Rick Hao

Partner, Speedinvest

Passionate about scientific breakthrough technologies and a desire to support the most scientifically and technologically ambitious ventures, Rick invests in startups that are using deep technologies to solve big and practical problems with technically ambitious solutions. 

Rick leads and manages the firm’s investment thesis in all deep tech sectors, including AI, Quantum technologies, Material Science, Cyber Security and Biotech. He has led Speedinvest’s investments in Pimloc, MyDataModels, PoroTech, TurinTech, KETs, Bitfount, Tenyks, Breathe Battery Technologies and several other deep tech investments.

Rick is driven by intelligent software that leverages machines with data to augment human intelligence. He believes technology can help address some of the world’s largest problems, from financial services, healthcare, mobility, robotics, cybersecurity and automation. He looks for entrepreneurs who can gather unique data, deliver smart software, and create compounding value for customers. 

Born in China, Rick grew up in Beijing and attended Edinburgh University, graduating at the top of his cohort with a Master of Computer Science with Distinction. He also received an MBA from Imperial College London

keynote: 10:20 AM – 11:05 AM

Zeroing in on Deep Tech: Where AI intersects with Science and Engineering

This panel will explore how we define deep tech, what the sector consists of and where investor hot spots are in the year ahead. With a particular focus on improving global challenges and solving hard problems, deep tech is garnering much needed investor attention, from leveraging the power of AI and robotics to enhance human capabilities to solving hard hitting sustainability issues with material science and biotech, our panel will spotlight the future of deep tech.