How Do You Build Startups That Scale?

What do investors really look for in startups?

And why do so many promising ventures still fail to scale?

In this episode of Inside Story, I speak with Daniel Biedermann, Investment Partner at NewSpace Capital and seasoned startup coach, about what it takes to grow and fund high-impact companies, especially in the fast-changing space industry. 🌍🛰️

From spotting the right investment opportunities to understanding why so many startups struggle with turning tech innovation into market value, Daniel brings an insider’s view into both entrepreneurship and early-stage investing.

We cover:

✨ Why innovation alone isn’t enough - founders must understand market demand

✨ What are the real deal-breakers and red flags for investors ✨ How public funding can sometimes make startups too comfortable

✨ Why failure is normal and should be encouraged, especially in Europe

✨ And how the space sector is becoming more open to smaller, agile companies.

This episode is packed with lessons for anyone building or backing early-stage ventures — in space or here on Earth.

🎧 Listen now and let me know:

👉 Which of these takeaways resonates most with your own journey?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Inside Story Podcast

03:17 The Biggest Opportunities Emerging in the Space Sector

09:18 How Investors Evaluate Scaleups in the Space Industry

14:24 What Makes or Breaks a Deal: Investment Red Flags

18:09 Investor Expectations: Where There’s Flexibility (and Where There Isn’t)

21:52 Common Startup Struggles: From Tech-Driven to Demand-Driven

27:59 The Startup Ecosystem in Europe: Optimism Meets Reality

34:13 Innovation vs. Market Need: Finding the Right Balance