Deep-Tech Decisions: Bootstrapped Growth vs. VC Scale

Our very own CEO Florian Emaury recently joined the Opposing Views podcast to tackle the core dilemma facing every founder: optimize for impact or for profit?

In episode 535, Florian sat down with host Silvan and fellow guest David Eberle, CEO of YC-backed AI startup Typewise, to explore how funding strategy shapes every aspect of building a company. He shares the Menhir Photonics story, detailing how our fully bootstrapped model has produced world-class, precise industrial lasers while shaping our DNA. 

Key Insights in This Episode:

• Speed vs. Sustainability: Examining the trade-offs between rapid VC expansion and organic, profitable growth.
• The Price of Saying No: Navigating turning down investors and customers to preserve long-term strategic alignment.
• Defining Success: Insights on building something that lasts, balancing ambition with quality, sustainability, and calculated risk-taking.

Opposing Views is produced by Founders Hive, a community promoting entrepreneurship in Switzerland and helping early-stage business concepts get ready for seed-stage investment.

Tune in to hear how Menhir Photonics’ commitment to precision and discipline has guided our growth in the deep-tech hardware landscape.