TLDR: Playground’s Barrett on Avoiding ‘Stupid’ Sectors to Find Success in Deep Tech

Playground Global, a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm, is focusing on investing in deep tech startups that are tackling real-world problems. Playground’s Managing Director, Laurie Yoler, believes that success in deep tech requires avoiding “stupid” sectors and investing in companies with strong intellectual property and defensible technology.

Key Points:

• Playground Global is a Palo Alto-based firm that specializes in investing in deep tech startups.
• According to Laurie Yoler, Managing Director at Playground, success in deep tech requires avoiding “stupid” sectors and investing in companies with strong intellectual property and defensible technology.
• Playground has raised its third fund from a diverse LP base, including institutions from around the world.

Laurie Yoler, Managing Director at Playground Global, believes that the key to success in deep tech investing is avoiding sectors that are not fundamentally transformative or disruptive. She explains that there are many sectors where companies claim to be using AI, but they are merely applying it to existing business models rather than truly transforming industries.

Yoler emphasizes the importance of investing in companies with strong intellectual property and defensible technology. She believes that having a technological advantage is crucial in the deep tech space, as it allows startups to protect their innovations and stay ahead of competitors.

Playground Global has successfully raised its third fund from a diverse LP base, including institutions from around the world. The firm aims to support early-stage startups that are working on breakthrough technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotech.

Yoler also highlights the importance of having a strong network of experts and mentors to support deep tech startups. She believes that startups should leverage the knowledge and expertise of their network to overcome challenges and make strategic decisions.

In conclusion, Playground Global is focused on investing in deep tech startups that are tackling real-world problems and have strong intellectual property. Yoler’s advice for success in deep tech is to avoid “stupid” sectors and invest in companies with transformative technology and a strong network of experts.