Deep Tech Catalyst From Pre-seed to Seed: Decoding Early Deep Tech Funding Stages. A chat with Dee Zheng, Managing Director @ Orca Climate Fund
Host: Nicola Marchese Guest: Dee Zheng
#DeepTechCatalyst
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
1. The funding dynamics in early-stage ventures can vary significantly by sector, particularly within climate tech. Founders should focus less on stage labels and more on leveraging their unique strengths to attract the right type of funding.
2. Pre-seed funding generally supports teams with a concept but no market-ready product, while seed rounds involve more advanced progress such as prototypes and early pilots. Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are often used to assess a startup's maturity, especially in deep tech sectors.
3. Founders should consider multiple factors when choosing an investor, such as geographic focus, sector specialization, funding stage focus, value-added services, and the level of engagement. Understanding these factors can help founders make more strategic decisions when approaching investors.
4. At the pre-seed stage, the key focus is on demonstrating founder-market fit. Investors look for signals that show founders' awareness of the market, their strengths, and how well they understand industry challenges. Highlighting your strongest attributes is crucial.
5. In early-stage ventures, market validation is critical. Investors pay attention to the resources potential customers are dedicating to your startup. Tangible commitments, such as partnerships or resource allocation, often weigh more heavily than advisory roles or mere expressions of interest.
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Disclaimer: This content is provided solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be interpreted as financial or legal advice. Given the complexity and potential impact of these terms, it is crucial to consult with an attorney. Legal expertise is invaluable in navigating these technical aspects and ensuring that the terms are in your best interests before finalizing any agreements.