EP 53: How Michael Markesbery turned NASA Tech into an Insulation Empire and Raised $50 Million in Capital

In this episode, I'm excited to welcome the DeepTech entrepreneur, Michael Markesbery, the co-founder and CEO of OROS Labs- a material technology company that provides thermal solutions. He shares his journey from solving a personal problem to building a deep tech material science company that has raised over $50 million. OROS Lab has raised funding through a Kickstarter campaign, seed rounds, and a recent Series B round led by Airbus Ventures.

Michael offers a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, having transitioned from a direct-to-consumer apparel brand to a material science company serving consumer, commercial, and government sectors. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur in the DeepTech space, Michael's practical advice and real-world experiences offer valuable lessons on building and scaling a hardware-based startup.

Here's what you're in for:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:19 Michael's Journey from Apparel to Material Science

• 01:30 Discovering the Insulation Problem

• 03:36 Breakthrough with Aerogel

• 05:26 Commercializing the Technology

• 07:42 Fundraising and Early Challenges

• 17:26 Market strategy contract manufacturing vs. In-house production

• 25:51 Entering government contracts and assembling teams

• 21:58 Applications of SolarCore foam and market positioning

• 28:41 Series B funding insights and choosing investors

• 31:14 Engaging with prospective investors

• 35:45 Tips for deep tech founders

• 41:45 Outro

This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders.

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ABOUT MICHAEL MARKESBERY

Michael Markesbery is the co-founder and CEO of Oros Labs, a pioneering material science company that has revolutionized insulation technology. His journey began as a college student when a backpacking trip in the Swiss Alps inspired him to solve the problem of bulky cold-weather gear.

In 2014, Michael was awarded the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship, which proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. He has successfully navigated OROS Labs (A material technology company focused on creating the most scientifically advanced thermal solutions on the planet) through multiple funding rounds, raising over $50 million in venture capital to date. The company's innovative approach has also caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Defense, resulting in a multi-million dollar contract.

In 2019, Michael spearheaded Oros Labs' growth and relocated its headquarters to Portland, Oregon. He secured partnerships with innovative entities such as Ad Astra, Elon Musk and Josh Dahn's school, underscoring his dedication to STEM education. Michael epitomizes the new wave of entrepreneurs propelling sustainable, high-performance material advancements.

Connect with Michael Markesbery on:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-markesbery-32169088/