The Role of IP in Deep Tech Startups: Behind the Scenes with a VC. A chat with Peter Olcott, Deeptech Principal @ First Spark Ventures

Welcome to Deep Tech Catalyst, the channel where science converges with venture capital, featuring global Deep Tech investors and experts. Today, we are delighted to have Peter Olcott, Deeptech Principal at First Spark Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, focusing on early-stage Deep Tech startups. In this episode, our spotlight is on the realm of Intellectual Property (IP), with a particular emphasis on its significance from the perspective of Venture Capitalists as a critical asset for Deep Tech startups. We will delve into the question: What precisely captures the attention of Venture Capitalists when it comes to evaluating IP? Host: Nicola Marchese Guest: Peter Olcott #DeepTechCatalyst

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TIMESTAMPS: (00:47) 👋 Introduction (07:13) 🤖 Deep Tech vs Tech: not only an IP matter (09:58) 💡Why is an IP so important for a Deep Tech startup? (12:16) 🧐 What is the VC perspective on intellectual property (IP)? (14:43) 📈 Why is Freedom to Operate (FTO) so important in opening up new markets? (17:47) 🧱 Key Elements of a Patent (19:24) 🧠 Actionable Insights for Founders on IP Strategy (20:10) 📆 Priority Date (21:05) 🚫 A patent can be invalidated by a single word (22:02) 🤔 And if a patent has an error?

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KEY THEMES COVERED:

1. Deep Tech vs Tech: Exploring the differences in product development timeframes, proprietary components, and market dynamics. 2. The Role of IP in Deep Tech Ventures: Highlighting the significance of intellectual property (IP) and its impact on attracting investment. 3. The Significance of Freedom to Operate (FTO): Discussing the importance of FTO in ensuring a startup can operate without infringing on others' IP rights. 4. Understanding Key Patent Concepts: Explaining the critical elements of patents, including descriptions, claims, and priority dates. 5. The Importance of Early IP Strategy: Emphasizing how to prioritize IP strategy from the beginning.

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