Deep Tech

Definition

Startups built on fundamental scientific breakthroughs rather than clever software—the kind of company that requires physics PhDs and takes 10 years to become profitable, beloved by investors who want long-term moonshots.

Example Usage

We're a deep tech company working on quantum computing, which is why we have a 15-year path to revenue and our Series A deck has more equations than market analysis.

Origin

Emerged in venture terminology mid-2010s

Fun Fact

Deep tech companies average $20M+ Series A rounds because they require substantial R&D spend.

Source: VC categorical terminology

Related Terms

Intermediate

blurring

The intentional or unintentional obscuring of lines—whether between work and life, industries converging, or ethical boundaries getting fuzzy in your data practices.

🚀 Startup / VC

Advanced

full ratchet

The most aggressive anti-dilution protection where early investors' conversion price adjusts to match a down round price, regardless of how small the down round is. Financial punishment for daring to need more money.

🚀 Startup / VC

Advanced

signaling

The information conveyed to the market by investor actions, such as who leads a round or whether insiders participate in follow-ons. In startup land, subtext is text.

🚀 Startup / VC

Advanced

Antidilution Clause

A provision that adjusts an investor's ownership if future funding rounds happen at lower valuations. Basically a rich person's insurance policy.

🚀 Startup / VC

Advanced

pay-to-play provision

A punitive clause forcing existing investors to participate in future rounds or lose their special privileges—the venture capital equivalent of 'put up or shut up.' Popular after market downturns when companies need to separate real believers from fair-weather friends.

🚀 Startup / VC

Advanced

vulture capital

Investors who prey on distressed startups, offering unfavorable terms when founders are desperate. They prefer the smell of burning runway in the morning.

🚀 Startup / VC

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