#Top3 - TF-Industries: New Ways for Secure Backups
Reaching the top with innovative solutions against cyber attacks: the start-up TF-Industries impressed the jury at the WORLDFACTORY Demo Day 2025 and was awarded first place. This not only makes the team one of the top 3 start-ups at Ruhr-Universität Bochum 2025, but also sets new standards in IT security with its invention, the “Safe Storage” - the world's first physically automated air-gap system. In our interview, the four founders provide insights into their motivation, report on the latest successes and challenges on their start-up journey and reveal how they put innovations into practice as a team. You can also find out how companies can benefit from their solution and what next steps lie ahead for TF-Industries.
Please describe your founding idea and introduce the founding team:
We invented “safe storage” - the world's first physically automated air-gap system. It enables companies to securely lock down their backup infrastructure - physically, not just logically. Our solution offers a new level of protection against cyberattacks, especially ransomware that targets backups.
Our founding team consists of four people: Fabian Gieshoff, Tobias Bümmerstede, Daniel Grund and Uli Vinkelau. Each of us has very different experiences and skills that complement each other perfectly - from IT, business or marketing and sales. Uli has over 30 years of international management experience, Fabian is our IT security expert and the technical mind behind the solution. Tobias has a keen eye for strategic market positioning and sales, while Daniel is deeply involved in technology and has many years of experience in industry - from automotive to aviation. Together, we are a well-rehearsed team with the ambition to put real innovations into practice.
In April, you gave us an insight into your start-up in our start-up interview. What specific developments have there been at TF-Industries since we last spoke?
A lot has happened since we last spoke: We have received the official funding decision as part of StartupSecure - a major milestone for us. We were also able to successfully equip more customers with our “Safe Storage” solution.
How did you experience IDEA.2025 and WORLDFACTORY Demo Day 2025?
We had many great conversations, received valuable feedback and were able to expand our network in a targeted manner. The atmosphere was open, supportive and very inspiring.
Why did you decide to found your start-up in the Ruhr region?
The decision for the Ruhr region - and Bochum in particular - was quickly clear in our minds. The support provided by the business development agency, the proximity to strong research institutes and the existing start-up infrastructure convinced us.
Was there ever an alternative to founding a start-up for you? Could you have seen yourselves in research?
Theoretically yes, but we are passionate about putting our vision into practice. It quickly became clear to us that we wanted to build a company that creates real impact - so starting the company was the right and logical step.
How complex is the implementation of "Safe Storage" in existing company infrastructures? Do you offer support or training?
The implementation is very efficient. Thanks to good preparation, the system can usually be integrated within half a day. As the manufacturer, we offer third-level support. First and second-level support is provided by certified partners or our customers' existing IT service providers - depending on the setup.
How does the market react to your product - which sectors show the greatest interest?
The feedback has been consistently positive, especially from medium-sized manufacturing companies, the supply chain, the KRITIS sector and data centers. Our approach meets a great deal of interest, especially where high data security and failure protection are important.
How do you work together as a team? Do you have something like a success formula for great teamwork?
We focus on communication and transparency. Weekly jour fixes, regular strategy meetings and a clear distribution of tasks help us to maintain an overview, even in a highly dynamic environment. Trust and honest communication are just as important to us as processes.
What are your next steps? What else is on the agenda for 2025?
There are several items on the agenda for 2025: StartupSecure officially began funding on June 1, 2025. We are working on the further development of the product, particularly with regard to additional target groups. We are also preparing the next financing round to drive growth in a targeted manner.