Deep tech seed rounds fund the transition from research to commercialization. Investors are betting on technical breakthroughs that create new markets or transform existing ones. Timelines are longer, but outcomes can be transformational.
Deep tech startups are built on substantial scientific or engineering innovation. Common characteristics:
Based on novel scientific research, advanced engineering, or breakthrough technology.
Requires significant R&D before commercial product. Often 3-7 years to market.
Hardware, labs, specialized talent, and regulatory costs add up quickly.
Patents, trade secrets, or technical know-how create defensible advantages.
Examples: AI/ML infrastructure, quantum computing, biotech, advanced materials, robotics, energy tech, space tech.
Deep tech investors think differently than typical software VCs:
Does the technology actually work? What proof do you have?
World-class expertise matters more than in any other sector. Who are you?
Great tech alone is not enough. How do you get to paying customers?
How hard is it for others to replicate? What is your moat?
Evidence needed: Technical limitation in current approaches, quantified inefficiency
Show why existing technology cannot solve this problem. What fundamental barrier exists?
Evidence needed: Technical breakthrough, proof of concept, early results
Explain the science simply. Show that it works, even at small scale.
Evidence needed: Technical architecture, key innovations, defensibility
Dedicated slide for deep tech. Explain what makes your approach novel.
Evidence needed: Industry size, adoption timeline, beachhead market
Deep tech markets are often nascent. Show the path from early adopters to mainstream.
Technical milestones, pilots, partnerships, grants, publications
Deep tech decks need a dedicated technology slide. This is where you explain your breakthrough:
What did you figure out that others have not? Explain simply without jargon.
High-level system diagram. Show how the pieces fit together.
Benchmarks, test results, comparison to state-of-the-art. Numbers matter.
Be honest about remaining technical challenges. Investors know R&D is iterative.
Tip: Use the Feynman technique. If you cannot explain your technology to a smart non-expert, simplify further.
Investors are smart but not domain experts. Explain clearly.
Great science is not enough. Show how it becomes a business.
Deep tech takes longer. Overly aggressive timelines destroy credibility.
Include academic groups, corporate R&D, and other startups. Show your edge.
Technical founders often need a commercial partner. This is not a weakness.
Deep tech seed-stage rarely has revenue. Here is what counts as traction:
Prototype working, key performance benchmarks achieved, successful tests.
NSF, SBIR, DARPA, or equivalent non-dilutive funding validates technical merit.
Enterprise pilots, research collaborations, or strategic partnerships show commercial interest.
Peer-reviewed papers, conference presentations, patents filed or granted.
Pitchkit helps you structure your deep tech pitch with technology-focused guidance.
Get startedRevenue is rare at seed. Focus on technical validation and commercial interest.
Evidence needed: PhD credentials, research background, industry experience, advisors
Deep tech is team-dependent. Show why you are uniquely qualified to solve this.
Evidence needed: Patents filed/granted, trade secrets, publication strategy
IP is often the primary asset. Show your protection strategy.
Evidence needed: Academic competitors, corporate R&D, other startups
Include research groups and corporate labs. Show your technical advantage.
Evidence needed: Technical milestones, commercialization timeline, key risks
Deep tech has longer timelines. Show realistic milestones over 3-5 years.
Evidence needed: Specific amount, use of funds split between R&D and commercialization
Typically $2M-$5M at seed. Be clear about how much goes to research vs business.