Navigating Turbulence: Startup Failure Lessons from Solaris and Volocopter

The startup world is often glamorized as a fast-paced, high-growth environment where dreams come true and fortunes are made. However, the reality is that startups face numerous challenges, and many fail to survive the turbulent journey. In this article, we'll explore startup failure lessons like the experiences of two high-profile German startups, Solaris and Volocopter, and extract valuable lessons for navigating the ups and downs of the startup world. You can learn more about our recent coverage in our Startup News for January 2025.

Solaris: A Fintech Unicorn's Fall

Solaris, a Berlin-based fintech company, was once a rising star in the German startup scene. Founded in 2016, the company quickly gained traction with its innovative banking-as-a-service platform, attracting significant investment and achieving unicorn status with a valuation of over $1 billion. However, in 2024, Solaris faced a series of setbacks that led to its downfall, including:

• Market Volatility: The global economic downturn and the bursting of the tech bubble impacted Solaris's growth prospects and investor confidence.

• Regulatory Changes: Stricter regulations in the financial sector increased compliance costs and limited Solaris's ability to innovate.

• Competition: The fintech landscape became increasingly competitive, with new players entering the market and challenging Solaris's dominance.

As a result of these challenges, Solaris was forced to lay off employees, restructure its operations, and ultimately sell its core business to a competitor.

Volocopter A Startup Failure Lesson: Grounded by Insolvency

Volocopter, a German air mobility company, was another high-profile startup that faced significant challenges. Founded in 2011, Volocopter developed innovative electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation. The company raised substantial funding and conducted successful test flights, generating excitement about the future of air taxis. However, in 2025, Volocopter filed for insolvency due to:

• Technological Hurdles: Developing and certifying eVTOL aircraft proved to be more complex and time-consuming than anticipated, leading to delays and cost overruns.

• Funding Gaps: Despite raising significant capital, Volocopter struggled to secure the necessary funding to continue its operations and bring its products to market.

• Market Uncertainty: The regulatory landscape for air taxis remained uncertain, creating challenges for Volocopter's business model and market entry strategy.

Volocopter's insolvency highlights the risks associated with developing cutting-edge technologies and navigating uncertain regulatory environments.

Lessons Learned

The experiences of Solaris and Volocopter offer valuable lessons for startups navigating the turbulent journey to success:

• Financial Planning: Startups need to have a robust financial plan that accounts for market volatility, regulatory changes, and unexpected expenses.

• Market Analysis: Thorough market research is essential to understand customer needs, competitive dynamics, and potential risks.

• Risk Management: Startups should identify and mitigate potential risks, such as technological challenges, funding gaps, and regulatory uncertainties.

• Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs is crucial for startup survival and growth.

Conclusion

The startup journey is filled with challenges and uncertainties. By learning from the experiences of companies like Solaris and Volocopter, startups can better navigate turbulence, mitigate risks, and increase their chances of success. Remember, even the most promising startups can face setbacks, but with careful planning, adaptability, and perseverance, they can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

📌 For a complete overview of startup activity, VC trends, and regulatory shifts across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, explore the DACH Startup Ecosystem 2025: The Ultimate Hub. This regularly updated index includes monthly news wrap-ups, unicorn trackers, sector deep dives, and expert insights into the policies shaping Europe’s most dynamic innovation economy.

About the Author:

Jörn “Joe” Menninger is the founder and host of Startuprad.io -- one of Europe’s top startup podcasts that scored as a global Top 20 Podcast in Entrepreneurship. He’s been featured in Forbes, Tech.eu, Geektime, and more for his insights into startups, venture capital, and innovation. With over 15 years of experience in management consulting, digital strategy, and startup scouting, Joe works at the intersection of tech, entrepreneurship, and business transformation—helping founders, investors, and enterprises turn bold ideas into real-world impact.

Follow his work on LinkedIn.