Only at the end of October Demodesk was able to successfully Seed financing round of $2.3 million The Munich-based startup, which has developed a screen-sharing platform for virtual customer interaction, was founded in 2017 by Veronika Riederle and Alex Popp. We wanted to know how she got into founding a company, if she has any role models, and if she thinks more women should start businesses in Germany.
Munich Startup: What motivated you to start the company?
Veronika Riederle: Ever since I can remember, I have loved building things and solving problems. Demo desk I was already working on a few other startup ideas. Then my co-founder Alex came along, and I immediately realized that we were a great fit.
Munich Startup: Did you have any role models when you founded your business?
Veronika Riederle: Definitely Elon Musk, he is an absolute visionary.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Veronika Riederle: In conversations with my team. Through discussion and comparing arguments, I usually come up with ideas and conclusions that I wouldn't have come up with on my own. The more diverse the team and the more varied the perspectives, the better.
Munich Startup: Your greatest talent?
Veronika Riederle: It depends on the context. Professionally, I would say that I'm very adaptable to situations and get along well with all types of people.
Good time to start a business
Munich Startup: The biggest mistake you have ever made?
Veronika Riederle: Phew, there are a lot. It's likely that you can't control everything; sometimes luck is involved.
Munich Startup: Your secret weapon when networking?
Veronika Riederle: Approach other people authentically, openly and without prejudice.
Munich Startup: Does it seem like a good time to start a business??
Veronika Riederle: Definitely! Most people here in Germany live in a golden cage compared to some other parts of the world. We have so many opportunities here.
Starting a business is easy — NOT!
Munich Startup: The three prejudices you have encountered in your everyday life as a founder?
Veronika Riederle: 1. Starting a business is easy 2. The success of the company depends on how good you are 3. The idea is the decisive factor for success.
Munich Startup: What’s on top of your desk right now?
Veronika Riederle: Hire a product manager!
Munich Startup: Do you think it is important that more women start businesses in Germany?
Veronika Riederle: I think that more people in Germany should generally have the courage to start a business—whether they are men or women. Compared to most other countries in the world, we benefit from the social market economy, which provides basic security and a social safety net that catches you even when you fail.
Munich Startup: Was being a female founder an advantage or a disadvantage for you?
Veronika Riederle: To be honest, I don't really think much about whether I'm a woman or a man. However, in certain situations, especially in B2B tech environments, it's certainly an advantage if you don't quite fit the stereotype.
