Varda's Landing, Peter Thiel, & the Future of El Segundo, Delian Asparouhov, Founders Fund

In this podcast episode Molly O'Shea interviews Delian Asparouhov, Partner at Founders Fund and Co-Founder and President of Varda Space Industries, who dives into his experience building and investing in biotech, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Asparouhov also discusses the evolution of his investment strategies, the difference between Khosla Ventures and Founders Fund, the evolution of El Segundo, & creating more inclusive cultures.

Resources

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Companies Mentioned

• Varda Space Industries https://www.varda.com/
• Starlink https://www.starlink.com/
• Elektrofi https://www.elektrofi.com/
• Halozyme https://halozyme.com/
• TSMC https://www.tsmc.com/
• Rocketlab https://www.rocketlabusa.com/
• Founders Fund https://foundersfund.com/
• Khosla Ventures https://www.khoslaventures.com/

Timestamps

(00:00) Preview

(03:03) The Idea Maze That Led to Varda Space Industries

(06:00) The Potential of Low-Earth Orbit Spacecraft

(09:03) Exploring the Economic Viability of Space Manufacturing

(11:15) Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Space Manufacturing

(14:56) On Pharma and Varda's Strategic Business Direction

(20:40) Gravity Research for Space Manufacturing

(25:48) Taking the Plunge into DeepTech: Biotech, Space Tech, & Manufacturing

(28:23) Transitioning from Operator to Investor

(33:31) The Difference Between Khosla Ventures & Founders Fund

(36:58) Miami vs. SF

(40:00) The Future of El Segundo & Creating Inclusive Cultures

(47:06) The Fulfillment of Fatherhood

(52:26) Wrap