Yessica Klein
8 min read
09 November 2025
Julia Watzinger, cofounder of REELOQ Outdoor, didn’t initially envision herself launching a startup. Originally from Lower Austria, she moved to Graz nearly nine years ago for her studies, seeking a city smaller and more connected than Vienna. Graz’s thriving, student-driven startup ecosystem provided the perfect base for her entrepreneurial journey, offering resources, mentorship and valuable networking opportunities through accelerators and local initiatives.
REELOQ was born from a chance encounter with her cofounder (and now husband) Lukas Watzinger at the Ideentriebwerk Startup Playground. With Lukas’s engineering skills and Julia’s background in marketing management, they complemented each other professionally and personally. Their combined strengths led to the creation of REELOQ, a smart and secure solution designed to safely carry smartphones during outdoor activities. Lukas came up with the product idea after dropping and breaking his cell phone while hiking. He decided to develop a patented solution to prevent such a financially painful experience from happening again.
A television appearance in the early days of REELOQ brought them overnight success. They sold more than 1,500 pieces in mere hours, a whirlwind achievement that Julia describes as both exhilarating and misleading. Challenges soon arose, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when retail partners showed limited interest. However, Julia’s determination, resilience and adaptive thinking ultimately turned the tide, leading REELOQ to thrive in e-commerce, cementing its place in the outdoor market.
What kept you motivated during challenging times?
There was a lot of humor and a vision of what REELOQ could become. When things felt particularly narrow and stressful, I actively broadened my perspective by listening to founder podcasts, reading inspirational books and talking to others. One pivotal moment came when a friend advised us to build a strong online presence and learn digital marketing, advice that transformed our trajectory.
What’s been your experience working with mentors?
Mentors have been invaluable. Graz has an amazing startup community with many incubators and accelerators. Without our mentors, we wouldn’t be where we are today. One mentor even gave us crucial advice that reshaped our strategy, encouraging us to focus relentlessly on revenue and profitability, essential for sustainability.
Any advice you received that turned out poorly?
Yes, unfortunately. One mentor advised us to overlook a particular legal clause in a contract, assuring us it wouldn’t be an issue. We ended up being sued within our first year, which was an extremely tough learning experience. Trust your instincts and always pay attention to contract details.
How do you balance your relationship and running a business together?
Initially, we didn’t separate our relationship from business. We simply didn’t feel the need. Over time, particularly as we approached our wedding, we established boundaries. Now, we have clear rules like a “stop sign.” Either of us can call a stop to work discussions whenever necessary. It’s about respecting each other’s mental space.
“I never imagined we’d make millions in revenue sitting in this small office, but success isn’t about appearances, it’s about what genuinely excites you and your team.”
What advice would you give new founders?
Avoid overthinking the strategy too early. Sometimes we pressure ourselves to find the perfect, professional solution. Instead, focus on the next logical step and trust your gut feeling. You don’t need a ten-year roadmap immediately. Stay adaptable and open to unexpected opportunities.
How do you see the future of REELOQ and yourself as a founder?
Our vision for REELOQ isn’t necessarily global dominance but rather creating value for everyone involved: partners, employees and ourselves as a family. Financial success is important, but it must align with being good humans and maintaining happiness. If the spark ever disappears, I would stop, because passion is what sustains us.
How do you start your day and set the tone for work?
I’ve developed a mindful morning routine that includes EFT tapping, affirmations and gratitude journaling, where I write thank-you notes to both real events and future goals. It helps shift my mindset into a state of possibility. I also walk 30–40 minutes to the office instead of biking, even if it takes longer. That quiet time lets my thoughts settle, gives space for new ideas to emerge and allows me to start the day with clarity and calm. It’s a practice that’s fundamentally changed how I work and how I lead.
“It’s essential to trust your gut. Doing what feels right usually leads you exactly where you need to be.”