. It’s a win-win. Our target audience is anyone who wants to travel without dragging their bags around.

2. How did you prepare for, and go about your launch? 

First, I felt the pain myself. I carried my stuff around too many times. Then secondly, I started hosting people in my home, and they experienced the same problem. I then started doing research. I messaged everyone in my house, asking for feedback about my idea. Lastly, I visited Copenhagen’s only luggage storage facility and randomly interviewed people using the service. 

On launch, I made sure there was enough supply of locations. Secondly, I tied my shoes and walked the streets of Copenhagen for weeks. 

It is simple. However, it is rare to see entrepreneurs meeting face-to-face with customers initially. However, I believe this is the most crucial part of a founder in the beginning and during the journey. 

3. Since launching, what types of marketing campaigns and designs have worked best to attract and retain customers?

Our marketing mix has been a game-changer. Digital strategies like targeted social media ads and different partnerships have hit the mark. However, our ace is partnering with local businesses, building community trust and recognition. Design-wise: clear visuals depict the ease of luggage-free travel, while intuitive app and website designs ensure a seamless user experience. Our goal remains connecting with travelers, making their journey smoother and more delightful – on both the travel and customer service fronts.

4. What have been the most influential brands for your business? Whose branding and marketing do you aspire to and why?

I would say Airbnb and Uber for example. Airbnb’s way of building a travel community and making trips special really speaks to us. We love how their brand feels like you belong and are on an adventure, something we want to capture too. And just like how Uber makes getting around easy, we’re driven by making things simple and accessible in our own unique way.

5. What are your favorite marketing platforms/tools?

In our marketing journey, we’ve mainly focused on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok which let us connect visually with travelers. Google Ads helps us find those in need of luggage solutions while collaborating with influencers and partners adds authenticity to our message and mail tools keep our community updated.

7. Looking ahead, what are you most excited about?

I am excited about the opportunities that lie in using available resources and monetizing them. What we did with LuggageHero was use the existing location’s free space and ensure foot traffic to the shops. This use of local shops is not the end of it. We believe there is so much untapped potential in local businesses. 

8. Who or what inspires and motivates you?

I love reading from time to time. Some of the best books that I can recommend, that also helped the company grow, is Way of The Wolf by Jordan Belfort and The Cold Start Problem. 

9. What are some lessons you’ve learned along the way that you would share with entrepreneurs hoping to launch or who have just launched? 

I would suggest to start with a clear purpose – try to solve real problems with heart and meaning. Also. it is very important to focus on feedback. Do not be afraid of it, because at the end of the day, customers are your guides.

Lastly, something I have definitely not lost is to stay curious. This will open up so many more doors and creativeness which will always lead to something good for you and your business.

10. What do you believe are the qualities of a good entrepreneur? And what makes a team successful?

Qualities that I find very important to have are curiosity, vision, and resilience. A good team thrives on communication, adaptation, and collaboration.

11. Let us know where we can go to learn more!