Deep Tech, Risk, Real Innovation & Real Talk | Ft. Vinod Shankar, Investor – Java Capital

0:00 – Introduction
Host Dr. Tamizh Inian introduces Vinod Shankar, Founding Partner at Java Capital, and sets the stage for a deep conversation on deep tech investing, innovation, and startup ecosystems.

4:30 – Vinod Shankar’s Journey: From Hacking to Investing
Vinod shares his personal story, including his early experiences hacking a friend’s car and how he transitioned into deep tech investing.

12:15 – Evolution of India’s Startup Ecosystem Post-2009
Discussion on how India’s startup landscape has changed over the years, particularly after 2009, highlighting key shifts and growth areas.

20:40 – What Deep Tech Investing Really Demands
Insights into the unique challenges and requirements of investing in deep tech startups, including the need for patience, technical understanding, and risk tolerance.

29:50 – The Role of Automation in Innovation
Vinod discusses why automation is not just exciting but also a complex and tough problem to solve in the deep tech space.

38:10 – Courage and Building a Business
Exploration of the importance of courage in entrepreneurship, breaking away from societal patterns like college, job, and marriage to build a successful business.

46:00 – Why Ideas Alone Don’t Make a Business
Emphasis on the importance of revenue and execution over just having a good idea in the startup world.

53:30 – Reflections on Real Innovation and Risk
Vinod shares unfiltered truths about risk-taking and what constitutes real innovation in the Indian deep tech ecosystem.

1:01:45 – Java Capital’s Portfolio Highlights
Overview of some notable startups in Java Capital’s portfolio, including Agnikul Cosmos, The Eplane Company, Okulo Aerospace, and others.

1:07:00 – Closing Thoughts and Advice for Founders
Final words from Vinod on what founders should focus on and how to cultivate the courage to build impactful businesses.

Video Description:
It's time for investor to share their part of the story !!

Yes he is also the first VC who has been engaging with Frigate since pre-seed round and backed us in seed round

From hacking a friend’s car to Invest in the best DeepTech startups of India

We are Excited to release Episode 4 of the Frigate Podcast

Guest: Vinod Shankar, Founding Partner at Java Capital, shares a rollercoaster of ideas, insights, and unfiltered truths in this episode of our podcast. (One of the most prolific deeptech VC's in India)

Host: Dr. Tamizh Inian, Founder, Frigate

💡 “What’s often missing is courage. We follow patterns, college, job, marriage, but building a business needs something more.”

Tune in to hear:
🔹 How India’s startup ecosystem evolved post-2009
🔹 Why automation isn’t just exciting, it's also a tough question
🔹 What Deep Tech investing really demands
🔹 And why ideas alone don’t make a business, revenue does

🎧 It’s real, relatable, and rich with reflections.

Java Capital's Portfolio Startups:
Agnikul Cosmos, The Eplane Company, Okulo Aerospace, CynLr, Oorja Energy, LightSpeed Photonics, Resilience AI, SatLeo Labs, Pre-image, Codingal, customfit.ai, Eat Better, Legistify, PakkaProfile, Shuru App, Sudo Foods, Upscale, Wherehouse.io, Xeno, Yellow Metal, and Zapscale.

#Podcast #StartupIndia #VinodShankar #JavaCapital #DeepTech #InnovationEconomy #FrigateTalks #LinkedInPodcasts #FounderStories #CourageToBuild