This week on Pathfinder, we welcome Adam Draper, founder and managing director of Boost VC, an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Mateo, CA, specializing in pre-seed deals in deep tech, including space.

Boost VC’s track record includes early investments in space companies such as Varda, Starfish Space, and K2 Space. This episode explores the philosophy and strategy behind the firm’s approach to venture capital.

In addition, we discuss:

Adam’s journey into VC and the Draper family legacy in the industry
The firm’s commitment to backing “impossible” ideas and frontier technologies
Insights into investing in deep tech, from identifying committed founders to understanding market risks
The importance of storytelling and momentum in aerospace and defense startups
Boost’s role in shaping the future of space industries, from lunar water mining to satellite servicing and space manufacturing
Predictions for the future of space and deep tech, including the rise of biopharma in orbit and even the search for extraterrestrial life

And much more…

• Chapters •

00:00 - Intro

00:45 - Adam's background

07:48 - Boost VC

11:57 - How do you tell a founder has commitment?

14:04 - Signs of a founder with a real interest in space

17:54 - Making the case for the space market

20:51 - On the frontier

23:01 - Signs Adam looks for when he needs to step in and direct a company

28:20 - Investing in software vs. deep tech

30:43 - Early-stage pre-seed investing

38:07 - How would a founder differentiate themselves when it comes to fundraising?

43:25 - How to stay ahead of the curve with investing in space

48:36 - Craziest space deal Adam has invested in

51:46 - Adam's 2025 predictions

• Show notes •

Boost VC website — https://www.boost.vc/

Boost’s socials — https://x.com/BoostVC

Adam’s socials — https://x.com/AdamDraper

Mo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislam

Payload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspace

Pathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspace

Pathfinder archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/episodes

• About us •

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First Check, with Adam Draper (Founder of Boost VC)

Valley of Depth