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Ignite VC: Rethinking Venture Capital Through the Lens of Deep Tech with Pablos Holman | Ep49
In this episode of the Ignite Podcast, host Brian Bell engages in a profound conversation with Pablos Holman, founder and managing partner of Deep Future, delving into the realm of deep tech and the transformative power of invention. Pablos, a seasoned innovator with a background that includes working on pioneering projects like cryptocurrency in the 90s and co-founding Blue Origin, shares his journey and insights into the tech industry's evolution. He critiques the industry's overemphasis on software, arguing for a broader focus on solving significant global issues through deep tech.
Pablos outlines the mission of Deep Future: to scout and support the "mad scientists" and inventors behind groundbreaking technologies capable of addressing monumental challenges. He discusses his transition from a software-focused career to leading ventures that aim to harness technology for substantial societal impact, reflecting on his experiences with Intellectual Ventures and the inventive endeavors that span from mosquito-zapping lasers to advanced nuclear reactors.
The conversation shifts to the current landscape of venture capital, highlighting the need for a return to ventures that embody genuine risk and innovation, as opposed to the proliferation of software applications. Pablos criticizes the tech industry's narrow focus and calls for a reinvigoration of the spirit of invention, underscoring the potential of deep tech to significantly advance fields like energy, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
As they explore the future of technology, Pablos expresses cautious optimism about certain sectors, such as solar energy, while maintaining skepticism towards others, like quantum computing, due to their nascent stages and uncertain pathways to commercial viability. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between ventures that are ready for capital investment and those that still require foundational research.
The episode concludes with a rapid-fire session, offering personal insights into Pablos' inspirations, the technologies he wishes existed, and the profound influence of hacker culture on innovation. This engaging discussion not only sheds light on Pablos Holman's visionary approach to technology and venture capital but also inspires listeners to consider the broader implications of their work in shaping a better future.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:07 Interest in Deep Tech
04:04 The Need for Invention
05:51 Intellectual Ventures and Deep Tech Invention
09:14 Venture Capital and Deep Tech
11:03 Moon Shots and Societal Impact
13:28 Advancements in Deep Tech
14:10 Evaluating Opportunities in Deep Tech
21:45 The Importance of Startups in Innovation
25:18 Creating Value in the World
29:39 Bullish and Bearish Trends in Deep Tech
30:36 Categorizing Technologies
31:06 Quantum Computing
32:20 Venture Capital and Commercialization
33:28 Government Funding for Research
34:12 Challenges of Quantum Computing
35:05 Potential of Classical Computing
36:11 Misconceptions about Quantum Computing
36:27 Bearish on Space Tech
37:41 Challenges in Space Markets
38:14 Space-Based Solar Power
39:04 Mining in Space
41:49 Importance of Solving Market and Technical Risks
43:15 Favorite Gadget: OQO
43:42 Technologies Wished to Exist
44:49 Biggest Inspiration: Douglas Adams and John von Neumann
45:56 Computing in Different Universes
47:08 Mathematics and Computing
47:57 Unexplained Source of Innovation: Hackers
49:25 Entrepreneurs Tackling Actual Problems
49:46 Favorite Book on Innovation or Technology
51:18 Advice to Younger Self: Be Around People Who Know More
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By Brian BellIn this episode of the Ignite Podcast, host Brian Bell engages in a profound conversation with Pablos Holman, founder and managing partner of Deep Future, delving into the realm of deep tech and the transformative power of invention. Pablos, a seasoned innovator with a background that includes working on pioneering projects like cryptocurrency in the 90s and co-founding Blue Origin, shares his journey and insights into the tech industry's evolution. He critiques the industry's overemphasis on software, arguing for a broader focus on solving significant global issues through deep tech.
Pablos outlines the mission of Deep Future: to scout and support the "mad scientists" and inventors behind groundbreaking technologies capable of addressing monumental challenges. He discusses his transition from a software-focused career to leading ventures that aim to harness technology for substantial societal impact, reflecting on his experiences with Intellectual Ventures and the inventive endeavors that span from mosquito-zapping lasers to advanced nuclear reactors.
The conversation shifts to the current landscape of venture capital, highlighting the need for a return to ventures that embody genuine risk and innovation, as opposed to the proliferation of software applications. Pablos criticizes the tech industry's narrow focus and calls for a reinvigoration of the spirit of invention, underscoring the potential of deep tech to significantly advance fields like energy, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
As they explore the future of technology, Pablos expresses cautious optimism about certain sectors, such as solar energy, while maintaining skepticism towards others, like quantum computing, due to their nascent stages and uncertain pathways to commercial viability. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between ventures that are ready for capital investment and those that still require foundational research.
The episode concludes with a rapid-fire session, offering personal insights into Pablos' inspirations, the technologies he wishes existed, and the profound influence of hacker culture on innovation. This engaging discussion not only sheds light on Pablos Holman's visionary approach to technology and venture capital but also inspires listeners to consider the broader implications of their work in shaping a better future.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:07 Interest in Deep Tech
04:04 The Need for Invention
05:51 Intellectual Ventures and Deep Tech Invention
09:14 Venture Capital and Deep Tech
11:03 Moon Shots and Societal Impact
13:28 Advancements in Deep Tech
14:10 Evaluating Opportunities in Deep Tech
21:45 The Importance of Startups in Innovation
25:18 Creating Value in the World
29:39 Bullish and Bearish Trends in Deep Tech
30:36 Categorizing Technologies
31:06 Quantum Computing
32:20 Venture Capital and Commercialization
33:28 Government Funding for Research
34:12 Challenges of Quantum Computing
35:05 Potential of Classical Computing
36:11 Misconceptions about Quantum Computing
36:27 Bearish on Space Tech
37:41 Challenges in Space Markets
38:14 Space-Based Solar Power
39:04 Mining in Space
41:49 Importance of Solving Market and Technical Risks
43:15 Favorite Gadget: OQO
43:42 Technologies Wished to Exist
44:49 Biggest Inspiration: Douglas Adams and John von Neumann
45:56 Computing in Different Universes
47:08 Mathematics and Computing
47:57 Unexplained Source of Innovation: Hackers
49:25 Entrepreneurs Tackling Actual Problems
49:46 Favorite Book on Innovation or Technology
51:18 Advice to Younger Self: Be Around People Who Know More