Analyzing over 50 interviews, lasting on average over one hour, this work aims for a combination of breadth and depth. Identifying the root-causes for long development timelines in hardware startups requires a broader database than typical case studies can offer. Developing a framework for accelerated development demands a deeper analysis than encompassed in the scope of typical short surveys. With the findings of this work, we hope to inform early-stage hardware startups and facilitate accelerated hardware product development for technologies that can enable a sustainable and prosperous future.