A decade ago, Martin Rahmel co-founded a startup with the idea of dissolving catalysts in water for reuse. Today, he leads the Chemical Invention Factory (CIF) in Berlin, a hub for green chemistry startups. CIF's story began simply with providing a brick-and-mortar lab to decrease cost for chemistry startups, now blossoming into a ecosystem of innovation with 10Mio Euros of funding. Martin shares the trials of translating science into business, recalling a year without sales before breaking through with their first client, Lonza. His insights on the mindset needed for startup success are invaluable, emphasizing perseverance and confidence. Beyond CIF, Martin's passion extends to restoring river systems, showcasing his dedication to environmental change. Join us as we explore how self-reflection and an objective perspective are key to driving scientific and sustainability advancements.