In this episode of ‘Lab to Market Leadership’, titled ‘Funding the Semiconductor Future’, Chris Reichhelm interviews Kevin Chen, Managing Director of Lam Capital, to discuss the future of semiconductor startups and strategic investments. Kevin, with a PhD from MIT and leadership experience at Applied Materials, is a seasoned investor responsible for identifying and backing promising semiconductor and materials companies.
As the head of Lam Capital, the corporate venture arm of Lam Research, Kevin shares what makes a startup stand out in the semiconductor industry, from market alignment to team dynamics. He also offers practical advice for founders navigating today’s challenging fundraising landscape, highlighting the mistakes that can derail a pitch.
In addition to fundraising tips, Kevin delves into the importance of strong board leadership, explaining how well-structured boards can provide invaluable support for growing startups. His insights into how to build and leverage an effective board will be especially useful for entrepreneurs looking to scale.
Whether you’re a semiconductor startup founder, an executive, or an investor, this episode is packed with insights on funding, leadership, and the future of the semiconductor industry. Watch now to learn how to secure funding and strengthen your board.
00:00 Introduction to Lab to Market Leadership
01:18 Meet Kevin Chen: Mr. Deep Tech
02:06 Kevin Chen's Journey and Expertise
06:17 Lam Research and Corporate Venture Capital
11:07 Challenges and Strategies in Deep Tech Entrepreneurship
19:11 Effective Pitching and Common Mistakes
25:43 Lam Capital's Investment Criteria
26:29 Flexibility in Investment Strategies
26:54 Applying Filters in the Investment Process
27:33 Evaluating Strategic Partnerships
28:15 Identifying Red Flags in Entrepreneurs
29:10 Positive Signals for Investment
30:33 Lab to Market: Key Success Factors
34:53 Importance of Market Need
36:49 The Role of the Team in Startups
45:14 Managing Board Relationships
53:41 Core Skills for Leading Entrepreneurs
56:03 Conclusion and Farewell
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Learn more about Deep Tech Leaders: www.deeptechleaders.com
Podcast production by Beauxhaus.
