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