Ignite VC: Navigating the Future of Deep Tech and Smart Cities with Mitchell Kominsky | #107

Ignite: Conversations on Startups, Venture Capital, Tech, Future, and Society

In this episode of the Ignite podcast, Brian Bell interviews Mitchell Kominsky, founder and general partner at Futureland Ventures. Mitchell shares his journey from working in government as a congressional investigator on national security and cybersecurity issues to founding his venture capital firm. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on transformative technologies such as AI, robotics, energy storage, and transportation that are shaping the future of smart cities. The conversation touches on his early career experiences, including working with emerging tech companies like Palantir and leading initiatives for autonomous vehicles and smart cities. Mitchell discusses the interconnectedness of industries like climate tech, transportation, and AI, highlighting how startups in these fields are solving critical infrastructure problems. A key example is their investment in Intermotive, a company developing autonomous electric freight railcars to modernize the outdated freight rail industry. Mitchell also talks about the importance of technical founders who can not only develop innovative technologies but also navigate the operational challenges of building successful startups. The episode dives into how government support plays a crucial role in enabling deep tech companies to succeed, especially in areas that require long-term investment like energy, transportation, and AI. Mitchell explains how grants from organizations like DARPA and the National Science Foundation are helping startups push the boundaries of innovation. He also shares his thoughts on the future of AI, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the private sector and government to drive technological breakthroughs in areas like deep learning and material science. Chapters: Introduction to Mitchell Kominsky & Futureland Ventures (00:01 – 00:44) Mitchell’s Background: From Government to Venture Capital (00:44 – 03:00) Exploring Smart Cities and Deep Tech (03:00 – 07:05) The ‘Aha’ Moment: Moving from Founder to Investor (07:05 – 12:01) The Value of Experience in Venture Capital (12:01 – 17:09) Investment Strategy and Due Diligence in Deep Tech (17:09 – 19:39) AI and Deep Tech Trends: Past and Future (19:39 – 25:06) Capital Efficiency in AI Startups (25:06 – 29:24) Government’s Role in Deep Tech Innovation (29:24 – 36:37) Rapid Fire: Favorite Startups, Technologies, and More (36:37 – 43:45) Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs (43:45 – 45:54) Conclusion & How to Connect with Mitchell (45:54 – 46:13)