“If I believe in the founder, and I believe that he or she is pointed in the right direction, a great surfer on an okay board trying to catch a big wave, then I'm inclined to get involved. Deep tech or not, that's essentially how I look at opportunities.”

- Greg Castle

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Deep tech founders are either technically gifted or great at building a business. But it’s seldom both, at least in the beginning. So, what should venture investors pay attention to when we’re choosing founders in these disruptive technologies?

On this episode of Boost VC, Adam is joined by Greg Castle, Founder and Managing Director of Anorak Ventures, a firm that invests in early-stage deep-tech startups. An entrepreneur and corporate marketer turned VC, Greg has invested in 120 companies, including Oculus, Flexport, and Mux. Greg explains how his view of venture investing has changed since he wrote his first check, explaining what he looks for in a founder and how he evaluates deep tech startups differently.

Throughout his career, Greg Castle has gained valuable insights into what high-functioning teams and companies look like. He understands the importance of resilience and not taking setbacks personally when things don't go as planned. These lessons have shaped his approach to investing, allowing him to make informed decisions and support founders through the inevitable challenges of building a successful startup.

Greg Castle's journey into the world of venture capital began with curiosity and a passion for advocating for individuals he believed in. He got lucky with his first few personal investments, including the groundbreaking Oculus, which opened his eyes to the transformative potential of deep tech. These early successes sparked Greg's interest in venture investing and set the stage for his future endeavors.

According to Greg Castle, the key to successful capital deployment in deep tech always comes down to people. Building an ecosystem of investors and founders is crucial for supporting and accelerating the growth of startups. Greg emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals who can contribute unique perspectives and expertise.

Anorak Ventures operates on the belief that a handful of technologies will have outsized impacts on the future. Greg and his team focus on identifying and supporting teams that leverage these technologies, regardless of the industry they operate in. By remaining industry-agnostic, Anorak Ventures seeks to support disruptive ventures that have the potential to transform various sectors.

Listen in for Greg’s advice on where to deploy capital in deep tech and learn how Anorak chooses founders who apply disruptive technologies to business problems in any industry.