As part of ViennaUP 2025 – one of Europe’s leading startup festivals – the Scaling Readiness Lab took place on 9 May at TU Wien, attracting a full house of ambitious (actual and future) startup founders ready to take the next step towards becoming a scalable startup. Hosted within the framework of this city-wide startup event powered by the Vienna Business Agency, the Lab provided an in-depth exploration of what it takes to scale a startup effectively and sustainably.
Participating for the second time, we observed how ViennaUP continues to position Vienna as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. The festival brings together international founders, investors, and changemakers, fostering an environment that encourages exchange and lasting connections. Against this backdrop, the Scaling Readiness Lab served as a hands-on opportunity for startup teams to assess if they are scaling ready. and discuss and prepare for the challenges with expert guidance.
A Deep Dive into Startup Scaling Challenges
The Scaling Readiness Lab, developed by Konsultori, is designed as a structured workshop experience—a collaborative setting where startup founders engage in strategic reflection and peer exchange. Led by Konsultori experts Petra Wolkenstein (growth and negotiation) and Michael Kubiena (strategy and organization design), the Lab focused on six core dimensions critical to scaling success:
- Strategy and operationalization
- Product Market Fit
- Sales
- Funding
- People & Culture
- Operations and Execution
Participants used our Scaling Readiness Check to evaluate their status in each area and received tailored feedback. Through interactive polling, moderated discussions, and case studies, startups gained insights into what it takes to grow into a scalable startup.
What Participants Say
“Scaling readiness lab from Konsultori showed how to get ready for growth and taught strategies to prepare your company and team for the moves. Most important: Product Market Fit.”
Florian Schanznig, LinkedIN
“Thank you, Michael Kubiena! it was such a privilege to learn from you and Petra Wolkenstein! Plus, now I know whom to address scale-related topics.”
Alex Ion, LinkedIN
“Adding more value to the day, Konsultori’s power packed session on Scaling Readiness of start-ups was another meaningful & strategic Goal setting with OKRs, participatory leadership, employer branding, employee experience, employer & employee value proposition, people & culture readiness, hierarchy, operations readiness, go-to-market readiness and the smart RICE FACTOR engagement – REACH, IMPACT, CONFIDENCE & EFFORT. It was such a beautiful interactive moments we shared at ViennaUP where our goals are aligned.”
Kangzang Zeliang, LinkedIN
Key Takeaways from the Lab
Topics that resonated most with participants included:
Managing Team Culture Amidst Rapid Hiring
As the organisation expands quickly, it’s essential to maintain a cohesive team culture. This involves fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment, integrating new hires quickly and smoothly, and ensuring alignment with the company’s core values and mission.
Clarifying the right time to systematise processes
Understanding when to implement structured processes is critical for maintaining efficiency and scalability. Ensuring that these processes enhance productivity without stifling innovation.
Balancing Customer Focus with Product Flexibility
It’s important to identify key customer segments that drive growth while allowing for adaptability in product development. This involves balancing the need to cater to specific market demands with the ability to pivot and innovate based on changing customer feedback and market trends.
Building Financial Models to Support Investor Discussions and Internal Planning
Developing robust financial models is crucial for effective communication with investors and for strategic internal planning. This includes creating forecasts that reflect realistic growth scenarios, analysing key performance indicators, and understanding financial metrics that can guide decision-making and resource allocation.
The session’s open format allowed founders to openly share their challenges, creating a valuable exchange of experiences and practical insights, essential for any team aspiring to build a scalable startup.
ViennaUP: An Ideal Framework for Startup Readiness
The Lab’s success was further enhanced by its integration within ViennaUP’s carefully curated program. By embedding the workshop in a wider event ecosystem filled with international visitors, participants were able to connect throughout the week during thematic events across the city.
Thanks to the Vienna Business Agency for their strategic partnership and support in promoting the Lab, and to TU Wien i2c for providing an inspiring venue that enabled focused dialogue and strong engagement.
What’s Next: The Scaling Readiness Run
For startups eager to delve deeper into scaling readiness topics, Konsultori will launch the Scaling Readiness Run in June 2025. This three-month online programme takes the six scaling dimensions of the Lab and develops them into a comprehensive roadmap, combining expert-led sessions, peer feedback, and actionable outcomes.
Start date: 26 September 2025
Ideal for: Startups planning to scale operations, raise funding, or enter new markets
Limited capacity – early registration recommended
Closing Thoughts
Scaling a startup isn’t just about growth—it’s about building the foundations for smart, scalable growth. The Scaling Readiness Lab at ViennaUP 2025 proved that the path to becoming a scalable startup lies in combining structured tools with open, honest conversations. We’re proud to continue supporting founders through the Lab, the Run, and future editions of ViennaUP.