Deep Tech Catalyst

Host: Nicola MarcheseGuest: Tom Ferguson, Managing Partner at Burnt Island Ventures#DeepTechCatalystWatch the ⁠⁠⁠full conversation on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠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 MarcheseGuest: Kesar Varma, Principal at Upfront Ventures#DeepTechCatalystWatch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠Today, we’re joined by Kesar Varma, Principal at Upfront Ventures, to explore the evolving landscape of consumer healthcare, AI, and IoT. With a decade of innovation shaping biomedical devices, wearables, and AI-driven diagnostics, how can Deep Tech founders navigate market adoption, funding strategies, and business model scalability?Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or operator in the Deep Tech ecosystem, this episode is packed with practical insights on:✅ How AI and IoT are transforming healthcare—beyond fitness tracking into chronic disease management and remote patient monitoring.✅ Funding strategies for startups—balancing venture capital with regulatory considerations.✅ The B2B, B2C, and B2B2C dilemma—which model works best for consumer healthcare innovations?✅ How to navigate manufacturing, supply chain challenges, and product validation in a rapidly evolving industry.This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to build, invest in, or scale a hardware-based consumer healthcare solution.🎥 Watch the full conversation here: https://www.thescenarionist.com/p/scaling-ai-consumer-health-startups 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 MarcheseGuest: Drew Busbee, Chief Operations Officer at DTI#DeepTechCatalystWatch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ In this episode, we break down the critical strategies for building a successful dual-use startup—from securing venture capital and government funding to navigating customer discovery in both defense and commercial markets.Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or Deep Tech operator, this conversation provides a clear framework for balancing VC expectations with government contracts, understanding the DoD procurement process, and positioning your company for long-term success.✅ Key Questions Answered: • How do you position your product in the dual-use ecosystem?• How do you navigate government procurement?• How do you leverage non-dilutive funding?• How do you balance defense and commercial markets?• How do you align VC expectations with government funding cycles?🎥 Watch the full conversation here: https://www.thescenarionist.com/p/how-to-build-a-dual-use-startup 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 MarcheseGuest: Oscar Farres, Head of Tech VC Unit @ European Investment Fund (EIF)#DeepTechCatalystWatch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠QUICK FACTS:🚀 €3.5 Billion Deployed Annually – The EIF invests in 85-90 VC funds each year, fueling deep tech, life sciences, and climate startups across Europe.📊 The ‘Magic Triangle’ of a Strong VC Fund:✔ Team Composition – A mix of ex-entrepreneurs, operators, and finance experts.✔ Market Access – Ability to source & support high-potential startups.✔ Fund Structure – Strong portfolio strategy, follow-on reserves, and aligned incentives.📈 How to Build a VC Market from Scratch: a Case Study – In Cyprus, the EIF worked with the government to launch a brand-new venture capital ecosystem, conducting market research, structuring funds, and attracting both local & international investors.🚀 Final Thought: Europe has world-class talent, but closing the funding gap is key. Mobilizing private capital, strengthening VC ecosystems, and driving long-term investment will ensure Europe’s deep tech sector continues to thrive.#VentureCapital #DeepTech #LPs #LimitedPartners #Founders #Startups #FundOfFunds #InstitutionalInvestors #Tech #Innovation #CVC VCsDisclaimer: 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: Fathi Karouia, Senior Research Scientist @ NASA #DeepTechCatalyst Watch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ QUICK FACTS: 🚀 The Space Economy is Booming – The World Economic Forum projects the space economy could reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, with in-space manufacturing playing a major role. 🧪 Microgravity Enables Breakthroughs – Key applications include regenerative medicine, stem cell expansion, advanced alloys, and high-quality semiconductors. 📉 Launch Costs Are Plummeting – SpaceX has lowered launch costs from $50,000/kg to ~$3,000/kg, with future costs potentially dropping to $100/kg or less. 💡 Startups Face Key Challenges – Companies must overcome technical hurdles, commercialization barriers, and supply chain logistics to scale in-space manufacturing. 💰 Funding Opportunities Exist – Non-dilutive funding sources like NASA’s InSPA, SBIR, and STTR programs can help de-risk early-stage space ventures. 🌍 From Lab to Market – Space manufacturing innovations are set to transform biomedicine, electronics, and materials science, creating high-value commercial opportunities on Earth. #Fundraising #Startups #DeepTech #Space #SpaceEconomy #SpaceTech #VentureCapital #Startups #VCs #CVCs #PhD #Startup #Founders #Mindset #Product #Business #industry #Materials #Healthcare 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: Adarsh Sowcar, Venture Investment Manager @ Saint-Gobain NOVA #DeepTechCatalyst Watch the ⁠⁠⁠full video on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. By 2050, 70% of the global population will live in urban areas, driving the need for advanced construction technologies and innovative materials. People spend over 80% of their time indoors, emphasizing the importance of materials that enhance indoor air quality and comfort. The construction sector contributes nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions, highlighting the urgency for decarbonization and sustainable practices. 2. Startups are developing materials with lower carbon footprints to enhance energy efficiency and promote circularity. The industry is adopting robotics, digitization, and offsite construction methods to improve efficiency and reduce waste. These innovations are crucial for meeting the demands of urbanization and sustainability. 3. Entrepreneurs must understand industry problems and engage with stakeholders to gather insights. Startups should demonstrate how their technology solves specific problems better than existing alternatives. Successful startups must ensure their technology integrates easily into existing workflows to minimize adoption barriers. 4. At the pre-seed stage, startups should develop a working prototype and validate the material's technical feasibility and scalability. They should also engage with industry stakeholders to gather feedback and demonstrate commercial potential. At the seed stage, conducting extensive real-world performance tests to ensure reliability and meet industry standards is crucial. 5. Aspiring deep tech founders should align financial modeling with R&D efforts to meet market needs. Utilizing advisors and mentors can strengthen market and financial understanding. Ensuring technical breakthroughs are financially viable is essential for market success. #Fundraising #Startups #DeepTech #ConstructionTech #VentureCapital #Startups #VCs #CVCs #PhD #Startup #Founders #Mindset #Product #Business #industry #Materials 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: 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.