In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, host Ian Bergman welcomes Denis Kalyshkin, principal at I2BF Global Ventures, to explore the intricacies of corporate innovation and investing in "unsexy" industries. Denis shares his mission, insights on deep tech, and the challenges and opportunities in driving change across legacy sectors.
Here are the five main takeaways from their conversation:
1. Purpose-Driven Innovation
Denis’s journey into venture capital began with his passion for applied sciences and a desire to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world applications. His personal mission is to support individuals who can create multi-generational positive impacts, focusing on founders who can transform industries for the better.
2. Transforming Legacy Industries
Denis emphasizes that many industries, such as construction, logistics, and manufacturing, are ripe for disruption. These “boring” sectors are full of untapped opportunities where applying modern technology can significantly improve efficiency and revenue. He believes vertical solutions that meet the unique needs of these industries will play a key role in their transformation.
3. The Power of Deep Tech
Deep tech is critical to future innovation. Denis highlights areas like quantum computing, robotics, and energy transition as pivotal fields that are pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve. He believes that future growth in venture capital will center on startups working in deep tech, solving complex problems that go beyond traditional software solutions.
4. Adapting to Market Shifts and Pressures
Innovation often occurs in response to market stressors. Denis discusses how decreasing margins, competitive pressures, and regulatory changes are driving companies to innovate or risk falling behind. He points out that sometimes external pressures or generational shifts in leadership compel organizations to adopt new technologies and processes.
5. Corporate Innovation through Startups
Corporations are increasingly looking to startups for innovative solutions, particularly because startups can offer more flexibility and speed than large enterprises like Microsoft or Oracle. Denis explains that while corporations may be slow-moving and risk-averse, startups provide the agility needed to address specific problems quickly, making them valuable partners in solving industry-wide challenges.
This episode offers a ton of valuable insights from a seasoned venture capitalist who’s passionate about driving meaningful change. Tune in to hear more about how Denis Kalyshkin is supporting founders in reshaping the industries of tomorrow.
Timestamps
✨ Introduction to Denis Kalyshkin (00:00:00)
🔬 The Role of Applied Research in Business and Innovation (00:06:14)
🌍 Transforming “Unsexy” Industries: Construction, Logistics, and Manufacturing (00:09:05)
📊 Vertical Solutions and New Revenue Streams in Legacy Industries (00:11:16)
👷♂️ The Impact of Younger Generations on Driving Technological Change (00:15:26)
🏗️ Why Startups Are Essential for Innovation in Legacy Industries (00:20:25)
🏢 Challenges in Selling to Large Corporations and Mitigating Risks for Startups (00:23:02)
🔭 Leveraging Space Technologies for Earth-Based Applications (00:28:27)
📡 The Power of Earth Observation and IoT in Traditional Industries (00:29:48)
🔮 The Future of Deep Tech: Robotics, Quantum Computing, and New Materials (00:37:20)
⚡ Energy Efficiency, Storage, and the Shift Toward Sustainability (00:42:41)
⚡ Rapid fire questions (00:46:25)