In this episode of Innovation Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with Daniel Pidcock, designer, UX researcher, and startup founder, to discuss the real-world challenges of launching and running startups with a product-first mindset.

They dive into:

• Why passion for your product or service is critical to long-term success.
• Balancing product-focused decisions with financial realities and investor pressure.
• The importance of transparency, honesty, and customer focus in building lasting businesses.
• Lessons from companies that failed due to short-term thinking and compromised product quality.
• Opportunities and challenges of launching a business and raising investment in the UK.
• The benefits of government incentives like SEIS and EIS for startups.
• Why work-life balance and financial discipline are essential for founders.
• The core qualities of great startup leaders.

Tune in for practical insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and what it takes to build a sustainable, customer-centered company.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Background 02:37 — Success Factors in Startups 05:29 — Investor Perspectives 09:09 — Balancing Growth and Stability 13:09 — Building a Sustainable Business 16:40 — Leadership and Employee Commitment 21:30 — The Impact of Financial Focus 24:19 — Launching a Business and Securing Investment 26:28 — The Conservative Investment Culture in the UK 28:19 — The Dangers of Excessive Spending in a Startup 30:45 — Balancing Work and Personal Life 36:08 — Qualities of a Good Leader