While venture capital often speaks the language of finance, the next generation of investors will speak the language of science.
As deep tech continues to shape critical industries—from food systems to climate innovation—the need for investors who understand research, not just markets, is more urgent than ever.
In this episode, we’re joined by Chloë Payne, Principal at Ponderosa Ventures, a New York–based early-stage VC firm focused on agtech, foodtech, and climate.
With a background in biomedical science and public health, Chloë didn’t enter venture capital through the traditional finance track. She built her investor toolkit from the ground up—translating research fluency into deal fluency.
This is a rare, inside-out guide—crafted specifically for technically trained professionals looking to pivot into venture capital or sharpen their edge within it.
This episode distills real-world experience into practical insights for navigating the Deep Tech VC landscape — from decoding cap tables and sourcing competitive deal flow to embracing uncertainty and building commercial judgment on a scientific foundation.
What You’ll Learn in This Edition
The core financial and analytical skills scientists must master to operate at the investor level
How to build and maintain high-trust networks that drive deal flow—even if you're not a natural extrovert
What real-world VC judgment looks like when data is incomplete and timelines are compressed
How to recognize whether a breakthrough is just interesting... or truly fundable
The daily rhythms of an investor’s role—from founder calls to IC memos to portfolio strategy
How to develop the kind of pattern recognition and asymmetric insight that compounds over time
For anyone coming from academia, R&D, or engineering into venture capital, this episode is your blueprint.
About VC Guide
Whether you’re breaking into venture or refining your edge within it, VC Guide delivers what textbooks don’t—real-world experiences, straight from those who’ve lived them.
Our mission is to turn high-signal insight into real advantage, helping you succeed in deep tech venture capital.
This series is designed for emerging and active investors and experts who want to think sharper, move faster, and operate with more precision in the complex markets that define deep tech.
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