Listen ⚡️ Adam Draper interviews Arkady Kulik of RPV
“If you look at the history of civilization, it's all defined by how we reshape the world around us and how we reshape ourselves. So, being there on this edge of finding new things that will redefine the world around us, to me, this is the most exciting thing. Period.”
- Arkady Kulik
Listen to this Episode Here:
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In the fast-paced world of venture capital, where innovation meets investment, a critical chasm often hinders progress - a mere 19% of venture capitalists (VCs) possess scientific or technological expertise. This discrepancy creates a significant translation problem, particularly for visionary deep tech founders seeking funding and understanding from potential investors.
But, where challenges arise, opportunities for innovation emerge. This is where the co-founders of RPV, Arkady Kulik and Tamaz Khunjua, step onto the stage. Together, they have forged a pioneering venture fund that stands out by putting scientific expertise at the forefront of entrepreneurship.
Recognizing the challenge of communicating complex scientific innovations to investors without a scientific background, Arkady Kulik and Tamaz Khunjua founded RPV. RPV serves as a vital bridge that connects visionary scientists with the financial support and business acumen they need to transform their innovations into thriving enterprises.
On this episode of the Boost VC Podcast, Adam Draper of Boost VC talks with Arkady Kulik about his journey with RPV and how the team's extensive background in science and entrepreneurship benefits deep tech startups.
1. Unique Venture Fund Challenges: Launching a venture fund is distinct from starting other businesses. The competitive VC landscape demands effective niche communication. RPV succeeds by staying true to its mission amidst fierce competition.
2. At the Cutting Edge of Science: Arkady values being on science's forefront. Meeting innovative minds daily fuels his passion and drives him to uncover solutions.
3. The Value of Helping Others: Being useful means providing relevant information, forging meaningful connections, and enhancing lives through RPV's work.
4. RPV's Holistic Support: RPV offers deep tech startups more than funding; it serves as a validation point for their tech and provides vital entrepreneurial experience.
5. The 'Deathbed Test' for Success: Arkady's success measure is having no regrets about unachieved goals, striving for self-actualization, and leaving a meaningful impact.
Listen to the full podcast episode to delve deeper into the RPV story and its mission to empower deep tech innovators. Together, we're paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future.
Topics Covered
The idea behind RPV
Help scientists become strong entrepreneurs
‘Commercialization of science’
How Arkady got into venture capital
Moved to US to be part of scientific exploration of humanity
Lack of funding in the prototyping stage of deep tech startups
Arkady’s biggest accomplishment before age 20
Launched first company at 18 without external investment
Scaled to annual revenue of $5M in third year
How starting a venture fund differs from starting other companies
More competitive, thousands of similar funds raising money
Harer to differentiate and properly tell the story of niche
What part of being a VC Arkady enjoys the most
Being at the edge of science and meeting interesting people
Finding processes that make things work
The secret skills Arkady is most proud of
Developed an extreme level of discipline
Extremely organized in managing time and data
How Arkady thinks about being useful to others
Provide relevant information or connections
Put a smile on someone’s face, make life better
The most valuable thing RPV provides for deep tech startups
External proof point for science and technology
Entrepreneurial experience and change management
Arkady’s ‘deathbed test’ to measure success
Nothing ‘could have but didn’t achieve.’
Self-actualization (happy, complex person)
Connect with Arkady Kulik
RPV on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/rpvglobal/
Arkady on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arkady-kulik/
Arkady on X https://twitter.com/arkadykulik
Resources
Starburst Aerospace https://starburst.aero/
Cantos VC https://cantos.vc/
Countdown https://countdown.capital/
Fifty Years https://fiftyyears.com/
Productivity Planner https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/productivity-planner
Terraforming Mars https://www.fryxgames.se/games/terraforming-mars/
Breakfast with Pops: A Venture Capital Handbook by Adam Draper and William H. Draper III https://www.amazon.com/Breakfast-Pops-Venture-Capital-Handbook/dp/B0C1JHXTQF
Connect with Boost Vc
Boost VC Website https://www.boost.vc/
Boost VC on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/boostvc/
Boost VC on Twitter https://twitter.com/BoostVC
Boost VC on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/boost_vc/