Innovating Hard Tech: In-Depth with Amish Patel of Conduit Venture Labs

Sound Investments host Ed Barker chats with Amish Patel, Managing Director of Conduit Venture Labs, about his dynamic career transitioning from Microsoft to launching startups in the hard tech space. They explore Patel's vision for Conduit Venture Labs, its innovative venture studio model, and its emphasis on the synergy between hardware, software, and entrepreneurship. The discussion covers various sectors Patel is passionate about, including health and human performance, physical industries like agriculture and energy, and dual-use technologies. Notable projects include medical devices, AI-powered wearables, and environmental tech solutions. Patel highlights the studio's strategy of leveraging a network of experts to address the 'valleys of death' in hardware development and shares how Conduit is contributing to the Pacific Northwest's innovation landscape.

00:00 Introduction

01:53 Guest Background

02:12 Career Journey at Microsoft

06:00 Entrepreneurial Path and Hardware Experience

08:30 Founding Conduit Venture Labs

11.25 Venture Studio Model

15.56 Corporate Studios

17.22 Sector Focus

24.19 Making the Model Work

30.10 Cap Table Strategy

34.00 Working in the PNW

42:06 Current Portfolio and Projects

47:10 Closing Thoughts

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Amish Patel, Managing Director, Conduit Venture Labs

Amish Patel is the Founder and Managing Director of Conduit Venture Labs, a venture studio based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on developing innovative solutions at the intersection of physical and digital technologies. He has a strong background in product design and technology strategy, having previously held leadership roles in various startups and at Microsoft, where he was involved in the development of wearable devices and consumer health platforms.

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