Hardware Podcasts

The VC case for 'full stack deeptech'

Catalyst · 8 Jan 2026 · 52m

What this episode covers

Ian Rountree, founder and partner at the deep tech venture firm Cantos, joins host Shayle Kann to unpack Rountree’s investment thesis, which prioritizes 'full stack' hardware startups and 'weird' unique companies while avoiding those selling technology to incumbents. They discuss why long sales cycles in industrial sectors like automotive and mining kill startups, the dangers of 'commercializing science' without product-market fit, and why owning physical assets (like mineral rights) captures more value than licensing software. The conversation highlights specific examples such as Earth AI and KoBold Metals in mining, Salsogen in chemicals, and Crusoe in energy/compute, illustrating how vertical integration and cost advantages in commodity markets mitigate technical risk.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Cantos, Earth AI, KoBold Metals, Salsogen, Crusoe, Chaos Industries, Y Combinator, Energy Impact Partners, Latitude Media, Catalyst

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