Deep Tech Startups and Industrial Giants | Paul Mascarenas OBE
Paul Mascarenas OBE. Ex-CTO of Ford Motor Company
Episode Description
In this episode of Lab to Market Leadership, Chris Reichhelm speaks with Paul Mascarenas OBE, former CTO of Ford Motor Company, to uncover insights that automotive startups and Deep Tech innovators can’t afford to miss. Paul offers a deep dive into the automotive strategy at Ford, shares key lessons from his experience leading innovation programmes, and provides actionable advice for automotive startup companies looking to scale or partner with large industrial players.
Now an investor with Fontinalis Partners and a board member of U.S. Steel and ON Semiconductor, Paul discusses the challenges startups face when trying to engage with industry giants. He also sheds light on how strong leadership and a clear strategy can help automotive startups improve their odds of success.
Whether you're navigating the complex automotive sector, industrial innovation, or the broader Deep Tech ecosystem, this episode offers practical guidance for overcoming barriers and unlocking opportunities.
Key Topics from the Show
The automotive strategy behind Ford’s innovation programmes.
How automotive startups can engage with industry giants like Ford.
Challenges and opportunities for automotive startup companies in the industrial sector.
Insights into building innovation partnerships between startups and large corporations.
The importance of leadership and patience for startups navigating complex industries.
Advice for securing successful engagements with OEMs and tier-one suppliers.
Real-world examples of successful collaborations between startups and industrial leaders.
Podcast Chapter Notes
00:00 - Introduction to Paul Mascarenas OBE and his career highlights.
02:00 - How Ford’s automotive strategy shaped innovation during Paul’s tenure.
07:00 - The role of automotive startups in Ford’s innovation ecosystem.
12:00 - Key examples of successful startup collaborations at Ford.
16:20 - Insights from the Techstars accelerator programme.
24:00 - Challenges automotive startup companies face in scaling and engaging with industrial giants.
33:00 - The value of leadership and teamwork in driving startup success.
42:00 - Advice for automotive startups on navigating the lab-to-market journey.
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