Interview with Innosabi founder and CEO Catharina van Delden: The Munich startup is a kind of “One-Stop-Shop for Innovations — therefore, curiosity for new things is an important trait for the founder. We discuss misconceptions about financing, why talking and listening are equally important, and find out what makes Catharina van Delden happy.
Munich Startup: What motivated you to start the company?
Catharina van Delden: What has always driven me is an insatiable curiosity for new things. This has run through my entire life. I am curious about different perspectives, foreign cultures, other lifestyles, and so on... This curiosity is accompanied by my desire to change the status quo and create a lasting impact.
These two motives almost inevitably led to the founding of our own company. With Innosabi, we not only have the opportunity to shape the content and environment of our work according to our own ideas and wishes, but we can also influence the future together with our customers: When an automobile manufacturer uses our software, we have an impact on the way we travel in the future. When an insurance company shapes its future with our software, we can contribute to how we feel safe.
“I gain insight from every encounter”
Munich Startup: Did you have any role models when you started your business?
Catharina van Delden: I can't really name just one role model. When I meet other people, I always see the positive side and thus gain new insights from each encounter. But if I had to pick one person in a professional context, it would probably be Barbara Wittmann, Senior Director of Talent Solutions DACH at LinkedIn and a member of our advisory board. She's very clear on her path, knows exactly how to best utilize her skills and experience, learns with every encounter, and, despite all her success, embraces a hands-on mentality.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Catharina van Delden: Really good ideas arise from exchange. That means dialogue with other visionaries, customers, or team members. This continually provides new input and important ideas. The following applies: The more diverse the composition of the exchange, the more innovative and high-quality the ideas. That's how I get my best ideas, too.
Good ideas arise from exchange
Munich Startup: Your greatest talent?
Catharina van Delden: One strength that runs through everything I do is empathy. I see people as human beings and recognize their individuality. Communicating with everyone on an equal level, regardless of status, position, or responsibility, is particularly important to me. For me, this also includes giving everyone the opportunity to be aware of their own strengths. Only then can talents and abilities be properly utilized. You are more successful and also happier when you build on your strengths and don't focus on eliminating your weaknesses. We see the positive effects of this strengths-based approach every day at Innosabi.
Munich Startup: The biggest mistake you have ever made?
Catharina van Delden: In the German startup scene, the saying goes, "You can't build a technology business model without raising venture capital." I'm very proud that we've made it to where we are today through our own efforts—together with three great angel investors. I think this is the ultimate proof that a product is truly needed. The company has to survive and grow through revenue. Customers only pay if you solve a real problem.
Balanced give and take
Munich Startup: Your secret weapon when networking?
Catharina van DeldenTalk, talk, talk. And then listen a lot. It's important to take the first step, share knowledge and insights, and offer help. Then you get a lot back. A balanced give and take develops.
Munich Startup: Do you think it is important that more women start businesses in Germany?
Catharina van Delden: I think there should be more startups, regardless of gender. Founders are strongly driven by the desire to change something, to make something better. There can never be too many of them. Current and pressing issues like sustainability are largely driven by startups, and that's very important.
Munich Startup: What’s on top of your desk right now?
Catharina van Delden: My mate cup is always on my desk, whether it's on top or somewhere else. And in terms of content, our international partnerships are a priority.
Catharina van Delden finds happiness in shaping the future, in the team and in nature
Munich Startup: What makes you happy?
Catharina van Delden: There are several things. I find positive feedback from our customers very fulfilling. When we know that our customers are satisfied and, above all, successful with our software, it means to us that we're making a difference, changing things together with our customers, and thus actively shaping the future. Then there's the Innosabi team, whose enthusiasm and passion make me happy. And last but not least, and important to me personally, is nature. Being outside and in the fresh air helps me unwind and find myself.
Munich Startup: Thank you for the interview.
