Tous les articles

From Intern to CEO: Edwin on Mach dis Ding - Podcast 🎧

8 oct. 2025

5 million rentals, 4'000 locations – the story behind Chimpy

What does it look like to go from intern to CEO and help build a company that’s changed how people charge their phones across Europe?

Our CEO and co-owner Edwin Winkler, was invited to the Swiss entrepreneurship podcast Mach dis Ding, to talk about the story behind Chimpy: how it started, why it works, and what it takes to grow a circular, solar-powered service that’s used by millions.

🎧 Listen to the full episode ( https://www.mach-dis-ding.ch/2025/09/08/5-millionen-ausleihen-4000-standorte-die-wahre-story-hinter-chimpy/)

A beginning that didn’t look like a beginning

In 2014, Edwin joined Chimpy as an intern. The company was still in the idea phase — working on rechargeable AA batteries, operating out of a small office, and experimenting with ways to reduce electronic waste while making life a bit more convenient.

It wasn’t clear yet that Chimpy would pivot to powerbanks. It wasn’t clear that we’d eventually be available in 4,000+ locations across Europe. But the foundation was already there: a belief in circular systems, renewable energy, and building something people actually need.

Building a company by doing

Over the years, Edwin grew with the company — from intern to operations, to co-owner, to managing director. In the episode, he shares how:

Early powerbanks were packed and delivered by hand
Financial tight spots were frequent (especially in the beginning)
Big partnerships — like with Valora and SBB — took years of relationship-building
Growth was never just about scale, but about improving how the system works

Today, Chimpy is not only profitable, but also proudly committed to CO₂-conscious operations, circular logistics, and powering everything with 100% renewable electricity — including our solar panels on the roof in Zurich.

The shift to powerbanks — and why it worked

The decision to move from AA batteries to powerbanks wasn’t easy. But it was the right one.

The idea: instead of buying a powerbank (which most people only use a few times), just borrow one when you need it, and return it anywhere. It’s better for people, better for the planet — and it actually works.

That pivot is what turned Chimpy from a niche idea into a scalable service.

What’s next for Chimpy?

As Edwin puts it, Chimpy isn’t just about charging phones — it’s about giving people peace of mind when they’re on the go. The long-term goal? Enable that feeling for 100 million people across Europe.

We’re already on the way.