Inside Varda’s Space Factory | Delian Asparouhov, Founders Fund & Varda | Sourcery with Molly O'Shea

Delian Asparouhov from Founders Fund discusses the space industry, defense technology, and venture capital strategies. Asparouhov recounts the challenges and political factors surrounding stranded astronauts, highlighting the role of SpaceX and government decisions. He details Varda's progress in space manufacturing, regulatory hurdles, and its dual focus on commercial and national security applications. Asparouhov also addresses the defense tech investment bubble, emphasizing the importance of delivering tangible capabilities to the warfighter. He shares insights on venture capital, the need for operational experience, and his investment approach, citing Ramp and Sword Health as key examples. The conversation also touches on the Hill and Valley Forum, aiming to bridge Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C.

Outlines

Part 1: Space Exploration, Biology, and Boeing

Part 2: Varda's Operations and Industry Competition

Part 3: Regulation, Defense Tech, and Policy

Part 4: Venture Capital Strategy and Personal Growth

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Inside Varda’s Space Factory | Delian Asparouhov, Founders Fund & Varda

Sourcery with Molly O'Shea

Part 1: Space Exploration, Biology, and Boeing

Varda's Factory, Space Babies, and the Effects of Space on the Human Body

The Boeing Starliner Incident: Astronauts Stranded in Space Due to Political Motivations

Part 2: Varda's Operations and Industry Competition

Varda's Mission Cadence, Revenue, and Regulatory Hurdles in the Space Industry

Varda's Team Size, Facilities, and Eric Schmidt's Entry into Relativity Space

Part 3: Regulation, Defense Tech, and Policy

Public Policy and Regulatory Challenges for Space Companies

Venture Capital in Defense Tech: A Bubble and the Power Law

The Hill and Valley Forum: Bridging Silicon Valley and Washington D.C.

Part 4: Venture Capital Strategy and Personal Growth

The Relationship Between Silicon Valley and D.C., and Delian's Venture Capital Learnings

Delian's Investment Strategy, Portfolio, and the Importance of Operational Experience

Fatherhood and Prioritization

Inside Varda’s Space Factory | Delian Asparouhov, Founders Fund & Varda

Sourcery with Molly O'Shea

Part 1: Space Exploration, Biology, and Boeing

00:00Varda's Factory, Space Babies, and the Effects of Space on the Human Body

Varda's Factory, Space Babies, and the Effects of Space on the Human Body

05:27The Boeing Starliner Incident: Astronauts Stranded in Space Due to Political Motivations

The Boeing Starliner Incident: Astronauts Stranded in Space Due to Political Motivations

Part 2: Varda's Operations and Industry Competition

12:40Varda's Mission Cadence, Revenue, and Regulatory Hurdles in the Space Industry

Varda's Mission Cadence, Revenue, and Regulatory Hurdles in the Space Industry

17:44Varda's Team Size, Facilities, and Eric Schmidt's Entry into Relativity Space

Varda's Team Size, Facilities, and Eric Schmidt's Entry into Relativity Space

Part 3: Regulation, Defense Tech, and Policy

23:07Public Policy and Regulatory Challenges for Space Companies

Public Policy and Regulatory Challenges for Space Companies

28:07Venture Capital in Defense Tech: A Bubble and the Power Law

Venture Capital in Defense Tech: A Bubble and the Power Law

32:55The Hill and Valley Forum: Bridging Silicon Valley and Washington D.C.

The Hill and Valley Forum: Bridging Silicon Valley and Washington D.C.

Part 4: Venture Capital Strategy and Personal Growth

37:34The Relationship Between Silicon Valley and D.C., and Delian's Venture Capital Learnings

The Relationship Between Silicon Valley and D.C., and Delian's Venture Capital Learnings

44:51Delian's Investment Strategy, Portfolio, and the Importance of Operational Experience

Delian's Investment Strategy, Portfolio, and the Importance of Operational Experience

53:28Fatherhood and Prioritization

Fatherhood and Prioritization