From Cleaning Company to AR Tech Startup: AR Transforming the Industry
- Jörn Menninger
- Feb 1, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Augmented reality and AI have the potential to revolutionize the cleaning industry. ARCheck is workin on it
What Is This About?
ARCheck is transforming the cleaning industry through augmented reality and AI technology. This interview explores how the startup transitioned from a traditional cleaning company to an AR tech venture, using smart glasses and computer vision to improve quality control and operational efficiency in facility management.
Introduction
ARCheck is transforming the cleaning industry through augmented reality and AI — a sector most tech founders would never consider. This interview covers how the startup pivoted from a traditional cleaning company to an AR technology venture, using smart glasses and computer vision to reinvent quality control in facility management.

Augmented reality and AI have the potential to revolutionize the cleaning industry. Startuprad.io brings you independent coverage of the key developments shaping the startup and venture capital landscape across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
This founder interview is part of our ongoing coverage of Scaleup Founder Interviews from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
In this episode of Startuprad.io, host Jörn “Joe” Menninger interviews Martin Cudzilo, founder of ARCheck, discussing the challenges in the cleaning industry and the development of augmented reality technology. Cudzilo shares his entrepreneurial journey, the potential for AR and AI to revolutionize cleaning, and the impact of ARCheck on efficiency and cleaner support. They delve into the challenges of managing sick leave, the early development of ARCheck, and the upcoming launch of the minimum viable product. The episode provides insights into the transformation of the cleaning industry and the powerful potential of augmented reality technology.
Learn More
If you are looking to understand the rise of AI and deep tech startups in Europe, including how emerging technologies like machine learning, quantum computing, and robotics are transforming industries, you should not miss Europe’s Ultimate Guide to AI & Deep Tech Startups. This in-depth resource provides founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders with a comprehensive overview of European AI innovation, venture capital trends, and deep tech opportunities, making it a must-read for anyone aiming to stay ahead in the fast-growing European startup landscape.
The Challenges of Cleaning Services: “The only way to support, to do a better cleaning is to support the cleaner.”— Martin Cudzilo
Our Enabler
HTAI and the Enterprise Europe Network Hessen
This recording was made possible by HTAI and the Enterprise Europe Network Hessen. These organizations have made tremendous contributions to helping startup businesses succeed and thrive, providing a range of services from helping to find grants to ongoing partnerships. By taking advantage of these resources, startup companies can network and develop innovative strategies for success on the international stage. The dedicated support of HTAI and the Enterprise Europe Network Hessen is paramount in providing startup businesses with the tools for lasting success. Learn more here: https://www.htai.de/ and https://www.een-hessen.de/
Questions Discussed in the Interview
How does Martin Cudzilo’s background in the cleaning industry influence his approach to developing AR technology for the industry?
What are the specific challenges faced by cleaners in Germany, and how does ARCheck address these challenges?
How does Martin’s comparison of Jeff Bezos’ early struggles with internet investments relate to his own experience in convincing investors about the potential of augmented reality for the cleaning industry?
What strategies does ARCheck employ to support non-lingual cleaners and improve their working conditions?
In what ways does the integration of AR and AI revolutionize the cleaning industry, and how does it impact the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cleaning processes?
How do the anticipated advancements in AR glasses technology, such as Apple’s AR glasses, validate and impact the future of ARCheck’s application in the market?
How does ARCheck aim to improve efficiency and pay cleaners better, and what role does real-time guidance and quality checks play in this process?
What are the key milestones and achievements in the entrepreneurial journey of ARCheck, from early investor interest to the upcoming launch of the MVP?
How does ARCheck’s approach align with the projected growth of the cleaning business in Germany, and what opportunities does it present for the market?
In what ways does the development of AR technology mirror the evolution of cell phones, and what implications does this parallel have for the future of augmented reality in various industries, including cleaning automation?
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The Founder
In this episode of Startuprad.io, Jörn “Joe” Menninger welcomes Martin Cudzilo as the esteemed guest. Martin, with over 25 years of experience in the cleaning industry, has a deep understanding of the challenges faced in this sector. His entrepreneurial journey began with the establishment of his own cleaning company, where he recognized the need for innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cleaning operations. Martin’s passion for integrating technology into the cleaning industry led him to venture into the AR startup field, where he established ARCheck, a groundbreaking project aimed at revolutionizing the cleaning market through augmented reality and artificial intelligence.
Drawing from his extensive experience in the cleaning business, Martin Cudzilo brings a unique perspective to the conversation, shedding light on the challenges faced by cleaners, the fierce competition within the industry, and the need for technological advancements to support and elevate the role of cleaners. His deep understanding of the intricacies of the cleaning sector, paired with his innovative spirit, makes Martin a compelling guest on Startuprad.io. Listeners can expect to gain valuable insights into the intersection of technology and the cleaning industry, as well as the entrepreneurial journey of an individual committed to driving positive change through innovation.
The Startup
AR-Check, the innovative startup founded by Martin Cudzilo, has emerged as a game-changer in the cleaning industry. The company has completed two rounds of fundraising and is currently open to new investors for its third funding round. AR-Check’s groundbreaking and disruptive project aims to revolutionize the market by integrating augmented reality (AR) technology with cleaning processes, providing real-time guidance and quality checks for cleaners. This pioneering approach sets ARCheck apart from its competition, as it addresses the critical need for support and efficiency in the cleaning industry, particularly in Germany where many cleaners lack sufficient training and support, leading to quality problems and high turnover.
With a strong focus on technology and innovation, AR-Check has achieved significant milestones in the development and patenting of its AR-Check system. By utilizing HoloLens technology and anticipating future advancements in AR glasses for cleaning automation, AR-Check is at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve the efficiency and quality of cleaning processes. Their commitment to supporting cleaners in real time, establishing industry standards for cleaning, and ultimately improving the pay for cleaners sets them apart as a pioneer in the intersection of technology and the cleaning industry. As they prepare to launch their minimum viable product (MVP) and conduct custom pilots for testing, AR-Check is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry and become a leading force in cleaning automation.
Venture Capital Funding
AR-Check is currently in the process of raising its Series A funding. You can reach out to Martin via LinkedIn, or leave it to us to make an introduction.
Feedback
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Relationship Map
Jörn "Joe" Menninger → Host of → Startuprad.io
What is this article about: From Cleaning Company to AR Tech Startup: AR Transforming the Industry?
Augmented reality and AI have the potential to revolutionize the cleaning industry. ARCheck is workin on it
What are the main takeaways from this discussion?
ARCheck is transforming the cleaning industry through augmented reality and AI technology. This interview explores how the startup transitioned from a traditional cleaning company to an AR tech venture, using smart glasses and computer vision to improve quality control and operational efficiency in facility management.
How does this topic connect to the broader startup ecosystem?
ARCheck is transforming the cleaning industry through augmented reality and AI — a sector most tech founders would never consider. This interview covers how the startup pivoted from a traditional cleaning company to an AR technology venture, using smart glasses and computer vision to reinvent quality control in facility management.
About the Host
Joern "Joe" Menninger is the host of the Startuprad.io podcast and covers founders, investors, and policy developments across the DACH startup ecosystem. Through more than 1,300 interviews and nearly a decade of reporting, he documents the evolution of the European startup landscape. Follow Joern on LinkedIn.
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Startuprad.io is the leading independent media platform covering startups and innovation across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. We bring founders’ stories to a global audience through in-depth interviews and expert analysis. Support our mission by subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform, sharing this episode with fellow startup enthusiasts, or exploring sponsorship opportunities at startuprad.io.




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