Deep Tech: From breakthroughs to returns

In this episode of Frontier Conversations, host Alex McMullen is joined by Andy Bloxam, Partner at Foresight and lead of its Ventures strategy, for an in-depth discussion of the fast-evolving world of deep tech. The conversation explores cutting-edge breakthroughs - such as hyperspectral imaging that can detect conditions like anaemia from a single photograph - and what they signal for the future of science-led innovation. Andy outlines the most investable areas within deep tech, including AI, biotechnology, and climate tech, and explains why collaboration with universities, research institutions, and governments is often essential to scaling these technologies. The episode also tackles common misconceptions around deep tech investing, particularly the longer time horizons and higher uncertainty compared to traditional software investments. Andy discusses how investors can better understand the unique risks of deep tech and why conventional metrics such as ARR often fall short in this space. Drawing on examples including Nvidia and AR Labs, Andy highlights how deep tech can both address critical global challenges and deliver outsized returns. The episode concludes with practical guidance for institutional investors considering deep tech - emphasising patience, technical understanding, and a fundamentally different mindset from traditional venture investing. Find out more about our deep tech strategy here: https://foresight.group/strategies-funds/private-markets/deep-tech/ +++ Important Information This podcast is issued by Foresight Group LLP ("Foresight") on 16.02.2026. Foresight is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 198020). Foresight's registered office is at The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG. This podcast has not been approved as a financial promotion for the purpose of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA"). This podcast is not to be reproduced, distributed or otherwise use this video or any of its contents without the prior written consent of Foresight. This podcast is for information and discussion purposes only and may not be used for the purpose of, and does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to acquire any securities. Viewers should not construe the contents of this podcast as financial, legal, accounting, tax or investment advice. If you are in any doubt about the content of this podcast and/or what action you should take, you should seek advice from an independent financial adviser authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. This podcast contains information of a preliminary nature that is based on unverified and unaudited information. The information and opinions contained in this podcast are for background purposes only and do not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information or opinions present in this podcast for their accuracy and completeness. The value of investments and any income from them may go down as well as up, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and is not guaranteed. Capital at risk. This podcast contains certain forward-looking statements. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by the user of terms such as "believes". "estimates", "anticipates", "projects", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", "seeks" or "should" or variations thereof, or by discussions of strategy plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from any outcomes or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All information contained in this podcast is subject to updates, revision and amendments (although there shall be no obligation to do so).