Stanford Energy Seminar | How to scale and finance industrial "hard" technologies| Josh Stiling

Talk title: How to scale and finance industrial "hard" technologies: a view from venture capital
Abstract: "Crossing the Chasm" for a new technology into commercialization is difficult, notoriously difficult. This talk will focus on the perspective of one VC firm and the lessons we've learned in supporting and financing early-stage companies in the industrial technology and energy space.
Speaker Bio: Josh grew up in Portland, Oregon and attended UCSD where he earned his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering. Following undergrad, he competed professionally in the sport of water polo in Australia (Perth) and Spain (Barcelona) for two years before continuing on to work for an R&D industrial materials start-up in San Jose for 4 years. At the materials startup Josh served as a senior engineer in materials development and worked on applications such as batteries, super-capacitors, conductive inks and an IoT sensing platform for explosive materials. At Anzu he is supporting several portfolio companies, while also conducting diligence and sourcing new technologies in the industrial materials and energy space.

[@shunquantan8784]

As a Chinese alumni of Stanford, I want to say the talk was enjoyable, with many great, meaningful insights. However, China and the US often have conflicts. Therefore, when hearing the "Chinese cheap cell" comment, it raised my concern, which make me want to know the facts of "cylinder" tech. After hearing an audience correct the impact of "Chinese cheap cell" on the "cylinder", I am glad to see the discussion of technology topics can be separated by the national conflicts.

[@lukasvoesenek5642]

+1. Cost and price could be discussed in more accurate 'economist' terms of markets. Saying "cheap Chinese cells" suggests some negative connotation. The closing comment helpfully reminded us that it's really about global decarbonization. Like with strong founders, a mindset of 'sharing' also has benefits