#innovation#innovative technologies#timing systems

Interview with Jean-Pierre Baumann: The revolution of accessible timing

Jean-Pierre Baumann, CEO of Freelap and a passionate athletics enthusiast, is the visionary entrepreneur behind this innovative company specialising in sports timing. In 2002, after leaving Polar, he[...]

Video: Julien Humbert-Droz; Interview: Galina Dzhunova & Madeline Zosso
17 October 2024

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Jean-Pierre Baumann, CEO of Freelap and a passionate athletics enthusiast, is the visionary entrepreneur behind this innovative company specialising in sports timing. In 2002, after leaving Polar, he founded Freelap with the ambition of making timing accessible to all clubs and athletes by offering affordable solutions adapted to various sports disciplines. Under his leadership, Freelap has established itself in the international market through innovative technologies and a focus on accessibility and precision.

You set up your company 22 years ago. Can you tell us about the early days of this venture?

Yes, in 2002, I founded Freelap with seven shareholders. I left Polar, a specialist and leader in heart rate monitors, to start this new company. The six other shareholders are friends of mine who had followed the evolution of heart rate monitor technology and decided to invest in this project. From the beginning, our goal was to create timing devices accessible for all sports disciplines, taking into account the budgets of sports clubs.

What were the main technological innovations you introduced in the field of timekeeping?

Our technology is based on electromagnetic beacons that emit a magnetic field, detected with precision suitable for sports training. Unlike traditional timing systems that use photoelectric cells and lasers, our solution is much more affordable and well-suited for sports clubs, even though it is not certified for high-level competitions such as the Olympic Games. It perfectly meets the need for precision in a training context, offering a practical and economical alternative to more expensive systems.

How do you assess the competition in the sports timing field, and how does Freelap stand out from its competitors?

Competition in the sports timing field is strong, especially with companies offering very advanced technologies such as laser timing or systems using photoelectric cells. However, these solutions are often very expensive and only accessible to high-level clubs or sporting events. What sets Freelap apart is our ability to offer precise and reliable technology at a much more affordable price. We designed our systems to be easy to use, portable, and adapted to the needs of sports clubs, schools, and amateur athletes. Our approach is to make timing accessible to a larger audience without compromising the quality of the measurements. This positioning allows us to stand out and meet a market segment that many of our competitors overlook.

You also export internationally; can you tell us more about your expansion abroad?

Yes, we have a distributor in the United States, which accounts for almost 50% of our revenue. In the United States, two-thirds of athletes who participated in the Olympic Games use our system. Our American distributor, who was previously a coach, immediately saw the potential of our technology and equipped many universities with our system.

What were the main challenges you faced at the beginning?

One of the biggest challenges was convincing local clubs to adopt our technology. Financial support was also a recurring issue, but we were fortunate to have friends and investors willing to extend their contributions to support us. At one point, we were even on the verge of bankruptcy with a debt of 800,000 Swiss francs, but thanks to the commitment of our team and external support, we were able to overcome these obstacles.

What role did the Service of the economy of the canton of Neuchâtel play in the development of Freelap?

The Service of the economy of the canton of Neuchâtel has been an essential partner in our journey, especially during critical moments when our company was financially fragile. Their support helped consolidate our project when we were at a decisive turning point. They understood our vision and believed in our potential, which allowed us to get through difficult times. Their help was invaluable not only financially but also in terms of confidence and validation of our project. It gave us the momentum we needed to continue our development and overcome the challenges we faced along the way.

Why did you choose to stay in the canton of Neuchâtel to develop your business, and what specific skills from the canton contributed to your success?

Staying in Neuchâtel was a natural choice. First, I have always been reluctant to move; I am deeply attached to this region. But beyond that, Neuchâtel offers a unique ecosystem, especially in terms of micromechanics and microtechnology. Local expertise has been essential. For example, Fernando Lopez, who is a key figure at Freelap, received advanced technical training here, which allowed us to develop products in line with market needs. The quality of technical training in the canton, coupled with a strong watchmaking tradition, enabled us to stay grounded and develop highly innovative products.

What are your plans for the future of Freelap?

We are currently working on several new products, including a system capable of measuring athletes’ reaction times at the start of a race, for example. We are also developing a new application for team sports, which represents a huge market, especially in the United States. The idea is to make timing even more accessible and fun, particularly for young athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Can you tell us more about the latest innovations and products that Freelap is about to launch?

We have several innovations in the pipeline. First, we are developing a system capable of measuring athletes’ reaction times between the gunshot and the start from the starting blocks, which is a first in the training field. Then, we have a new mobile application specifically designed for team sports. This app will allow coaches to track the performance of each player in real time, whether in terms of speed, reactivity, or changes in direction, all with simplified installation. Finally, we are also launching a product called “Fixmotions,” which can measure not only split times but also the frequency and amplitude of athletes’ strides. These innovations aim to make timing more precise, accessible, and fun for a wide range of sports.

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