SCVC: College dropout to IPO - the journey from cofounder to deeptech investor

Founded & Grounded

Get a rare insight into one entrepreneur's remarkable journey to a $1.5B market cap.
Discover John Williams's insider strategies and personal challenges as he co-founded and scaled Kudan from startup through to IPO. John's next chapter is building SCVC, a deep tech VC he and partner Harry Destecroix wished they had as founders.
This episode is a must-listen for every entrepreneur and tech enthusiast.
Key Takeaways
- Insider IPO Strategies: from leading Kudan through to a historic IPO, John shares his untold story of the strategic manoeuvres and personal challenges of scaling a company to achieve a billion-dollar-plus valuation.
- Venture Capital Reimagined: discover SCVC's unique approach as a deep tech VC firm that supports early-stage founders, focused on transforming academic research into commercial spinouts.
- Technology product fit, learn how a deep understanding of your technology can guide you to the right product and market.
Investor mindset - hear how SCVC is helping early-stage founders navigate the complex and long journey from academic research to spinout success.

Hear how John hopes to leave a legacy and go beyond his massive IPO milestone, by backing the best technical founders who are creating the fourth industrial revolution.
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Kapitler

1. Introduction to the podcast and hosts (00:00:00)

2. John Williams joins the conversation and shares his backstory (00:02:37)

3. Importance of technology-market fit and scaling the business (00:06:14)

4. Transition from AR to robotics and autonomous vehicles (00:10:10)

5. Understanding both tech and business in a startup (00:16:22)

6. Preparing for an IPO: balancing M&A and IPO options (00:21:21)

7. Advice for budding entrepreneurs and reflections on achieving a significant benchmark in life (00:30:38)

8. Sponsors: National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and Hexa Finance (00:31:38)

9. Recognising and overcoming business challenges (00:43:50)

10. Introduction to Science Creates Venture Capital (SCVC) and its mission (00:54:00)

11. John's advice for early-stage founders: Be flexible (01:10:16)

12. Introduction of next guest, Kim Palmer, founder of Clementine (01:27:25)