Hardware Startups Transform Future

Brett Adcock shares his perspective on pursuing ambitious hardware ventures despite significant financial risks, driven by a mission to create transformative technologies. His journey from software to aviation and robotics demonstrates a willingness to risk personal wealth for potentially world-changing innovations.

Key Points:

• Financial Risk Philosophy:

  • Put "all in" on ventures, including personal savings and wealth from previous exits
  • Views hardware startups as "probably the surest path to losing everything"
  • Not primarily motivated by money; believes if money was the goal, would stay in software

• Investment Approach:

  • Invested entire Vettery exit ($110M) into Archer Aviation
  • Nearly went personally bankrupt funding Figure (robotics company)
  • Took second mortgage on house to fund ventures
  • Takes zero salary for years during early stages

• Mission-Driven Decision Making:

  • Focuses on solving major world problems (traffic, labor shortage)
  • Believes in targeting problems with clear demand rather than creating demand
  • Values technology development over marketing, PR, or fundraising
  • Wants to "wake up with an amazing future that's exciting and inspiring"

• Hardware vs Software Philosophy:

  • Hardware is simpler because:
    • Demand is pre-existing
    • Rules are governed by physics
    • Success depends mainly on technical execution
  • Software is harder because:
    • Must create demand
    • Has infinite options to build
    • Requires constant feature development and retention focus

• Risk Management:

  • Takes calculated risks based on market size and potential impact
  • Thoroughly researches before entering new fields
  • Spends significant time understanding technical fundamentals
  • Views financial risk as necessary for transformative innovation

• Learning Approach:

  • Builds comprehensive contact networks in new fields
  • Makes hundreds of cold calls to experts
  • Takes formal education courses when needed
  • Immerses self completely in new technical domains