Ignite VC: Rethinking Venture Capital Through the Lens of Deep Tech with Pablos Holman
Episode 49 of the Ignite Podcast
In this episode of the Ignite Podcast we sit down with Pablos Holman, a trailblazer in the deep tech venture space and the founding mind behind Deep Future. This conversation ventures beyond the usual tech talk, diving into the profound depths of innovation, invention, and the future of technology. Pablos, with his rich history from working on early cryptocurrency projects to being part of the founding team of Blue Origin, shares his unique perspective on the evolution and potential of technology to address the world’s most pressing issues.
The episode beautifully captures the essence of what it means to truly innovate in today’s digital age, where software often overshadows the groundbreaking potential of deep technology. Pablos’ narrative is not just his own but a call to arms for inventors, engineers, and thinkers to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Through his journey, we are reminded of the power of curiosity, the importance of embracing technical challenges, and the need to refocus the tech industry’s priorities towards meaningful, impactful solutions.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
· The Overlooked Potential of Deep Tech: Pablos emphasizes the significant, untapped potential in deep technology as a tool for solving complex global challenges, contrasting the current tech landscape’s fixation on software and apps.
· Innovation Beyond Software: Through anecdotes and examples, Pablos advocates for a broader definition of technology and innovation, one that includes revolutionary advances in fields like energy, healthcare, and space exploration.
· The Role of Venture Capital in Deep Tech: The discussion highlights the unique challenges and opportunities in funding deep tech ventures, stressing the importance of venture capital in supporting high-risk, high-reward projects that can change the world.
· Early Work in Cryptocurrency and AI: Pablos shares his experiences working on pioneering projects in cryptocurrency and AI during the ’90s, offering insights into the early days of these now-dominant technologies.
· Space Exploration and Blue Origin: Reflecting on his time with Blue Origin, Pablos shares his thoughts on the future of space exploration and the role private companies play in pushing the final frontier.
· The Importance of Invention: The conversation delves into the critical role of invention in progress, lamenting the tech industry’s shift away from supporting true inventors and towards a more application-oriented approach.
The episode concludes on a reflective note, with Pablos and Brian discussing the broader implications of their conversation for the future of technology and society. They underscore the importance of redefining success in the tech industry, moving away from mere financial gain towards genuinely impactful achievements. The potential for deep tech to address systemic global issues, from climate change to healthcare disparities, is immense, but realizing this potential requires a collective shift in focus and resources.
Pablos’ call to action for inventors, entrepreneurs, and investors alike is clear: to brave the unknown, to support bold ideas, and to rebuild the foundations of what it means to innovate. This episode of the Ignite Podcast is more than just a podcast; it’s a manifesto for the future of technology, urging us to dream bigger, push harder, and remember that the most significant breakthroughs often come from the most unexpected places.
In essence, this conversation with Pablos Holman is a beacon of hope and a roadmap for those committed to leveraging technology for the greater good. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate and the convenient, to support the mad scientists and the dreamers, and to invest in the future we wish to see. As we stand on the precipice of a new era of technological advancement, let us take these lessons to heart and commit to a future where technology fulfills its true potential as a force for good.
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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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe9Kc7HMhXKqRddgJN01jNw
