Munich Startup: What motivated you to found a company?
Veronika Riederle: As far back as I can remember, I have always loved building things and solving problems. Before Demodesk, I had already worked on several other startup ideas. Then my co-founder Alex came along and I knew immediately that we made a great team.
Munich Startup: Did you have role models when starting the company?
Veronika Riederle: Definitely Elon Musk, he is an absolute visionary.
Munich Startup: When and where do you have the best ideas?
Veronika Riederle: While talking with my team. Discussions and comparing arguments usually leads me to ideas and conclusions that I wouldn’t have come up with on my own. The more diverse the team and more varied the perspectives the better.
Munich Startup: What’s your biggest talent?
Veronika Riederle: That depends on the context. From a professional point of view, I would say I’m very good at adapting to situations and getting along well with all kinds of people.
A good time to start a company
Munich Startup: What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?
Veronika Riederle: Wow, there are a lot. Probably thinking I could control everything. I had to learn that a bit of luck also plays a role.
Munich Startup: What’s your secret networking weapon?
Veronika Riederle: Being authentic, open and candid when interacting with other people.
Munich Startup: Do you think now is a good time to start a company?
Veronika Riederle: Definitely! Most people in Germany live in a gilded cage when compared with other parts of the world. We have so many opportunities here.
Founding is easy — NOT!
Munich Startup: What are the three most offensive prejudices you’ve encountered in everyday startup life?
Veronika Riederle: 1. Founding 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 at the moment?
Veronika Riederle: Recruiting a product manager!
Munich Startup: Do you think it’s important for more women to found companies in Germany?
Veronika Riederle: I think in general that more people in Germany should pluck up the courage to found a company — both women and men. Compared to most other countries in the world, we benefit from a social market economy that offers basic security and a social network that can catch you if you “fall.”
Munich Startup: Was being a female founder an advantage or disadvantage for you?
Veronika Riederle: Honestly, I don’t think much about whether I’m a woman or man. There are certain situations in the B2B tech realm, however, where it can definitely be an advantage to not be a total stereotype.
