Anyone who has worked in an academic environment knows the heartbreak:
A groundbreaking idea gets published… …and then disappears into a drawer.
Not because it’s unimportant, but because tech transfer is structurally difficult.
The founders of Holloid refused to let that happen.
If research can solve real problems, then it shouldn’t stay in the lab.
This mindset shift is essential:
Deep tech is born in the lab. Value is created in the market.
The road between the two is called entrepreneurship.
When a Microscope Suddenly Sees Millions Instead of Hundreds
Holloid develops 3D holographic microscopy systems roughly the size of a shoebox: compact, unassuming, and capable of producing data that fundamentally changes how we observe the microscopic world.
While traditional microscopes might show you a handful of bacteria, Holloid’s technology reveals millions… …in motion, in interaction, and in real time.
For industries like food safety, pharma, or water processing, this is more than an incremental improvement.
It’s a step change: finally having data that is both immediate and reliable.
This leap is only possible because hardware, software, and algorithmic intelligence are tightly integrated from the ground up.
Awards Are Nice. Impact Is Better.
Holloid has earned recognition as one of Austria’s most innovative startups, including awards from Trend and Statista.
These accolades help with visibility and talent acquisition, but they’re not the main focus.
As Holloid’s Co-Founder Marcus Lebesmühlbacher emphasizes:
External validation is encouraging, but the real objective is creating meaningful impact; improving value chains, making products safer, processes more stable, and production more efficient.
Solve real problems, and awards tend to follow naturally.
How to Convince Investors Without Oversimplifying Your Technology
A common myth in deep tech:
Investor pitches must oversimplify the technology.
Not true.
Investors don’t fear complexity. They fear mismanaged complexity.
What actually convinces them, according to Markus:
- A strong, complementary teamDeep tech is not a solo sport. If one person can “do everything,” something is off.
- Market tractionPilot projects, paying customers, and meaningful conversations. Evidence beats narrative every time.
These ingredients helped Holloid secure successful funding rounds and stand out in a crowded landscape.
Insights from the Latest SCALEup Talk Episode
In our latest SCALEup Talk episode with Marcus Lebesmühlbacher, one message becomes unmistakably clear:
Great research only creates real impact once it leaves the lab and meets the market.
Marcus shares three key lessons for tech founders:
- Get to customers early.Validation happens outside the building.
- Build a team that functions under pressure.Science and business require different mindsets. Successful teams bridge both.
- Protect your agility as you scale.Growth introduces processes and complexity. Hold on to your startup velocity.
If you want deeper insights into Holloid’s journey and practical lessons for your own startup, listen to the full episode here:
👉 SCALEup Talk with Marcus Lebesmühlbacher
For deep-tech founders, Holloid is an example worth studying.
