In this episode of Tank Talks, host Matt Cohen sits down with Jacob Jackson, partner at Julian Capital and founder of Deep Checks. A physicist turned SaaS founder turned deep tech investor, Jacob brings a unique perspective on the shifting landscape of venture capital. He shares his personal journey from developing MRI techniques at UBC to founding MedStack, and why he made the full-circle pivot back to backing companies building real, hard technology.
Jacob offers a frank assessment of the defensibility crisis in software, explains why AI is democratizing superpowers across every industry, and makes the case that deep tech offers faster exits and higher unicorn density than its reputation suggests. He also breaks down how Julian Capital supports founders with growth and go-to-market muscle, and why the team behind the idea matters more than ever in today’s market.
Whether you’re a founder building hardware, an investor looking for the next generation of venture returns, or just trying to understand where technology is headed, Jacob Jackson delivers the kind of straight talk that cuts through the hype.
Jacob’s firsthand experience building MedStack, where Amazon, Google, and Azure built competing products almost overnight
Why the defensibility crisis in SaaS is making it harder than ever for new companies to get off the ground
The shift from competing on product to competing on capital and go-to-market
The biggest misconception: that deep tech requires 20-year fund cycles
How SpaceX-style private market liquidity proves milestone-based exits work
Why the hottest sector of the year is never where the biggest company gets seeded
AI as a democratizing force that makes everything faster and more competitive
From CAD design to patent strategy: how AI is becoming a founder’s essential tool
The commoditization of vertical robotics and what it means for defensibility
Why network effects and talent density matter more than patents alone
How to pull the “ladder up” behind you as you scale
Incumbents vs. upstarts: why everyone has access to the same tools now
How Deep Checks became the world’s largest network of deep tech founders and VCs
The platform that helps founders run a tight, accelerated fundraising process
Over $100 million deployed and 5,000+ founders submitted in just two years
The 50/50 split between team and idea
Why obsession and speed matter more than business experience
How to spot the founders who will learn to sell, recruit, and negotiate
Why Julian Capital backs “picks and shovels” companies in spaces like fusion and quantum
The importance of market pull and meaningful near-term milestones
Why a 20-year fund cycle makes financial math nearly impossible
Deep tech exits are 25% faster with more unicorns per dollar invested
Why historical data shows deep tech outperforming software
The role of capital flooding and dilution in venture returns
Jacob Jackson is a partner at Julian Capital and the founder of Deep Checks, the world’s largest network of deep tech founders and VCs. A physicist by training, Jacob pivoted from academic research to founding MedStack, a privacy and security SaaS platform, before returning to his engineering roots as an investor. He now backs founders building hardware and tackling the world’s hardest problems. Jacob is known for his data-driven approach, obsession with team quality, and candid takes on the future of venture capital.
Connect with Jacob Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonlovekingsett?originalSubdomain=ca
Visit Julian Capital’s website: https://www.julian.capital/
Submit to Deep Checks: https://www.deepchecks.vc/
Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1
Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/
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