Episode 62 - Belinda Ephraim on Corporate Development and Corporate VC for Industrial Manufacturers

Corporate development and corporate VC are two important growth levers that many middle market industrials overlook - Episode 62 of the Industrial Growth Institute Podcast with former investment banker and now Deep Tech VC Belinda Ephraim of Tenseur Capital

Summary

In this episode, Ed Marsh and Belinda Ephraim delve into the world of deep tech and venture capital. Belinda, managing general partner at TENSEUR Capital, shares her insights on the importance of scientific foundations in technology, the challenges of 3D printing, and the necessity of a strong work ethic for founders.

They discuss her transition from investment banking to venture capital, the significance of customer market fit, and the role of lifelong learning in achieving success. The conversation also touches on:

• Belinda's immigrant experience from Nigeria to the US
• her journey in building a network of innovators through her podcast, the Neo Industrial Podcast
• the importance of proof of concept in investment decisions
• the need for corporate development strategies in middle-market manufacturing
• the potential of corporate venture capital to drive innovation.

Belinda also emphasizes the necessity for companies to adapt and innovate in response to market changes, particularly in the context of U.S. manufacturing and the evolving landscape of technology investments.

Middle market industrial manufacturers may overlook the inorganic growth opportunity of acquisitions and might not consider corporate venturing as a way to place affordable bets on technology.

Takeaways

• Deep Tech is rooted in scientific and engineering foundations.
• The future of technology will require new infrastructures to support advancements.
• Lifelong learning and adaptability are crucial for success in business.
• Customer pain points should drive product development in deep tech.
• Investment banking experience can provide valuable insights for venture capital.
• The importance of a strong work ethic in founders of deep tech startups.
• Disruption in industries requires a generalist mindset.
• The Neo Industrial Podcast aims to bridge gaps in knowledge and networking.
• Building a venture firm involves understanding the complexities of technology commercialization.
• There's genius in people.
• Corporate VC can become misaligned with the company's vision.

Takeaway Quotes from Belinda Ephraim

• "Disruption requires a generalist mindset."
• "Corporate development is a critical factor."

Check out Belinda's Deep Tech VC website.

LinkedIn: Belinda Ephraim and Ed Marsh

Twitter: Ed Marsh

Instagram: Ed Marsh

YouTube: @NEOIndustrialist and @EdMarsh

Show Transcript 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Deep Tech and Venture Capital 02:23 Understanding Deep Tech: Definition and Scope 04:29 The Future of Technology and Its Impact on Humanity 10:27 The Transition from Investment Banking to Venture Capital 11:43 The Importance of Lifelong Learning and Adaptability 15:51 Building a Venture Firm: TENSEUR Capital 18:19 The Work Ethic of Founders in Deep Tech 20:50 Customer Market Fit vs. Product Market Fit 24:30 Navigating the Journey of an Immigrant Entrepreneur 33:04 The Path to Investment Banking and Entrepreneurship 40:54 The Purpose of the Neo Industrial Podcast 42:24 Proof of Concept: The Foundation of Investment 50:54 Navigating Corporate Development and Growth Strategies 01:01:25 The Role of Corporate Venture Capital 01:10:48 The Future of U.S. Manufacturing and Investment Opportunities   Inorganic growth should be part of the strategy conversation of middle-market manufacturers.   Learn more about my framework for engineered revenue growth ORE™ (Overall Revenue Effectiveness Framework) here.   #CorporateDevelopment #CorporateVC #R&D #PrivateEquity #InorganicGrowth #OrganicGrowth #ValueCreation #InvestmentBanking #CorporateDevelopmentStrategy #DealSourcing #TechnologySourcing #MergersAndAcquisitions #StrategicThinking #CorporateStrategy #Corpo