In-conversation with Anil Achyuta of TDK Ventures: deep tech's impact & ideas from India

The UpstreamLife

In this episode of the India Deep Tech Series, we host the MD of TDK Ventures, Anil Achyuta. Born and raised in Bengaluru, Anil went from being a sportsman to falling in love with deep tech - firstly as an academic and then as an investor. In this podcast he talks about an ever changing world with deep technology, what are the risks and rewards for startups in this community. The interview is a must watch for those who aspire to build businesses with deep tech ideas.
00:00 - Introduction to the podcast
00:38 - Anil's love for science
01:47 - The TDK Ventures investment thesis
04:32 - Not every scientist should become an entrepreneur
07:07 - Transitioning from science to an investor
09:30 - The need for 'Dream Syndicates' to support deep tech
14:51 - Why we need to come together to solve bigger problems
17:24 - The Tesla example of beating all numbers and expectations
19:13 - Why TDK Ventures takes big bets?
22:47 - The 'Fit' principles of investing
24:59 - Business is about data: upstream, the supply chain, downstream
29:31 - Role of the government in deep tech
30:30 - Impact of Ascend Elements and AM Batteries in the EV industry
34:20 - Building a thesis around 'heat' applications.
36:33 - Quick responses on industries transforming themselves - automotive, energy, healthcare and many more.
44:49 - Impact of AI.
48:29 - The TDK Goodness and what it means for startups
52:11 - Using sports and its competitive nature as a lesson in investing
55:34 - Learning a lot from people, inspirations and sport.
In this podcast the startups I talk about are Ascend Elements (https://ascendelements.com), AM Batteries (https://am-batteries.com), Verdagy (https://verdagy.com), Autoflight (https://www.autoflight.com/en/), Ineratec (https://www.ineratec.de/en) & Fasal (https://fasal.co).

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