Interview with Nick Kepler
Nick Kepler
JUNE 12, 2024 | 00:45 | Episode 15
Nick Kepler on the Challenges and Importance of Semiconductor Startups
In this conversation, Jothy Rosenberg and Nick Kepler discuss various topics related to Silicon Valley, semiconductor startups, and the importance of grit. They touch on the history and evolution of Silicon Valley, the challenges faced by semiconductor startups, and the role of incubators like Silicon Catalyst. They also explore the personal motivations behind their passion for road biking and the drive to take on new challenges. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the dynamic nature of the tech industry and the mindset required to succeed in it.
ABOUT MY GUEST
Nick is currently Chief Operating Officer of Silicon Catalyst, LLC, the world's only incubator focused exclusively on accelerating solutions in silicon.
Previously, Nick was Vice President of Products for SuVolta, a semiconductor technology IP company, from 2011 to 2014. From 2009 to 2011, Nick was Vice President of Corporate Program Management and before that Vice President of Design Enablement at GlobalFoundries. Prior to GlobalFoundries, Nick spent 23 years at AMD in a variety of management and technical roles concluding with Vice President, Advanced CMOS Process Technology Development.
Nick holds M.S. and B.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California at Berkeley.
Summary
In this conversation, Jothy Rosenberg and Nick Kepler discuss various topics related to Silicon Valley, semiconductor startups, and the importance of grit. They touch on the history and evolution of Silicon Valley, the challenges faced by semiconductor startups, and the role of incubators like Silicon Catalyst. They also explore the personal motivations behind their passion for road biking and the drive to take on new challenges. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the dynamic nature of the tech industry and the mindset required to succeed in it.
Takeaways
Silicon Valley has evolved over the years, with changes in industries and technologies, but the spirit of innovation and risk-taking remains a constant.
Semiconductor startups face unique challenges due to the high cost and time required to develop and bring products to market.
Incubators like Silicon Catalyst play a crucial role in supporting semiconductor startups by providing resources, expertise, and access to investors.
Grit is an essential quality for success in the tech industry, as it requires perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to take on new challenges.
Personal passions, such as road biking, can provide an outlet for pushing boundaries and embracing the joy of overcoming obstacles.
Sound Bites
"They're moving from using a chip that is designed by somebody else and built by yet someone else to doing the design of the chip themselves."
"Semiconductor hardware startups in particular are different. It's expensive and takes a long time to develop the product and generate revenue."
Links
Nick’s Silicon Catalyst incubator: https://siliconcatalyst.com/
Leave us a review: https://www.podchaser.com/AdventuresOnTheCanDo
Think Like a Startup Founder (book): https://www.manning.com/books/think-like-a-startup-founder
The Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org
Jothy’s TEDx talk on disability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:03 The Evolution of Silicon Valley
06:03 The Changing Landscape of Semiconductor Design
15:37 The Challenges Faced by Semiconductor Startups
30:27 The Drive for New Challenges and Personal Passions
42:09 Conclusion
