In this episode, we sit down with Amish Patel, founder of Conduit Venture Labs, to discuss how his venture studio is transforming the hardware startup ecosystem. Conduit Venture Labs focuses on co-building and scaling hardware startups in the intersection of physical and digital tech. Amish shares how his studio is creating a database-driven playbook for startup creation, providing early-stage teams with tools, processes, and ongoing support to de-risk the complex journey of hardware development.
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We explore the unique challenges hardware startups face, from the high costs and risks of prototyping to the need for specialized infrastructure and long development cycles. Amish highlights the importance of building common infrastructure across venture studios while allowing for modular funds and specialized verticals. He also discusses the role of the Conduit Fellows Network, which brings together a community of experts to support early-stage companies.
We dive into industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and the built world, which are starting to see increased investment in physical tech and hardware solutions. Amish emphasizes the critical role of strategic partnerships and alignment between co-founders and investors to navigate the hardware landscape. He encourages founders to reach out to venture studios for expertise and resources to accelerate their journey.
Whether you’re a founder, investor, or enthusiast interested in the future of hardware, this episode provides deep insights into how venture studios are shaping the future of physical tech.
Tune in to learn how Conduit Venture Labs is driving innovation and building the hardware companies of tomorrow!
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Amish Patel
05:28 Amish Patel's Background in Multi-Touch Computing
09:19 The Creation of Catalyst and Proprio
15:33 The Focus of Conduit Venture Labs
24:10 The Future of Hardware Venture Studios
26:20 Creating Common Infrastructure and Practices for Venture Studios
32:44 A Database-Driven Playbook with a Strong Focus on Process
39:39 Being the Hardware Co-Founder for Startups
51:37 Co-founder and Investor Dynamics
57:35 The Value of the Venture Studio Community
01:09:28 Opportunities for Investors in Venture Studios
01:14:31 Getting Involved in the Venture Building Space
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Connect with Amish & Conduit Venture Labs•
https://www.conduitventurelabs.com/• https://www.linkedin.com/in/amishpatel/• https://www.linkedin.com/company/conduit-venture-labs
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Follow the Lets Actuate! Podcast• https://www.instagram.com/letsactuate• https://www.youtube.com/@letsactuate• https://x.com/letsactuate
Reach out to Actuate Ventures • https://www.letsactuate.com • https://www.actuateventures.co• https://www.linkedin.com/company/actuateventures–––
This episode is brought to you by Siemens Software!
To find out more, email: james.gernatt@siemens.com
Launching a deep-tech startup is not only complex, but also painful to progress through the technical milestones associated with product development. Many companies run out of cash due to lengthy product development cycles and failure to hit technical milestones. This is why we’re excited to let our listeners and ecosystem connect with our podcast sponsor, Siemens Industry Software. Specifically, Siemens Xcelerator for Startups software platform (that's Xcelerator with an “X”) helps organizations digitally transform faster. Their startup programs help companies avoid growing pains with access to scalable software. With programs and bundles to support Product Engineering and CAD, Data Management, Simulation, Test, Regulatory and Design Control, these solutions grow with y
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