Hello deeptech startups!

I'm . I provide technology, strategy and fundraising consultancy to deeptech startups, backed by 25+ years in semiconductor R&D and two successful startup exits.

Portrait
25+
Years in Semiconductors
2
Successful Exits
35
People Teams Led
4
Countries Worked In

A hands-on operator, not a slide-deck consultant.

I've spent my career at the intersection of deep technology and business, from hands-on semiconductor R&D to leading engineering teams of up to 35 people in volume production environments. I know what it takes to turn lab-stage innovations into products that ship.

I've been through the startup journey twice: at Cavendish Kinetics (RF MEMS switches, acquired) and Arioso Systems (MEMS microspeakers, acquired by Bosch Sensortec). Both reached successful exits. That first-hand experience shapes how I advise today, with practical, founder-tested insight rather than theory.

Based in Germany, working globally. Whether you need to raise your next round, validate your technology roadmap, or bring in deep semiconductor expertise on a project basis, I'm here to help.

2024

Founded Erdieroale Consulting GmbH

Deeptech advisory for startups: fundraising, strategy, and technical projects.

2022

Arioso Systems: Exit

MEMS microspeakers startup acquired by Bosch Sensortec. Served as engineering lead.

2018

Cavendish Kinetics: Exit

RF MEMS switch technology acquired by Qorvo. Led technical teams through volume ramp.

2006

Completed PhD in IEE (Focus MEMS)

Began career in MEMS & semiconductor engineering. Grew into leadership across fabs and startups in 4 countries.

Structured, transparent, results-oriented.

1

Discovery

We start with a deep dive into your company to understand your challenge, your stage, and whether I'm the right fit. No pitch decks needed, just an honest conversation.

2

Strategy

I map your situation using a structured framework: market positioning, technical feasibility, team gaps, funding readiness. You get a clear action plan with priorities.

3

Execution

I roll up my sleeves. Whether it's building your investor deck, running a technical due diligence, or managing a project, I deliver, not just advise.

Focused expertise for every stage of your startup journey.

Fundraising

Liquidity is priority #1. I support your fundraising activities from early-stage Seed to growth-stage Series A/B rounds, from narrative building to investor introductions.

  • Pitch deck review
  • Financial modelling
  • Investor outreach
  • Term sheet support

Strategy Consulting

Setting the right strategy from the start is paramount. I use a structured method to evaluate your plan, identify blind spots, and sharpen your competitive positioning.

  • Go-to-market
  • Technology roadmap
  • Competitive analysis
  • Business model

Tech Projects

When know-how or resources are scarce, offload the project on me. I've delivered across process development, device characterisation, reliability, and product engineering.

  • Process development
  • Product engineering
  • Reliability
  • Team augmentation

Services for VCs

I help venture capital firms evaluate and de-risk deeptech investments. From pre-investment due diligence to ongoing portfolio support, I bring the technical depth that generalist teams lack.

  • Tech Due Diligence
  • Fund-of-fund advisory
  • Portfolio support
  • Technology scouting

Fractional CTO

Not every startup needs a full-time CTO from day one. I step in as your technical leader on a part-time basis: setting architecture, managing engineering, and representing technology to investors and board.

  • Technical leadership
  • Engineering management
  • Investor-facing tech
  • Roadmap ownership

Other Services

My experience spans the full startup lifecycle. I can step in where you need me: from governance to market entry to hands-on technical evaluation.

  • Board of Directors
  • Expert network
  • Market entry
  • Interim management

Deep domain knowledge, not generic advice.

Semiconductors MEMS RF Technology Photonics Graphene & 2D Materials Sensors & Actuators Thin Film Deposition Cleanroom Processing Wafer-Level Packaging Reliability Engineering Process Integration Volume Manufacturing Hardware Startups Deep Tech VC Landscape EU & DACH Markets

References

"
I have been working with for more than two years, and I can confidently recommend him as an advisor. He has provided valuable insights on semiconductor technology and business processes. His honesty and professionalism make it a pleasure to work with him.
Graphenea SLU, 2023
"
I met almost 20 years ago. We both worked at Cavendish Kinetics when we met and enjoyed collaborating until I left to spin out my first start-up. We kept in loose contact over the years. For the last two years, we collaborated more intensively. As we are both Associates in TD Shepherd, we work closely in joined projects there. Furthermore, we have start-up cases where we work bilaterally. He brings me into his projects, and I bring him into mine for a second pair of ears and eyes with complementing backgrounds. It is always a great pleasure working with to get his insightful perspectives and to learn from his experiences. His direct and honest insights are always appreciated. I can recommend him to anybody looking for an expert in the semiconductor start-up space.
Dirk Ortloff, CEO DO-IT-Service GmbH, 2023

Selected Customers & Partners

Things I believe

Fundraising

Deeptech fundraising is not SaaS fundraising. Investors need to see a credible path through long development cycles, not a hockey-stick growth chart. Frame your narrative around milestones, not months.

Strategy

Every semiconductor startup must answer three questions before anything else: What is your fab strategy? What is your IP moat? Who is your first paying customer? If you can't articulate all three, you're not ready.

Industry

Europe's deeptech window is open, but it won't stay open forever. The EU Chips Act and sovereign tech investment are creating real opportunities. Founders who move now will define the next generation of European hardware companies.

Ready to accelerate your startup?

Book a free call, or drop me a line. No commitment, no pitch, just an honest conversation about where you are and how I can help.