Fika with Cariqa co-founder Tamara Ciullo: 'I fall into things and make the best of it'

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Germany but I'm half Italian, half German. But please don't ask me to speak Italian!

How did you get into tech?

I studied economics and a couple of years after that I graduated I moved to London.

There I got into tech, I loved the futuristic side of it, but honestly I kind of stumbled into it. I worked on public transport, then EVs, met my co-founders, and realised there were huge pain points in charging.

That’s how Cariqa came to be. I never had a strict plan – it’s always been more like tripping and landing somewhere, then making the best out of it. That's kind of my way, I don't like to think too far ahead.

How do you deal with the pace of being a founder?

Sometimes I hate it, but most of the times I love it. I like being my own boss and being in charge of my own destiny.

I do work a lot, but I also make sure I enjoy life – walks with my dog, Pilates, coffee, the little things.

I try not to be a ‘hustle culture’ entrepreneur. That’s not sustainable, and it’s not cool. I just want to do something I love and still have energy for life outside work.

What’s your typical day like?

I have a dog, so mornings start with a walk. Then Pilates, then coffee.

Even if I'm working remotely, I get dressed properly before I start work – sounds trivial, but it makes a difference. When I sit at my desk in pyjamas, I feel sluggish. When I’m dressed, I’m ready to tackle the day. It’s probably placebo, but it works. Little rituals matter.

Do you prefer working remote or in-office?

I’m mostly remote, but I go to Berlin twice a month to meet the team. Remote suits me – I was doing it before COVID – but in-person solves problems faster. A quick chat, a brainstorm, getting unstuck, that’s harder over Slack. For me, a mix is perfect.

Do you ever worry about your startup failing?

Honestly, I don’t have time to worry. Sure, doubts pop up occasionally, but mostly this is too good to fail. I focus on what I can do today, this week, this month. I think staying present keeps me sane and productive. If I get too far ahead, it gets overwhelming.

When you’re building something from scratch, how do you keep perspective?

I focus on the present. The future is overwhelming. I set small goals: what to achieve this week, this month. I celebrate small wins. When I get a new customer or see a process improved, it’s proof that we’re moving the needle. That keeps me motivated.

Do you ever daydream about the exit or big scale?

Of course, but I try not to obsess. The head thinks about ROI, the heart enjoys the ride. I want Cariqa to grow and succeed, but I also want to enjoy the process. Otherwise, what’s the point? Life’s too short to only think about the endgame. I'll only be 32 once.

Lastly, what's your order?

Flat white with oat milk – nothing fancy, just something that kicks off the day.