The Most Undervalued Skill in Deep Tech - Management!
Chris Perkins, Deep Tech Entrepreneur
Podcast Episode Description:
In this episode of The Deep Tech Leaders Podcast, host Chris Reichhelm interviews successful Deep Tech entrepreneur Chris Perkins to explore the most undervalued skill in Deep Tech start-ups – management. Chris shares how blending technological expertise with effective management strategies drives success on the Lab-to-Market journey. Perkins shares valuable insights from his unique path through two major startup exits in energy tech and biotech/life sciences. Listen in as he discusses scaling Copernican Energy and Dropworks, highlighting why management skill is essential – and often viewed as an afterthought – within the Deep Tech community.
Whether you’re a tech founder or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation sheds light on aligning technology with market needs, balancing academic ambition with commercial realities, and building resilient teams. Perkins shares actionable advice on adapting leadership approaches and overcoming growth challenges that are common in Deep Tech startups.
Key Topics from the Show:
Lessons from exits in the Energy Tech and Medical Diagnostics sectors
Management as a core skill in technology entrepreneurship
Building Deep tech start-up teams that are resilient and market-aligned
Transitioning from academic research to commercially focused technology development
Advice on figuring out what problem your company will solve
Thinking about fundraising
Podcast Chapter Notes:
00:00 The Importance of Good Management
01:13 Introduction to the Lab to Market Leadership Podcast
01:41 Meet Chris Perkins: A Serial Entrepreneur
04:17 The Role of Luck and Strategy in Success
05:33 Understanding Customer Problems
07:28 Challenges for Academics in Startups
10:47 Case Study: Dropworks and Digital PCR
12:59 Lessons from Copernican Energy
14:31 The Transition from Scientist to Manager
26:08 Building a Structured Development Process
30:12 The Value of Middle Management
38:43 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
45:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
To learn more about Lab-to-Market Leadership, view our presentation: ‘The Lab-to-Market Journey – a Blueprint.’
