Before starting, If you are building anything in deeptech you can connect me through Linkedin DMs or mail at [email protected] happy to chat. 😎
Congratulations! You’ve decided to start a deeptech company and want to raise funds. Well, let me help you navigate this treacherous yet rewarding journey — not by sugarcoating things, but by setting expectations right.
Being a founder is brutally hard (I know this firsthand — I’ve been one). There’s no guaranteed win in this game, but if you stay in long enough, you will evolve, and that's a kind of win too. The process will test you — mentally, physically, emotionally. But if you survive and thrive, you’ll be building something that truly matters.
This guide draws from personal experience, lessons from other founders, and some of the best resources I’ve come across.
Start with this classic by Paul Graham
Deeptech startups are built on scientific or engineering breakthroughs — think private rocket companies, AI-driven drug discovery, quantum computing, next-gen materials, etc. They solve fundamental problems.
Complexity: They have complex technical solutions that have the potential to redefine or create new markets. For example, QNu Labs has developed patented quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions that could transform global cryptography.
Intersection of Technologies: These startups often work at the intersection of multiple technologies. Companies like Crayondata leverage both AI and Big Data to deliver solutions across banking, fintech, and travel industries.
Long Development Cycles: Deeptech products typically have longer development cycles due to technological complexity. Log 9 Materials, a nanotechnology solutions provider, has invested extensively in research, testing, and validation.
Intellectual Property Focus: These companies often focus on developing and commercializing IP such as patents, proprietary algorithms, or unique research methodologies.
High Entry Barriers: The advanced nature of technology and substantial R&D requirements create significant barriers to entry.
I have collated a larger thesis on this, you can check it out.
After 500+ Hours Researching About Deep Tech, Here is my Notion Playbook For Finding The Next…
Before we go deeper, read this on hard startups by Sam Altman. He lived by this writing. This gives you an idea on what is the added advantage that you get by building something hard.