Stage setups are still burdened by cables that cause delays, hazards, and frustration for performers and crews alike. That’s where Alfred Audio comes in. The Munich-based startup is developing a universally compatible wireless audio system that eliminates the need for most stage cables. Their mission: less setup stress, more focus on the music.
From Venezuela to Germany, Miguel Fernandez and Said Alvarado are the team behind Alfred Audio, a start-up transforming the live music experience. Miguel, who began his career in architecture, drives the design and vision, while Said, who holds a PhD in Electronics, is the technical force behind their wireless audio system. Together, they’re eliminating cable chaos on stage so musicians can focus on what really matters — the music.
We sat down with Miguel to learn how Alfred Audio is rethinking the live music experience, what it’s like to found a start-up in Germany as part of an international team, and why diversity and collaboration are at the heart of their journey.
Rather wireless than tangled cables
On any stage, cables are everywhere — tangled underfoot, wrapped around gear. For Miguel and his team, the motivation behind Alfred Audio is as much about safety as it is about simplicity. Alfred Audio is designed to fit effortlessly into existing workflows. It’s universally compatible, requires no special licenses, and is easy to operate. Musicians and audio engineers alike benefit from intuitive tools that support rather than disrupt their creative process.
“We’re not reinventing everything, we’re removing the barriers so people can
just create.”
Miguel Fernandez
Founding a Start-up in Germany
Talking about barriers. Founding Alfred Audio in Germany brought both opportunity and friction. Contrary to expectations, language wasn’t the main challenge — bureaucracy was.
“The biggest hurdle is the complexity of the tax and legal system. It’s hard for
foreigners, but even locals feel it.”
Miguel Fernandez
Many founders with a migration background share similar experiences. In Germany, around 22% of start-ups are founded by individuals with a migration background. These migrant founders often face disproportionate challenges, especially when navigating bureaucracy and complex legal systems. But as Miguel rightly points out, this isn’t just a foreigner’s problem. According to a recent IT Boltwise article, 90% of all founders in Germany, regardless of background, report that bureaucratic hurdles and administrative complexity are major obstacles when starting a company. Our CEO, Prof. Dr. Helmut Schönenberger, also emphasized the urgent need to reduce red tape and streamline bureaucratic processes in his interview with CNBC. He pointed out that while incorporating a company in Germany can take up to six weeks, in the UK, the same process can be completed in just 24 hours.
Alfred Audio 🤝 XPLORE
Support came from an unexpected place.
“We actually heard about the XPLORE program through a friend who works in
the ecosystem. At first, it was almost by chance, with no expectations. But it
turned out to be one of the best things we’ve done.”
Miguel Fernandez
Alfred Audio is one of the visionary teams selected for XPLORE Venture Creator. The program helped them build a solid business foundation, from defining their target market and business model to accessing funding opportunities and attracting talent.
“XPLORE offered us what every early-stage startup hopes for: training,
coaching, mentorship, and a truly valuable network”
Most importantly, it connected them with other founders who were either facing the same hurdles or had already overcome them.
“You learn through the experience of others. That’s something you can’t get
from a textbook.”
Miguel also emphasizes the importance of diversity:
“Everyone brings something different. It’s not just about broader networks — it’s
about learning from each other and seeing challenges from different perspectives.
That’s what makes a team strong.”
With XPLORE’s help, Alfred Audio is preparing to bring its solution to market next year, with a flexible, sustainable financial strategy and deeper insights into its users. We wish them every success and would like to thank Miguel for his valuable insights into Alfred Audio.
