Chapter
The evolution of early-stage deep tech startups
32:10 - 37:27 (05:17)
Deep tech startups such as synthetic biology platform companies face challenges when they promise future capabilities and raise millions of dollars in funding. Zymogen, like others, pivoted to becoming a products company to sustain their growth.
Clips
Zymergen and similar platform companies emerged around 2012-2015, with the promise to use synthetic biology to make materials, food, and industrial products.
32:10 - 33:13 (01:03)
Summary
Zymergen and similar platform companies emerged around 2012-2015, with the promise to use synthetic biology to make materials, food, and industrial products. They combined cheap DNA sequencing and editing tools to create a platform for editing cells more efficiently. However, due to multiple factors such as hype and supply chain issues, these companies have struggled and faced significant setbacks.
ChapterThe evolution of early-stage deep tech startups
EpisodeE43: Innovative venture strategies, Zymergen's implosion, Square acquires Afterpay, future of fintech & more
PodcastAll-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
ZymoGenetics, originally an R&D company selling its enzyme-discovery platform to big partners like DuPoint, pivoted to a products company due to the requirement of huge funds for R&D and running the labs.
33:13 - 35:04 (01:50)
Summary
ZymoGenetics, originally an R&D company selling its enzyme-discovery platform to big partners like DuPoint, pivoted to a products company due to the requirement of huge funds for R&D and running the labs.
ChapterThe evolution of early-stage deep tech startups
EpisodeE43: Innovative venture strategies, Zymergen's implosion, Square acquires Afterpay, future of fintech & more
PodcastAll-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
Some deep tech companies get caught in a cycle of hype and overpromising, raising large amounts of money and failing to find product market fit.
35:04 - 37:27 (02:23)
Summary
Some deep tech companies get caught in a cycle of hype and overpromising, raising large amounts of money and failing to find product market fit. Taking money from investors like Softbank can exacerbate this problem, leading to someone becoming the "bag holder."