Funding the Semiconductor Future | Kevin Chen
Kevin Chen, Managing Director, Lam Capital
Podcast Episode Description:
In this episode of Lab to Market Leadership, host Chris Reichhelm sits down with Kevin Chen, Managing Director of Lam Capital, to explore the dynamic world of semiconductor startups and Deep Tech ventures. Lam Capital, the corporate venture arm of Lam Research, is known for its strategic Deep Tech investments in areas such as AI chips, semiconductor subsystems, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Kevin shares insights from his extensive experience, discussing how Deep Tech startups can navigate the challenges of the lab-to-market journey, secure funding, and collaborate with corporate partners. From pitching to Deep Tech VC funds to managing team evolution and board relationships, Kevin offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to succeed in high-impact, innovation-driven sectors.
Key Topics from the Show:
Strategies for pitching materials and semiconductor startups to corporate venture arms.
Lam Capital’s approach to Deep Tech investment and its focus on high-impact technologies.
Navigating the lab-to-market journey: Insights from Kevin’s entrepreneurial and investment experience.
Best practices for effective board management in Deep Tech ventures.
The importance of market validation and customer-centric development for Deep Tech startups.
Team evolution and leadership transitions in scaling startups.
Fundraising tips for startups pitching to Deep Tech VC funds.
Identifying and addressing key challenges in the semiconductor value chain.
Podcast Chapter Notes:
00:00 – Kevin Chen on the lab-to-market journey: Beyond technology – people, fundraising, and customers.
01:20 – Introduction to Kevin Chen and Lam Capital: Investing in semiconductor startups and disruptive technologies.
05:27 – Exploring Lam Research's focus areas: Deep Tech investments in AI chips, robotics, and Industry 4.0.
09:00 – Building a small but impactful team at Lam Capital with entrepreneurial expertise.
12:20 – The art of gaining corporate attention for early-stage Deep Tech startups.
16:00 – Case study: A water technology startup solving emissions problems with ceramic membranes.
20:00 – Common mistakes in fundraising: Over-focusing on technology and overly long pitches.
24:00 – Delivering effective pitches: Managing time and investor engagement.
27:00 – Lam Capital’s investment criteria: Evaluating domain relevance and potential strategic partnerships.
33:00 – Patterns of successful Deep Tech startups: Balancing technology and market focus.
36:00 – The importance of early market validation in the lab-to-market journey.
39:00 – Team evolution and leadership transitions: Adapting to growth and scaling challenges.
45:10 – Optimising board relationships: Best practices for effective governance.
54:01 – Core skills for entrepreneurs: Communication, relationship building, and humility.
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