When a breakthrough polymer meets market reality?

In this episode, entrepreneur and technologist Dietmar Gombotz shares the story of founding UGP Materials, a spin-out built around a novel high-performance polymer with a greener, water-based production process. Early traction with aerospace partners and major corporates suggested a clear path forward - until COVID hit, timelines stretched, and co-founder dynamics shifted.

Dietmar opens up about:

• How to test co-founder fit (and why it’s tougher than marriage)
• The dangers of betting everything on one “perfect” partner
• Why controllers and gatekeepers can stall the best technical sales
• What a thoughtful shutdown looks like - and the emotions behind it

A candid, practical conversation for founders, spin-outs, and anyone navigating the messy middle of deep-tech entrepreneurship.