Published inStoic VC·PinnedA primer on building Neurotech — part 1The thesis for Neurotech is that by interfacing directly with the nervous system, we can more accurately map the pathophysiology of various neurological & psychiatric disorders. Not just at discrete points in time, but continuously. Biology-driven conditions like Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia and Alzheimers should be measurable and conservable. i.e…Startup6 min readStartup6 min read
Published inStoic VC·Feb 13Our Investment in LenexaWe’re pleased to be leading Lenexa’s pre-series A, a team bridging geriatric care with the future of preventive medicine. The burden of immobility. Our rapidly ageing population and stagnating labor growth is creating a nightmare for public health. With already heightened disease burden, nurses and caregivers have been forced to diversify into new domains…Health4 min readHealth4 min read
Published inStoic VC·Oct 18, 2022Founders guide to Stoicism.In order to send the ‘right’ signals to founders, VCs tend to lean into the what (historical success, team and network) and how (process, founder support) of their value proposition. But I believe the most overlooked signal is found in the why ; the philosophy. As such, here is why…Philosophy3 min readPhilosophy3 min read
Published inStoic VC·Jun 22, 2022Our Investment in BioscoutBioscout are on a mission to put farmers in the driving seat and we‘re excited to be backing the team in their AU $3m seed round alongside Artesian(GrainInnovate) and Uniseed. The Problem Critical crop loss from fungal disease has proved to be a systemic ordeal for farmers. Weather systems like La Niña…Venture Capital4 min readVenture Capital4 min read
Published inStoic VC·May 17, 2022A First Principles Take on CommercialisationIn every three-year election cycle I’m reminded that funding public university institutions in bulk, is the answer to our research commercialisation deficit. Yet this rhetoric continues to play out and fall short of anything material. The reason isn’t because our knowledge economies lack capital, it’s the misallocation of it. The…University6 min readUniversity6 min read
Mar 30, 2022Five lessons a dog can teach you“Learning follows you wherever you go” Take it literally. Aside from the many regrets I‘ve tallied so far in my life, nothing has proved more difficult to shake off than my 50kg German Shepherd – Koda. In the rare moments he’s isn’t ambling behind me or running laps around my…Learning7 min readLearning7 min read
Published inStoic VC·Feb 28, 2022Technology Readiness Levels — communicating progress.Inventors often find it difficult to communicate their progress to external stakeholders such as grant programs, and especially investors who aren’t blessed with subject matter expertise. Without a clear narrative to buy into, investors will reject your project — even if there’s a young swan behind those frail brown feathers. …Deep Technology5 min readDeep Technology5 min read
Published inStoic VC·Feb 14, 2022Bringing Deep Tech To MarketFor deep tech founders, there’s a common dilemma: You must survive to thrive. Startups face an unproven market, extended period without positive cash flow and a path to exit that’s messy, unpredictable and often upwards of 10 years. …Venture Capital5 min readVenture Capital5 min read
Oct 12, 2021Venture Debt — the route of royaltyIf you’re aware of dramatised entrepreneurial shows in the US, this might ring a bell. “I’ll offer you the $275k, but I want an 8 % royalty per unit until I’ve doubled my money” It’s the words uttered by Kevin O’Leary, a Canadian multi-million dollar entrepreneur and Angel, who over…Venture Capital9 min readVenture Capital9 min read
