Bilal Zuberi, a renowned deep tech investor, recently shared insights during a visit to Paris. With over 16 years of experience in deep tech investing, Bilal has been at the forefront of backing innovations across various sectors, including semiconductors, biotechnology, clean energy, and defense technologies. During the conversation, he highlighted the importance of moving fast in the tech industry, emphasizing that speed and agility are crucial for startups to outpace incumbents and achieve success. His passion for supporting companies that are harnessing AI to disrupt traditional industries is evident, as he aims to invest in early-stage companies at the intersection of AI and the physical world.

In addition to his investment strategy, Bilal discussed his approach to building a new venture fund, Red Glass Capital, which focuses on providing substantial support to founders beyond just financial backing. He emphasized the importance of integrity, humility, and curiosity as core values that guide his investment philosophy. Bilal's global perspective is reflected in his diverse network of limited partners (LPs) from various parts of the world, which he leverages to help his portfolio companies expand internationally. His commitment to fostering innovation and building meaningful partnerships in the tech ecosystem positions him as a key player in shaping the future of deep tech investments.

[00:00:00]: Introduction

[00:00:31]: Investing in Deep Tech and French Ventures

[00:02:00]: Evolution of Deep Tech and Economic Impact

[00:03:03]: Cleantech Movement and Tesla's Success

[00:05:15]: Lessons Learned from Early Investments

[00:07:29]: Importance of Founder DNA in Startups

[00:09:30]: Speed and Innovation in Startups

[00:10:33]: Moving Fast in Deep Tech Industries

[00:13:00]: Tesla's Software Advantage

[00:15:00]: The Importance of Speed for Investors

[00:17:04]: Balancing Intensity and Humanity

[00:19:18]: Elon Musk's Values and Risks

[00:22:08]: The Role of Investors in Supporting Founders

[00:23:13]: Creating a New Venture Capital Firm

[00:24:10]: Fundraising Challenges and Global LPs

[00:25:08]: Strategy and Experience in Venture Funds

[00:26:35]: Risks of Bias in Experienced Investors

[00:27:55]: Investment Focus and Early Stage Strategy

[00:29:47]: Changing Dynamics of Series A Funding

[00:30:45]: Infrastructure Investments and Economic Impact

[00:32:58]: Risks of Raising Excessive Early Funding

[00:34:37]: Impact of Large Funding on Startup Behavior

[00:36:13]: Importance of Pressure and Global Partnerships

[00:36:35]: AI and the Physical World Investment Thesis

[00:38:10]: AI's Impact on Cost of Intelligence

[00:40:35]: AI's Role in Venture Capital and Services

[00:42:47]: AI to Transform Traditional Industries

[00:44:15]: Addressing Engineering Shortages with AI

[00:46:05]: Empowering Individuals with AI Tools

[00:48:23]: Defining AI's Role in the Physical World

[00:49:32]: AI in Healthcare and Accessibility

[00:51:01]: Evolution of Communication and AI

[00:52:47]: AI's Potential in Traditional Industries

[00:54:16]: AI as Powerful Tools in Everyday Life

[00:55:29]: First Investment in Industrial Cybersecurity

[00:57:11]: Security Risks of Internet-Connected Devices

[00:58:01]: Building a Business from a Startup Idea

[01:00:29]: Founders' Passion and Mission Alignment

[01:02:05]: Importance of Execution and Building Big Ideas

[01:03:41]: Balancing Innovation and Execution in Startups

[01:06:02]: Finding Companies and Building a Network

[01:08:23]: Leveraging Unique Branding for Recognition

[01:10:15]: Building a Brand and Personal Image

[01:12:55]: Partnering with Global Investors for Growth

[01:14:07]: Global Market Opportunities in Physical Industries

[01:16:25]: Importance of Collaboration and Networking

[01:18:30]: Challenges of Large Investment Rounds

[01:20:36]: The Missing Middle in Venture Capital

[01:22:16]: Value of Collaborative Investment Approaches

[01:23:09]: Recommended Reading on AI and Ethics

[01:24:42]: Future of Intelligent Systems and Environments

[01:25:36]: Closing Remarks