Hardware and DeepTech start-ups make a fundamental contribution to technological progress. However, unlike companies with purely digital business concepts, they also face special challenges. They need more time to develop their products, often have significantly higher costs, and marketing is also more complicated, as the way the products and services work is not obvious to everyone. Together with expererience founders in this field, this KölnBusiness panel offers potential solutions for entrepreneurs.
Startup Unit at KölnBusiness Wirtschaftsförderungs-GmbH.Hardware & DeepTech start-ups: challenges and solutions
Marie-Astrid Reinartz studied Social Sciences and East Asian Studies at the Ruhr University in Bochum. Afterwards, she worked as an editor and project manager in the fields of e-learning and digitalisation with a focus on automotive, logistics, health and industry. Since June 2019, she has been part of the Startup Unit at KölnBusiness Wirtschaftsförderung. Among other things, she connects start-ups with established companies and supports tech start-ups.
Founder and CEO at Robidia GmbH.Hardware & DeepTech start-ups: challenges and solutions
Simon Graw is a mechanical engineer with an MBA. Together with his co-founder Masih, Simon started the company Robidia, that develops autonomous robotics for professional video production. He is responsible for the business side and strategy, as well as providing endless amounts of optimism. Outside of Robidia, Simon creates NFT-art.
Founder and CEO at DueDash & Angel Investor.Hardware & DeepTech start-ups: challenges and solutions
Parul is a multi-time founder, angel investor, advisor to startups, has launched accelerator programs in the past and with these learnings founded DueDash. DueDash has built an AI & data-driven SaaS toolbox for investors, ESO’s and founders to successfully partner with each other with higher efficacy and speed leading up to 40% gain. As an active early-stage investor, she has invested in 40+ start-ups worldwide and as a founder has led companies to successful exits. She has worked in the past with corporates like Ericsson, HP, and German Telecom. She is an engineer and an Alumni of MIT Sloan.
Co-Founder & CEO at Neutron Star Systems.Hardware & DeepTech start-ups: challenges and solutions
Manuel La Rosa Betancourt, CEO, is a German entrepreneur. He holds a degree in materials science engineering and a master’s degree in business innovation. Manuel brings over 20 years of experience in technology, business and marketing and has worked in several multinational companies. He has entrepreneurial experience, having founded his own consulting firm for innovation management in 2009 and managing it full-time between 2014 and 2019. Between 2016 and 2019, he carried out business development activities for the superconductor manufacturer THEVA. During this time, he developed a comprehensive overview of the HTS, aviation, marine, and space industries. In 2019, Manuel dedicated full-time to setting up Neutron Star Systems. Manuel’s knowledge of innovation management, cross-pollination, and deep tech development is key for charting the business roadmap ofNSS from prototype to fully-commercial products.
