Marny Reakes on Challenges for Startups

August 6, 2024

Drawing on extensive experience across various business aspects, Marny Reakes shares her insights into the challenges faced by deep-tech startups and outlines what she typically looks for when evaluating them in her role as a Venture Partner for Pacific Channel.

She emphasises the importance of de-risking technical aspects, understanding customer needs, and having a team open to feedback and growth. Key areas Marny focuses on in this video include:  

  • De-risking technical aspects in the lab
  • Engaging with customers to understand market needs
  • Analysing raw material sourcing and availability
  • Developing comprehensive financial models for commercialisation
  • Assessing the team's ability to learn, grow, and incorporate expert feedback

Marny stresses that while she doesn't expect startups tohave all the answers, their openness to learning and adapting is critical totheir ability to grow and scale.