Success Story: Los Aparatos – Smart Bicycle Data Powers Urban Mobility in Hannover

A young tech startup with an international perspective – and Hannover as its home port: Los Aparatos GmbH develops smart IoT and telematics solutions for urban mobility, and chose Hannover with conviction as its founding location. The company has been active since 2024, is led by mobility expert Maria Vola, and currently operates out of Hafven in the Nordstadt district. At the core: digital sensors for bicycles, to make the quality of urban cycling measurable and improvable.

Maria Vola, you're the CEO of Los Aparatos – why did you choose Hannover as your base?

Hannover was a real beacon for us in Germany. Normally, Germany isn’t the easiest environment for startups – a lot of things are safety-driven and slow. But Hannover has an active, progressive city management that not only welcomes new technologies, but actively integrates them. We were especially inspired by the close collaboration with Dr. Georg Leuteritz, who welcomed us openly from day one. Hannover also has a strong student focus – which brings fresh energy. For us, the combination of location, openness, and a strong tech network was decisive.

A question about the name: Why is your company called “Los Aparatos”?

(laughs) Good question – and one we hear quite often. “Los Aparatos” is Spanish and simply means “the devices.” It fits perfectly with our product vision: sleek, functional devices that operate subtly in the background but have a powerful impact. Plus, the name reflects our international roots – our founder Alexander Sokolov lives part-time in Valencia, and our team is globally diverse. The name is meant to convey not just technology, but also openness, accessibility, and a touch of humor.

What exactly does your solution look like – and where does it stand today?

Our core product is the LABTrack SmartCity Bike Tracker – a small, autonomous sensor mounted like a reflector on the bike spoke that collects data while riding: from potholes to braking behavior, to stops and road surface types. This data is encrypted and transmitted to the cloud, helping cities identify dangerous spots or inefficient traffic layouts. We’re currently in pilot phases – in Amsterdam (in collaboration with the LivingLab at Marineterrein and Tom van Armann), in Tallinn, Hannover, and soon Barcelona.

What role has Hannover’s economic development agency played for you?

A crucial one! hannoverimpuls – especially Anna Klose and Peter Eisenschmidt – supported us from the very beginning. No matter the challenge, their motto was always: “We will take you through!” From building networks to showcasing at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona – we had the opportunity to exhibit at the joint Hannover city booth, organized with the help of Sascha Thorn, FIRA Barcelona’s representative in Germany. That was a huge deal for a young startup with just a few months of experience. This kind of startup support in Hannover makes all the difference.

Were there any challenges?

Of course. One example: finding a German bank for an international startup is hard. Many banks were hesitant – too risky. In the end, Hannoversche Volksbank was the first to say yes. Moments like these are critical for startups. You need trust – and here in Hannover, we found it.

What’s your advice for other startups interested in setting up here?

Have at least one person on site who’s really present – not just on Zoom, but engaged in real conversations. The city thrives on dialogue, and trust is built through proximity. Hannover is a place where young companies get noticed – but you have to be part of the game.

What are your next goals?

We want to create real value for our customers. That includes real-time data on road conditions, safety analyses for cycling traffic, and integration with fitness apps. But we also care about societal impact: if our data can help make cities safer, healthier, and more sustainable – then we know we’re on the right path.

Peter Eisenschmidt, Head of Internationalisation at hannoverimpuls, says:

“Los Aparatos is a prime example of the innovative power Hannover can unleash as a startup hub: internationally-minded, technologically pioneering – and with real impact for livable cities. We’re proud to have supported the team from day one, and it shows how crucial a strong network is for startup success.”

Contact

Los Aparatos GmbH
Kopernikusstraße 14, 30167 Hannover