Shows
Lab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmChallenging Deep Tech Norms: Adopting Lean Principles from Lab to Market | Mark BjornsgaardIn this captivating episode of Lab to Market Leadership, Chris Reichhelm speaks with Mark Bjornsgaard, the visionary founder and CEO of System Two Group. With a track record of eight successful exits - notably the £200 million sale of Deep Green Technologies to Octopus Energy - Mark brings a powerful, often counterintuitive, perspective on building businesses, especially in the Deep Tech sector. Mark challenges the conventional wisdom of ‘build-measure-learn,’ arguing passionately for a hypothesis-first approach. He explores why the most valuable skill for an entrepreneur is the ability to ruthlessly ‘kill’ ideas that lack market validation, even if they're te...
2025-06-1758 min
Lab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmHow to Scale Chemical Engineering Startups | Peter J. Nieuwenhuizen PhDThe road from lab to market for chemical engineering startups is anything but smooth. In this episode of Lab to Market Leadership, Chris Reichhelm talks to Peter J. Nieuwenhuizen PhD, a chemical industry veteran and former CTO of AkzoNobel and Enerkem, and Board chair of Itaconix Plc., about the brutal realities of scaling chemical engineering technologies. Peter shares the inside scoop on how regulation, scaling challenges, and securing funding play out in the chemical sector. Plus, he discusses how the transition to a circular economy is reshaping the future of chemicals.If you're in the chemical or...
2025-01-2353 min
Lab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmThe State of UK Deep Tech | Dr David Cleevely CBE FREng FIETIn this episode, host Chris Reichhelm is joined by Dr. David Cleevely CBE FREng FIET, co-founder of Cambridge Angels and a leading figure in UK science and technology. Together, they explore the intricate process of scaling Deep Tech companies, the importance of talent and vision, and the systemic challenges facing the UK’s innovation ecosystem.David shares lessons from decades of investing, building companies, and influencing policy, shedding light on how serendipity and networks can drive innovation. He also reflects on the differences between the UK, US, and China in shaping their technology industries and what the UK...
2024-12-0352 min
Lab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmUniversity Spinouts and Deep Tech Investing | Marc Singer | Osage University Partners (OUP)In this episode of Lab to Market Leadership, Marc Singer, Managing Partner at Osage University Partners, joins host Chris Reichhelm to discuss the transformative role of university spinouts in Deep Tech. With decades of venture capital experience, Marc offers valuable insights into what makes a successful Deep Tech entrepreneur and shares lessons learned from OUP’s portfolio of 150+ companies. Perfect for innovators, founders, and investors navigating the lab-to-market journey. Let us know what you think...Learn more about Lab to Market Leadership: https://www.deeptechleaders.comFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.l...
2024-11-2151 min
Lab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmEngineering Deep Tech: Scaling Plastic Recycling Technology | James Finlayson | Impact RecyclingIn this episode of the Lab to Market Leadership podcast, host Chris Reichhelm speaks with James Finlayson, CTO and Co-Founder of Impact Recycling, to explore the journey of scaling their recycling technology from lab prototype to market-ready solution. Over the past decade, James has led the development of BOSS, an innovative technology that uses fluid dynamics to separate ‘hard-to-recycle’ plastics. Achieving 98% purity in processing mixed rigid waste, BOSS has enabled Impact Recycling to secure over £70 million in contracts across the UK and Europe.James offers deep tech founders and engineering leaders practical insights into each stage...
2024-11-121h 00
Lab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmThe Most Undervalued Skill in Deep Tech - Management | Chris Perkins PhDIn The Deep Tech Leaders Podcast, serial entrepreneur Chris Perkins discusses the most undervalued skill in Deep Tech – management. Listen as he reveals lessons from his journey through two successful exits, sharing insights on market alignment, team culture, and effective leadership. Perfect for Deep Tech founders looking to scale their innovations and maximise success.Chapter Notes:00:00 The Importance of Good Management01:13 Introduction to the Lab to Market Leadership Podcast01:41 Meet Chris Perkins: A Serial Entrepreneur04:17 The Role of Luck and Strategy in Success05:33 Understanding Customer Problems07:28 Challenges for Academics in St...
2024-11-0146 min
Lab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmLab to £30m+ in revenue and a $310m exit | Eric Mayes | CEO of EndomagIn this episode of Lab to Market Leadership, Chris Reichhelm sits down with Eric Mayes, CEO of Endomag, to explore the rare journey of building a medtech startup from the ground up. Eric discusses the strategies that propelled Endomag to the forefront of cancer detection technology and culminated in a $310 million acquisition by Hologic. Perfect for medtech entrepreneurs and all Deep Tech innovators, this episode uncovers the milestones, challenges, and insights on transforming groundbreaking tech into market success.Let us know what you think...Learn more about Lab to Market Leadership: https...
2024-10-171h 15
Lab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmScaling Battery Technology | Rob Davies | 6K EnergyIn this episode of Lab to Market Leadership, Chris Reichhelm interviews Rob Davies, Chief Operating Officer, at 6K Energy, discusses what it takes to scale novel battery technology. Rob, who has background in both corporate and startup environments, offers valuable insights on the hurdles and strategies involved in progressing advanced materials from research to market. Tune in to learn how 6K Energy has been revolutionising additive manufacturing and battery materials!Let us know what you think...Learn more about Lab to Market Leadership: https://www.deeptechleaders.comFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.l...
2024-10-0948 minLab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmDeep Tech Start-Ups & Industrial Giants | Paul Mascarenas OBE, Ex-CTO of Ford Motor CompanyIn this episode, Lab to Market Leadership host Chris Reichhelm interviews the former CTO of the Ford Motor Company, Paul Mascarenas OBE. Paul discusses his experiences driving innovation at one of the world’s largest automakers and shares his insights into the complex relationship between startups and large industrial players. Join us to learn about the innovation process within major companies like Ford, and how startups can better position themselves for success. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, his work on the boards ofON Semiconductor, US Steel and Borg Warner, plus his cur...
2024-10-0154 minLab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmFunding the Semiconductor Future | Kevin ChenOn this episode of ‘Lab to Market Leadership’, Chris Reichhelm talks with Kevin Chen, Managing Director of Lam Capital, about securing funding and scaling in the semiconductor space. Kevin, with his extensive experience that spans MIT, founding startups, and leading teams at Applied Materials, is now responsible for strategic investments at Lam Capital, the venture arm of Lam Research, a $100 billion semiconductor leader.In this episode, Kevin shares his advice for entrepreneurs and CEOs looking to fundraise for their semiconductor or materials startups, highlighting the key elements that investors look for in today’s competitive market. He also d...
2024-09-2456 minLab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmLab to Market Leadership Reflections: Does the Starting Point of a Deep Tech Company Matter?On this week’s bite-sized Reflections episode of the Lab to Market Leadership podcast, Deep Tech Leaders CEO Chris Reichhelm explores a vital question: ‘Does the starting point of a deep tech company matter?’Through lessons learned from previous podcast guests like Peter Collins (Permasense) and Henrik Hagemann (Puraffinity), Chris reflects on the importance of a company’s starting point—whether it's driven by technology inspiration or a market problem. How does the initial approach affect commercial validation and long-term success? And what can founders do to better position their deep tech startups for funding and product-market fit?
2024-09-1316 minLab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmCommercialising Novel Chemistry | Tim CesarekJoin us on this episode of Lab to Market Leadership as Chris Reichhelm interviews Tim Cesarek, CEO of Synata Bio. Tim draws from his vast experience to discuss how to successfully bring novel chemistry innovations from the lab to the market. Learn about the common obstacles that trip up leadership teams, the importance of commercial discovery, and how to build a high-performing team. Whether you're in specialty chemicals, waste-to-energy, sustainable aviation fuels or any other emerging industrial tech field, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for you.00:00 Introduction to Perfectionism in Leadership00:57 Welcome to...
2024-08-1559 minLab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmDoing Business with the Automotive Industry | Dr Andy Palmer, CMGIn this episode of Lab to Market Leadership, Chris Reichhelm interviews Dr Andy Palmer, CMG, the ‘godfather’ of electric vehicles. Andy's extensive experience as COO of Nissan and CEO of Aston Martin provides a unique perspective on how advanced tech companies can navigate the automotive industry. Discover the secrets to engaging with OEMs, aligning with product cycles, and the importance of storytelling in tech startups. Tune in for a masterclass on leveraging innovation to make a significant impact in automotive technology.Let us know what you think...Learn more about Lab to Mark...
2024-08-0946 minLab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmA New Type of Semiconductor Company | Scott WhiteIn this week’s podcast, Chris Reichhelm speaks with Scott White, the co-founder and former CEO of Pragmatic Semiconductor, one of the UK’s most exciting advanced materials companies. Scott talks us through the 14-year journey, diving into everything from the dynamics of the founding team, technology and scale-up approach, engagement with potential partners & customers, raising over $400m and building a team of over 300. He also talks through how he knew it was time to pass the baton of leadership.Let us know what you think...Learn more about Lab to Market Leadership: https...
2024-07-1051 minLab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmGraphene Commercialisation: Scaling Advanced Materials | Tony PearceDive into this insightful episode where Chris Reichhelm interviews Tony Pearce, COO of Paragraf, to discuss the journey of bringing groundbreaking innovations in the advanced materials sector from the lab to the market. Tony explores the critical aspects of scaling up graphene technology, focusing on the importance of early-stage market credibility, manufacturing repeatability, and the alignment of product development with customer needs.Listeners will gain valuable insights into how Paragraf has navigated the challenges of transitioning from research to production, particularly in the context of magnetic sensing and battery manufacturing applications. Tony shares practical advice on the...
2024-06-2157 minLab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmSelecting the Right Deep Tech Startup: A Job Seeker’s Guide | Chris ReichhelmJob Seekers! Are you looking to get into the Deep Tech industry? Deep tech recruitment expert Chris Reichhelm talks about what you can do to give yourself the best chance of finding the right role. He delves into the critical steps for aligning your career ambitions with the appropriate phase of startup growth. In this episode, you'll learn:Sector Specifics: Understand the unique market challenges and opportunities that define deep tech startups.Startup Phases: Insights into each stage from concept to commercialisation.Fit Assessment: Identify which startup phase b...
2024-06-0519 minLab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmDefining the Right Problem | Henrik Hagemann from PuraffinityWelcome to the Lab to Market Leadership podcast, where we explore the journey of turning advanced science and engineering into market-ready innovations. Join Chris Reichhelm, founder and CEO of Deep Tech Leaders, as he speaks with Henrik Hagemann, CEO of Puraffinity and a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree in 2019.In this episode, Henrik shares insights on the importance of identifying the right problem to solve via 200+ face-to-face meetings with potential customers and partners, the meticulous research process, and the journey from lab to market. Learn how Puraffinity is tackling PFAS contamination and the strategic pivots that led to their...
2024-05-3156 minLab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmLab to Market – Bootstrapped | Peter CollinsIn this episode of the Lab to Market Leadership podcast, host Chris Reichhelm talks to Peter Collins, the former CEO of Permasense, an Imperial College spin-out focused on industrial IoT solutions for the oil and gas industry. Peter shares his unique journey of bootstrapping Permasense from its early days in the lab to a successful $50 million exit to Emerson, all without external equity funding.Chris and Peter discuss the complexities and challenges of transforming advanced science into a commercial product. They explore the initial state of Permasense, the critical role of BP in supporting the development of...
2024-05-2356 minLab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmLab-to-Market Journey: A Blueprint for Success | Chris ReichhelmIn this episode of Lab to Market Leadership, host Chris Reichhelm shares Deep Tech Leaders’ blueprint for the Lab-to-Market journey. Chris outlines the three critical phases of the lab to market journey: Solution Definition, Scaling, and Commercialisation. He explains the five key stages—Research, Prototype, Pilot, First of a Kind, and Market Deployment—along with essential milestones and considerations for each stage. By understanding these phases and integrating commercial, technical, and manufacturing readiness levels, deep tech companies can better plan and avoid common pitfalls, ultimately increasing their chances of success. Tune in to learn how to effectively map out your j...
2024-05-1530 minLab to Market Leadership with Chris ReichhelmSpotlight on Spinouts 2024 Insights | Chris ReichhelmJoin us for the debut episode of ‘Lab to Market Leadership with Chris Reichhelm, CEO of Deep Tech Leaders, as we dissect the data from the Royal Academy of Engineering’s 'Spotlight on Spinouts 2024' report. Discover our unique analysis shedding light on why UK startups encounter commercialisation challenges despite their innovative ideas. In this episode, we provide a fresh perspective on the data, revealing insights that illuminate the problems these companies face. Stay tuned for future episodes featuring interviews with industry experts, including investors, CEOs, and policymakers. Essential listening for those navigating the journey from lab to market!...
2024-04-2313 min