Deep Tech Catalyst

Host: Nicola Marchese Guest: Aidan Madigan-Curtis, Partner at Eclipse Ventures #DeepTechCatalyst Watch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. Global conflicts, the semiconductor race, and defense innovations are driving companies to develop new technologies to stay competitive. Additionally, technology plays a crucial role in addressing challenges posed by supply chain vulnerabilities and sustainability, promoting more resilient and eco-friendly solutions. 2. Edge computing is essential for handling real-time data, which is critical for many industrial applications. By integrating edge computing with cloud computing, operations become more efficient, allowing companies to optimize processes.This integration is vital for reindustrialization, as it enables the modernization of existing infrastructures and improves productivity. 3. Building scalable ventures requires careful planning. It is important to align with venture capitalists (VCs) to secure the necessary financial support. Additionally, structuring economic and technical viability from the pre-revenue stage ensures that the venture can grow sustainably and offer an attractive return on investment (ROI). 4. Understanding customer budgets and stack costs is essential for validating pricing models. This customer discovery process helps establish competitive pricing and demonstrate commercial validation, which is crucial for attracting investor confidence. 5. Analyzing sales and marketing costs relative to revenue is crucial for understanding the venture's profitability. Optimizing unit economics is essential for scaling the business and ensuring financial sustainability. This process helps identify areas where costs can be reduced and efficiency improved, contributing to sustainable and profitable growth. #DeepTech #Lab #VentureCapital #Startups #PhD #Startup #Founders #Mindset #Product #Business #industry #Edge 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.

Host: Nicola Marchese Guest: Leonardo Massa, Investment Director @ MITO Technology #DeepTechCatalyst Watch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. Transitioning from the lab to the market requires more than just exceptional technology. Founders must focus on financial planning, creating a unique selling proposition (USP), and building a strong team to secure venture capital. 2. A startup’s defensibility relies heavily on the strength of its team. Complementary skills, adaptability, and a shared mission are critical for success, especially in the early stages when execution matters more than perfection. 3. Validating whether your technology matters to the market is key. A robust product roadmap combined with active customer discovery ensures alignment with real-world demands and informs iterative development. 4. Developing a clear financial model, including capital and operational expenditures, is essential. Milestones, resource allocation, and scalability considerations must align with investor expectations. 5. Approach TTO negotiations strategically. Focus on minimizing equity dilution, ensuring fair royalty terms, and defining clear licensing agreements to support long-term startup growth. 6. Time is critical in early-stage ventures. Prioritize measurable milestones and ensure your technology can scale effectively to attract investors and meet market demands. #DeepTech #Lab #VentureCapital #Startups #PhD #Startup #Founders #Mindset #Product #Business MORE ABOUT THE SCENARIONIST: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discover all the episodes, trends analysis, and more.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay in the loop with our latest news.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Let’s connect.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

Host: Nicola Marchese Guest: Kyung Kang, Director, Corporate Investment at Delta Electronics Americas #DeepTechCatalyst Watch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. M&A is complex and differs from corporate venture capital (CVC) investments, involving a strategic buyer who integrates the acquired company while preserving its strengths and culture. The process includes deal sourcing, internal evaluation, due diligence, negotiation, and integration. The integration phase is critical for retaining talent and maximizing synergies. 2. Planning an acquisition exit strategy is vital for both struggling and successful companies seeking strategic growth. Founders should consider their exit strategy early, evaluating resource needs and growth trajectory. The optimal time to consider M&A is when the company has a tangible product and clear resource gaps. 3. The mindset and readiness of the CEO and founder are essential for a successful acquisition. Key indicators include well-defined future plans, engagement, and passion, along with product viability, financial health, and compliance. Addressing red flags like financial mismanagement and leadership issues promptly ensures a smooth acquisition process. 4. Corporates aid SaaS startups by providing customer networks to overcome scaling hurdles, while Deep Tech startups benefit from manufacturing support and product synergy. Corporates offer resources like manufacturing facilities to help hardware startups scale efficiently. 5. Many Deep Tech startups begin with corporate partnerships that can lead to acquisitions. Aligning the startup's CEO and corporate partner's goals early is crucial. Developing a clear roadmap and identifying go-to-market barriers with corporate partners can bridge gaps and potentially lead to acquisition discussions. #DeepTech #ExitStrategy #CorporateVentureCapital #StartupGrowth #BusinessAcquisition #Startups #FounderMindset #ScalingStartups #ProductSynergy #CorporatePartnerships #ExitStrategy MORE ABOUT THE SCENARIONIST: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discover all the episodes, trends analysis, and more.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay in the loop with our latest news.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Let’s connect.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

Host: Nicola Marchese Guest: Jason Holt, Partner at Orion Industrial Ventures #DeepTechCatalyst Watch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. The mining industry faces significant challenges in exploration, energy-intensive comminution, and waste management. However, these bottlenecks also present opportunities for innovation through technologies like machine learning, advanced waste valorization, and energy-efficient rock processing methods. 2. Aspiring mining tech founders should collaborate with industry partners early to ensure their solutions address real-world problems. Differentiating technology is not enough; it must also be distinctive and provide unique, high-value benefits to stand out in a competitive market. 3. Mining technology startups must navigate long timelines and significant capital requirements. Leveraging non-dilutive funding, such as government grants, and adopting flexible business models, like licensing, can help mitigate financial risks. 4. The mining sector’s conservative nature makes market adoption a challenge. Startups should focus on forming meaningful partnerships, avoiding superficial engagements, and tailoring solutions to seamlessly integrate with existing operations or deliver transformational benefits. 5. Investors in mining tech look for well-rounded teams, realistic timelines, and awareness of regulatory compliance. Red flags include Teams with limited business acumen, unrealistic financial projections, and ignorance of environmental and regulatory challenges. 6. TEA has become a cornerstone of evaluating mining tech startups, providing insights into production costs, market feasibility, and sensitivity to variables like energy prices. Early-stage founders should use TEA to refine their financial models and align with investor expectations. MORE ABOUT THE SCENARIONIST: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discover all the episodes, trends analysis, and more.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay in the loop with our latest news.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Let’s connect.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #Mining #RawMaterials #Fundraising #Startups #DeepTech #VentureCapital #Healthcare #HealthTech #AI #B2B #VCs #HardTech #industry #tech #strategy #founders #technology #entrepreneurship 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.

Host: Nicola Marchese Guest: Andrew Rubenstein, Founding Partner at Shorewind Capital #DeepTechCatalyst Watch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. HealthTech companies can often bypass traditional healthcare systems and regulations, allowing them to reach consumers more quickly, whereas MedTech typically requires regulatory approval and deeper integration with healthcare providers and insurers. 2. The industry is shifting from a reactive “sick care” model to a proactive, prevention-focused approach, supported by at-home testing and AI-driven data analysis to identify and address health issues before symptoms appear. 3. Current insurance models don’t incentivize long-term preventive care because patients frequently change plans. Until value-based payment models become standard, achieving widespread adoption of preventive solutions will remain challenging. 4. Companies should commit to either a consumer health or a traditional healthcare model from the start. Attempting to switch midstream is often costly, time-consuming, and culturally difficult. 5. Consumer health branding focuses on wellness, performance, and lifestyle, appealing directly to users. In contrast, traditional healthcare branding emphasizes reliability, scientific rigor, and trust, aiming at doctors, insurers, and regulatory bodies. 6. HealthTech products can often launch earlier and gather customer data quickly. Traditional healthcare devices typically face longer timelines due to regulatory requirements, demanding specialized investors comfortable with scientific validation over immediate revenue. MORE ABOUT THE SCENARIONIST: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discover all the episodes, trends analysis, and more.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay in the loop with our latest news.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Let’s connect.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #Fundraising #Startups #DeepTech #VentureCapital #Healthcare #HealthTech #AI #D2C #VCs #HardTech #industry #tech #strategy #founders #technology #entrepreneurship 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.

Host: Nicola Marchese Guest: Vik Li, Investment Director, Ericsson Ventures #DeepTechCatalyst Watch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. The Deep Tech sales cycle stands apart from traditional B2B sales due to its complexity and the novelty of the technology. It often begins with educating potential customers about the technology’s unique benefits, understanding their needs and pain points, and conducting proofs of concept (PoCs) to validate the solution. These stages require patience and a strategic approach, as the timelines can be significantly longer. 2. Prioritizing the right customers is critical to success. Founders should focus on industries where their solution delivers the highest value. For example, in quantum computing, the financial sector presents high-potential use cases like portfolio optimization and risk management. Equally important is identifying companies with a strong emphasis on innovation, such as those with robust R&D investments or structured corporate VC programs. Engaging directly with decision-makers who have both the need and budget to implement the solution can significantly improve the chances of closing a deal. 3. Effective sales in Deep Tech start with a problem-focused approach. Rather than leading with product features, founders should prioritize understanding their customer’s pain points and framing their solution as the ideal response to those challenges. This approach avoids the common pitfall of overly product-centric pitches and helps build trust with potential clients. 4. Founders themselves must take the lead in early sales efforts. While it may feel uncomfortable, especially for those from academic or technical backgrounds, direct engagement with customers provides valuable insights into market needs and helps refine the product roadmap. This hands-on involvement also establishes credibility, which is crucial in building relationships with early adopters. 5. Channel partners can play a transformative role in navigating complex sales environments. Established partners often have pre-existing relationships with target customers, which can accelerate the sales cycle and bypass lengthy procurement processes. They can also help mitigate financial strain by offering predictable terms, which is particularly important for startups that may struggle with extended payment cycles. 6. Pricing strategies in Deep Tech require careful consideration. A value-based approach, where pricing is tied to the tangible benefits a solution provides, often works best. For example, if a product saves significant time or improves efficiency, the financial impact of those savings should inform the pricing. Additionally, offering predictable pricing models, such as fixed rates or clear consumption limits, aligns with the budgeting needs of large enterprises and reduces friction during negotiations. MORE ABOUT THE SCENARIONIST: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discover all the episodes, trends analysis, and more.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay in the loop with our latest news.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Let’s connect.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #Fundraising #Startups #DeepTech #VentureCapital #CorporateVentureCapital #CVC #Quantum #Sales #Computing #VCs #HardTech #industry #tech #strategy #founders #technology #entrepreneurship #phd 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.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Stewart, Managing Partner at M12, shares his expertise in AI investments and materials science. He highlights the shift toward integrated global systems for AI and the urgent need for evolving compute infrastructure. Key challenges include balancing edge computing with cloud needs and the redesign of chip architectures. Stewart also emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs for tech entrepreneurs and navigating the complexities of securing Series A funding in the deep tech space.

Host: Nicola Marchese Guest: Anil Achyuta, Managing Director @ TDK Ventures #DeepTechCatalyst Watch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. An effective early-stage HR plan centers around three critical elements: establishing company KPIs, defining KPIs for C-level executives, and establishing core values and culture. These elements provide a roadmap for growth, clarify expectations, and ensure alignment with the company’s mission. 2. As a startup reaches mid-stage and begins generating revenue, the HR plan should expand to include structured incentives, such as performance-based bonuses, to support the commercial team. These incentives help drive team motivation and commitment to achieve ambitious growth targets. 3. Encouraging everyone on the team—from finance to support staff—to understand their role in building company value fosters a stronger sense of ownership and motivation. This awareness drives long-term commitment to goals that add real value to the organization. 4. Avoid excessive dilution of ownership to external investors. Instead, maintain a balanced equity distribution that keeps management engaged and motivated while still attracting investors. This balance is essential to keep founders incentivized and the company’s vision intact. 5. Bringing on a co-founder goes beyond a typical hiring decision; it requires commitment, equity sharing, and mutual respect. Look for candidates with unique strengths—“superpowers”—that add significant value to the team. This approach helps build a resilient team that can drive company growth despite challenges. 6. The relationship between the CEO and the board is a key indicator of a company’s stability and growth potential. Shared goals and regular feedback reinforce this connection, creating a foundation for long-term success. Misalignment in this relationship, however, can seriously hinder a startup’s progress and may lead to irreparable issues. MORE ABOUT THE SCENARIONIST: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discover all the episodes, trends analysis, and more.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay in the loop with our latest news.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Let’s connect.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #Fundraising #StartupFunding #DeepTech #VentureCapital #CorporateVentureCapital #CVC #HR #startup #startups #VCs #HardTech #industry #tech #strategy #founders #technology #entrepreneurship #phd 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.

Host: Nicola Marchese Guest: Dave Anderson, Founding General Partner @ Beat Ventures #DeepTechCatalyst Watch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. Founders must weigh the trade-offs between dilutive funding, which involves giving up equity, and non-dilutive funding, which allows them to secure capital without sacrificing ownership. Each route has its own implications for control and long-term business strategy. 2. SAFE notes are popular among early-stage startups as they provide a simpler, cost-effective way to raise funds without immediate debt or interest. In contrast, convertible notes involve debt that accrues interest and may need repayment, offering a different risk-reward balance for investors. 3. Bridge funding, often through SAFE notes, helps startups sustain operations and meet key milestones, delaying a formal valuation until conditions improve or another major funding round is secured. 4. Founders now face higher benchmarks in early revenue targets, with $2 million ARR often required to secure a Series A round. This shift makes it essential for startups to become “default alive,” or able to operate independently of additional funding if necessary. 5. Venture debt can be an additional financial tool for companies with VC backing, offering a runway extension. Venture debt is commonly secured alongside a VC round, giving startups flexibility without immediately seeking more equity-based funding, especially useful as they scale. MORE ABOUT THE SCENARIONIST: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discover all the episodes, trends analysis, and more.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay in the loop with our latest news.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Let’s connect.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #Fundraising #StartupFunding #DeepTech #VentureCapital #SAFENotes #ConvertibleNotes #startup #startups #innovation #grants #vcs #techtransfer #hardtech #industry #tech #strategy #founders #technology #entrepreneurship #phd #science #lab 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.

Host: Nicola Marchese Guest: Sherman Williams, Managing Partner at AIN Ventures Guest: Forrest Underwood, Venture Partner, at AIN Ventures #DeepTechCatalyst Watch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. In the U.S. and other Western nations, government entities are key investors in advanced technologies, primarily funding through grants, tax incentives, and subsidies; early-stage scientists must develop strong grant-writing skills to secure this support. 2. The DIME framework (Diplomatic, Information, Military, and Economic) helps map dual-use tech’s commercial potential, with the Economic sector presenting the largest opportunity for companies to transition from government to broader market applications. 3. Government and commercial customers seek solutions, not just technology; founders must understand varied government needs—from end users to procurement and requirements branches—to develop products that align with specific mission goals. 4. VCs look for a capable team, substantial market potential, a viable go-to-market strategy, and unique technological differentiation—essential elements that indicate a startup’s readiness for both government and commercial markets. 5. For scalable growth, founders should prioritize building, testing, and iterating while considering partnerships with prime contractors, who can play a critical role in helping startups sell to the Department of Defense. MORE ABOUT THE SCENARIONIST: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discover all the episodes, trends analysis, and more.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay in the loop with our latest news.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Let’s connect.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #dualuse #defense #startup #startups #innovation #manufacturing #vcs #venturecapital #techtransfer #deeptech #hardtech #industry #tech #strategy #founders #technology #entrepreneurship #phd #science #lab 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.