A Success Story on Every String

"I spent a long time looking for the ideal double bass. First I travelled to a small Catalan village. Back in Germany, I unfortunately realised that the instrument didn't fit one hundred percent. After bringing it back to Spain, I finally found the double bass in Hamburg that suited me perfectly in terms of sound and ergonomics," says Colombian musician Luisa Gonzalez, who plays at the Hamburg State Opera.

Many musicians are like Gonzalez: High-quality instruments are essential for artistic success in classical music. While Luisa Gonzalez had a particularly long journey to get there, for many it remains an expensive privilege. This is where Philipp Klotz comes in. With his start-up Polytone, he enables talented artists to play first-class instruments regardless of their financial situation.

A language that connects

He also plays an instrument himself. Klotz discovered his passion for the cello at the age of five. In the tenth grade, he went to Lübeck as a junior student and at the same time played in the Youth Chamber Music Initiative in Hamburg. He did it for himself - and never pursued the goal of becoming a full-time musician himself. Instead, he studied political science and economics in Lüneburg and London and worked in Berlin and Myanmar.

A high price

He founded Polytone at the beginning of 2023 and launched the start-up in response to the increasing demand from around 65,000 string instrumentalists in Germany. They often have to pay well over €10,000 for high-quality instruments. A violin by the famous Italian violin maker Guarneri can cost up to 30 million euros. This is because there are only around 200 of them left in the world.

"The high prices of the instruments reflect the quality of their craftsmanship. In addition, their value often increases with age. To preserve their sound quality, it is necessary to play them regularly," says Klotz. According to the founder, classical music in Germany is a world leader - with the highest number of professional orchestras, increasing numbers of students and great international interest.

Keeping an eye on the music

A paid membership with Polytone gives artists access to instruments that they would otherwise often be denied. "Our vision is to give musicians the freedom to concentrate fully on their art - without financial barriers," emphasises the economist. This also includes offers such as personal coaching, instrument insurance and performance opportunities.

Polytone focusses on first-class instruments that are indispensable for classical music. Investors can invest specifically in individual instruments or in a diversified pool and benefit from annual returns on membership fees - a form of investment that not only creates cultural value, but is also supported by the potential increase in value of older, well-preserved instruments.

Hamburg attracts with network and funding

Shortly after its foundation in Berlin, Polytone took part in the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft's Music WorX incubator programme - a key step in the development of the project from a concept to a tried and tested business model. Philipp Klotz emphasises: "The structure and support of Music WorX were an important building block for our progress.

Music WorX is a publicly funded incubator specifically aimed at start-ups in the field of music and technology. Here, Polytone was able to strengthen relationships with mentors, investors and institutions. The best example: Agnes Chung, mentor at Music WorX and co-founder of musicube, is now a member of the start-up's advisory board. The speed mentoring also resulted in useful contacts, which ultimately led to the inclusion in the "InnoFinTech" funding programme.

Polytone was based in the capital until the end of 2023. At the beginning of 2024, Philipp Klotz moved his start-up to Hamburg - a deliberate step to further advance the company. "The city offers us the perfect mix of a cultural network and entrepreneurial support," emphasises Klotz. Thanks to the workspace support provided by nextMedia.Hamburg at SPACE and the exchange with other creatives in HafenCity, Polytone has long since arrived in the Hanseatic city.

Visible and audible investment

Word has got around that Polytone offers a way of making high-quality instruments accessible. The increasing demand is reflected in an ever-growing waiting list with interested parties from Denmark, France, Austria and all over Germany. in 2024, Polytone was able to support double bassist Luisa Gonzales, among others. "It's my dream to one day give artists the same opportunity that I was given," she says. The Colombian musician is keen to support the next generation of talent - and to one day not only be a musician, but also a Polytone investor.

With innovative approaches such as Polytone, the creative industry in Hamburg is specifically promoted. A concept that not only inspires musicians, but also investors who can see and hear their investment on the city's stages.