Entrepreneur About Lolu
Lolu's innovative free water dispenser is already in more than 500 Georgian organizations.
The company Lolu was founded in 2022 and offers companies in the Georgian market the installation of free water dispensers.
Entrepreneur's journalist spoke with Akaki Malania, the company's operations director. We offer you an interview.
How did the idea for Lolu come about and why did you choose it? The direction of an innovative office water dispenser?
In 2021, our team decided to study the market for bottle-free water dispensers due to everyday office problems: delays in water delivery, tired staff lugging 20-liter bottles, not only kitchens but also office spaces full of bottles, chaotic cup supply schemes, prices that do not match the quality of service, and a generally negative attitude towards the culture of water service in society at that time. level.
As a result, we had ambition and strong motivation, and in 2022 we created the company “Lolu”, which managed to install more than 4,400 free water dispensers and start cooperation with more than 500 companies in exactly 24 months, in 85 settlements throughout Georgia.
How do Lolu free water dispensers work and how well do they fit into the office environment?
Lolu's innovative free water dispenser connects directly to the water, with a small 6.4 mm diameter pipe and a 5-stage filtration system based on Korean technology, which is built into the device itself. The water dispenser provides constant access to hot, cold, and neutral-temperature filtered water.
Since the pipe is no different in size from an internet or electrical cable, we have installed it inconspicuously, without interfering with walls or ceilings, even in class A spaces such as the Bank of Georgia, Marriott Hotel, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Best Western Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Axis Towers and many other offices or business establishments.
What type of filtration system does it have? Lolu and how often is it updated?
Georgia is distinguished by the quality of its water in the world, but as everywhere else, there are problems after transportation in the pipes, such as sand, mud, chlorine, etc., which must be cleaned. The USA, Canada, Italy, China, Korea have been using water filter dispensers for this reason since the 80s.
The Lolu Korean system consists of 5 different water filters, which in total remove mechanical particles, chlorine, heavy metals and other harmful elements. At the last stage, the water undergoes ultrafiltration, which ensures microbiological safety.
Despite the fact that the life cycle of the filters is up to 1 year, Lolu's technical team carries out filter renewal and technical monitoring at all locations every 6 months.
What was the feedback from the companies before the installation of the water dispensers?
We often heard - perhaps the walls need to be demolished, how to bring water 50 meters?! We can't touch the boss's office etc. But simply, when you see the Lolu water pipe, everything became clear. There were also questions about the water cut. The water dispenser with an internal 7.5-liter tank will work in any space for at least several hours.
What was the cost of Lolu successfully introducing an innovative product to more than 500 companies in less than 2 years?
Our organization is not an online store that displays water dispensers on its website and simply sells them, but a service company that provides customers with a full package of services, from installing a water machine, replacing water filters, or delivering glasses, on an ongoing basis.
Trust is paramount. Lolu is recommended by dozens of organizations in all business fields, which is something new customers always need when choosing an innovation. Simplicity is needed when introducing new products. No one wants unnecessary repairs, costs, future risks, etc. Lolu independently provides water dispensers
