What Kills a Successful Hardware Launch? (And Why TRL Isn't Enough)

08 Oct 2026
Workshop Theatre 1

Hardware ventures rarely collapse because of bad engineering. They fail when teams focus on technical details while ignoring downstream commercial, regulatory, and operational risks.

In this interactive session, founders and investors Dean Carran and Ben May trade slide-deck theory for raw operator experience. Having built, scaled, and exited hardware spin-outs, as well as taking the financial hits of failed ventures, they share lessons learned from both sides.

Moving beyond basic Technology Readiness Levels, they introduce a framework spanning IP, compliance, supply chain, and specialist sector requirements. Expect an open discussion on real failure points, de-risking strategies, and shared experience.

Speakers
Dean Carran
Dean Carran, Founder - JNDC Ltd
Ben May
Ben May, Directors - Interactual Ltd