It was almost exactly one year ago, that ProSiebenSat.1 unveiled its new company builder EPIC Companies. Since then, the incubator has managed to become an integral part of the German startup scene. EPIC has been a busy bee during its first year and is regularly one of the hottest discussion topics in the scene. The portfolio of EPIC currently comprises of six startups, being: Amorelie, Discavo, Gymondo,  Petobel, TodayTickets and Valmano.

The Online jewelry shop Valmano (2013), the food shopping platform Petobel (2013) and the Online hotel search Discavo (2014) have been founded and brought up by the Company itself. “Homemade Start-up” is the inhouse term being used at EPIC. The Online fitness platform Gymondo has been acquired during summer 2013 and since then been equipped with a new executive team including a relaunch in early 2014. Amorelie, the online sex shop, is part of the EPIC family since January 2014, when EPIC invested a six-figure amount in the startup (comprising of cash and media coverage benefits). Besides, EPIC is one of the main investors in the Ticket-App TodayTickets, which was founded in 2013.

EPICs first year investments show a distinct and clear tendency towards the E-commerce segment. The incubator provides mainly early stage money, entrepreneur-expertise and media benefits through its parent company ProSiebenSat.1. Especially the media cooperation plays a decisive role for EPIC startups as they have the opportunity to advertise themselves through the TV-channels of the media group. The incubator sees the media presence especially for early stage startups as a crucial USP and a competitive advantage towards other startups. While the TV-presence is a useful tool that not many early stage startups can afford, it is no guarantee for success.

EPIC’s goal to launch four to five promising startups per year seems ambitious, yet feasible, given the companies expertise and management team around Mato Peric (former Rocket Internet). The Company, which settled in a hip building in Berlin-Kreuzberg’s Paul-Lincke-Ufer, formerly inhabited by German rapper Sido, is growing rapidly and meanwhile employs over 250 people (including portfolio companies). “The next three platforms are already in the works and will be launched in the next few weeks” announces Peric. It looks like EPIC is positioning itself for a bright future as one of the most recognized German company builders.

Picture: © EPIC companies