Deep tech companies—whether in space, defense, robotics, AI-driven industrial automation, or advanced materials—face long R&D cycles, high capital requirements, and intense global competition. Yet some founders treat IP as an afterthought, delaying it until they hit major milestones.
That may be a critical mistake.
IP isn’t just a legal formality—it’s a strategic asset that attracts investment, builds competitive moats, and drives higher valuations.
According to recent data from Pitchbook:
- Patent-seeking startups raise significantly more capital, with deal sizes 40-60% larger than their non-patent peers.
- Companies that invest in IP command higher valuations—93.2% higher at the angel stage, 51.2% higher at the late stage.
- Patent-seeking companies dominate exits, driving 78.6% of VC exit value despite making up only 24.1% of exits (PitchBook, 2023).
Early-stage deep tech companies that fail to develop an IP strategy risk stalling their growth, losing leverage in funding rounds, or even jeopardizing their long-term market position.
