Join us as Rishi Ratan explores impact-oriented investing and thematic strategies. He shares his journey from Qualcomm to Microsoft Surface, reflecting on Satya Nadella's influence. Discover his thesis-driven venture capital approach, emphasizing data's role. We explore space industry trends like propulsion and VLEO applications, and In-Q-Tel's strategic investments. Delve into deep tech areas such as AI, edge computing, and synthetic biology, with insights on lab-grown tissues and augmented reality. Rishi also offers tips on managing risks in deep tech investments and career advice for aspiring venture capitalists.
(0:00) Impact oriented investing and thematic investors
(0:41) Enterprise software and field technologies overview
(1:07) Introduction to The Investor with Joel Palathinkal
(1:52) Welcoming guest Rishi and light-hearted jacket discussion
(2:47) Rishi's background and early life
(5:27) Career beginnings at Qualcomm and Microsoft Surface Group
(7:07) Satya Nadella's impact and Microsoft's future directions
(14:52) Transition to product management and venture capital
(18:34) Venture capital: thesis-driven approach and data importance
(23:42) Trends in the space industry: propulsion and VLEO applications
(29:49) Venture capital transition and In-Q-Tel's investment focus
(32:10) In-Q-Tel's global presence and strategic partnerships
(34:05) Highlights in deep tech investment
(36:54) Key deep tech areas: AI, edge computing, synthetic biology
(40:08) Synthetic biology and lab-grown tissues applications
(42:10) Growth in spatial computing and augmented reality
(45:51) Advances in deep learning, quantum computing, and edge computing
(52:49) Managing risks in deep tech investments
(57:46) Career advice for deep tech venture capitalists