Founder Friday: Michael Mayer, Co-Founder of Windmill 💨
Issue #16
Founder Friday is a content series from SuperAngel.Fund highlighting companies in our portfolio and the inspiring founders behind them.
In our 16th edition, we are featuring Michael Mayer, Co-Founder of Windmill, which is revolutionizing the “air” market with clean, eco-friendly, and connected home products around cooling, heating, ventilation and purification.
Windmill is on a mission to build an entire suite of beautifully designed, eco-friendly clean air products, starting with a new and improved window-mounted AC unit.
The founding team is comprised of 3rd generation air conditioning experts with decades of experience in manufacturing, supply chain and service, including having existing key infrastructure in place (e.g. warehousing, delivery trucks, AC technicians, etc.).
Described by Forbes as being the “iPhone of air conditioners”, Windmill combines simple and intuitive technology with a sleek and unobtrusive design that blends right into the background. The unit’s efficient air flow and dual-filtration system helps to not only keep your surroundings cool, but cleaner and healthier too. To keep your air in great shape, customers can also sign up for a filter subscription service.
Perhaps best of all, Windmill is constantly mindful of environmental impact, which is why they strive for the highest standard of energy efficiency. This includes a more eco-friendly refrigerant, remote control efficiency, and a carbon-offsetting program. For every Windmill AC sold, the company invests in tree protection and restoration projects to help offset the carbon footprint.
What a breath of fresh air!
Describe your company in 5 words or less.
Mike: Modern home air care.
What was your primary motivation for starting your business?
Mike: Refreshing an old, outdated category that had zero innovation, brand, and customer love.
What piece of advice would you give an entrepreneur starting a business today?
Mike: Take care of yourself (physically and mentally).
What do you love to do in your free time?
Mike: Watch Caribbean Life on HGTV.
What is the most interesting place you’ve visited recently and why?
Mike: New Orleans - that city has a soul like no other!
What is your favorite app or tool in your work life and in your personal life?
Mike: Work life = Slack. Personal life = Noom.
What do you believe is the most important skill or attribute of a successful founder?
Mike: (1) Being able to compartmentalize and move from thing to thing quickly and (2) Understanding that things are never as good as they seem or as bad as they seem.
SuperAngel.Fund is an early stage fund that invests in Consumer, PropTech & Future of Work. The fund is led by Ben Zises who was the first investor and founding advisor to quip, Caraway & Arber. You can learn more at SuperAngel.Fund.
