Deeptech Demystified | Felix Neubeck

In this episode, Felix Novak (Playfair) breaks down why most VCs get deep tech wrong, how commoditisation curves kill “breakthrough” startups, and why policy not venture decides industrial winners. From quantum and fusion to defence and manufacturing, this is a sharp, no-BS look at where the West is heading next. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro – Why Deep Tech Is Back 02:45 Generalists vs Specialists: Who Wins in Deep Tech? 06:30 The Myth: “There Isn’t Enough Capital” 10:15 Why Technology Picking Is So Hard 14:20 One Shot at Goal: Selling to Concentrated Markets 17:05 The Danger of Ignoring Commoditisation Curves 20:10 How to Actually Diligence Deep Tech 24:00 Backing Teams vs Backing Technology 27:50 Venture vs Policy: Who Should Fund Sovereignty? 31:30 Defence, Government & VC Alignment 34:00 Europe’s Manufacturing Identity Crisis 38:45 Has China Overtaken the West? 46:20 Contrarian Conviction: Life Is Endless Struggles 49:15 What Truly Moves Felix Emotionally Find Felix Neubeck online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fneubeck/ Twitter: https://x.com/FelixNeubeck Playfair: http://www.playfair.vc This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.