From Blue-Collar to High-Tech: Renan Devillier’s Take on the Future of Manufacturing

In this episode, Karen sits down with Renan Devillier, the dynamic founder and CEO of OSS Ventures. Together, they delve into the vital role of local production and community sourcing in industries such as quantum computing and chip manufacturing, highlighting a notable resurgence of factory openings in the US. Renan shares his insights on modern manufacturing models that blend technology with environmental respect, leading to more skilled, higher-paid jobs. The conversation also explores the democratization of capital markets, with Karen spotlighting the transformative impact of the JOBS Act in enabling broader investment opportunities. Renan discusses OSS Ventures' unique investment strategy, focusing on seed-stage funding with "patient money" to build profitable companies. Since 2018, OSS has partnered with 20+ companies which have created over 340 jobs in Europe. The discussion also covers growth and exit strategies, capital investment access, and the significance of fostering innovation through broader investment channels. Listen as Karen and Renan navigate the future of manufacturing, the evolving role of technology and AI, and the critical need for skill adaptation in the workforce. Renan's diverse background and visionary approach, coupled with Karen's deep knowledge of angel investing and venture capital, make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, manufacturing, and compassionate capitalism. Key takeaways from this episode: 1. Community and Local Production - Importance of local sourcing and Advocacy for sustainable, localized production systems - Geopolitical and supply chain challenges leading to localization - Identifying vulnerabilities in industries like quantum computing and chip manufacturing - Resurgence of US factory openings expected in 2023 and 2024 - U.S. initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Bill 2. Modern Manufacturing Models - Shift towards technology-driven production - Emphasis on environmental sustainability - Better-skilled, higher-paid jobs and the importance of adapting tech delivery for blue-collar environments - Example of plane factory workers operating complex machinery - Necessary skill adaptation for the workforce with the growth in robotics and AI, with an emphasis on the role of education systems and policies 3. Economic Democratization - Democratization of capital markets and encouragement of informed investment choices - JOBS Act allowing broader investment in entrepreneurs and small businesses - Transition traditionally reserved for the ultra-wealthy - Advocacy for broader access to capital investment - Importance for startup innovation and Community and government funding as alternatives to traditional venture capital 4. Investment Strategy at OSS Ventures - Investing in seed stages with an eye for investment return goals by year five - "Patient money" strategy for building profitability and the capital requirements for scaling to profitability - Open to ideas from industry professionals, founders, and investors, and site visits and worker communication to uncover market needs - Investment in "operations" roles and identifying operational needs to enhance productivity and safety - Examples: My CE and Siebel Tech - Addressing disconnect between tech and blue-collar environments - Investing in or forming companies to address those needs- Significant economic impact but limited VC funding across the industry 5. Growth and Exit Strategies - Global scaling through mergers, acquisitions, and international expansion - Founders' role in scaling decisions - OSS Ventures' minority shareholding strategy - Scaling solutions for big challenges like solar energy 6. Evolution of SaaS with AI and Machine Learning - Transition from Software as a Service to Service as a Service - AI agents replacing job functions and automating tasks - Concerns about job loss due to AI and technology - Historical context of technology creating new opportunities - Examples from Tesla's manufacturing and robotic welding Renan Devillier has had a dynamic career marked by significant achievements in various industries. Starting as a factory director, Renan honed his expertise in manufacturing, eventually taking on leadership roles in the racing sector. His entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he co-founded a tech startup, which he successfully sold. Renan's perspective on manufacturing was profoundly influenced by a visit to Tesla's Fremont factory in California. There, he realized the pivotal role of software in modern production, noting that a significant proportion of Tesla's product value is derived from software integration, in stark contrast to more traditional manufacturers like Ford. This insight underscored the transformative shift within the manufacturing landscape, highlighting the growing importance of technological innovation. Today, Renan continues to leverage his vast experience in US Ventures, driving advancements at the intersection of technology and manufacturing. For more information and to connect with Renan Devillier, visit: https://www.oss.ventures/ Karen Rands is the President of Kugarand Capital Holdings where her extended team offers coaching and services to small business owners providing capital strategy and investor acquisition through the Launch Funding Network. As a thought leader in Angel and Crowdfund Investing, Karen offers investors decision tools, education, screening, due diligence, and syndication services through the National Network of Angel Investors. Karen wrote the best selling primer for new Angel Investors - Inside Secrets to Angel Investing and now offers digital beginner and advanced courses covering Angel and Crowdfunding Investing on the Compassionate Capitalist Academy financial education platform. More information can be found at http://karenrands.co When you subscribe on the contact page you will receive her Compassionate Capitalist short video tips by email, her ebook 12 Secrets of Innovation and Wealth and have an opportunity to schedule time to chat with Karen directly. Please help us build the Compassionate Capitalist community by subscribing, liking, and sharing this podcast. The Compassionate Capitalist Show is also on Youtube @angelinvesting with a library of over 280 episodes. Keywords: US Manufacturing, Renan Devillier, Local Sourcing, Quantum Computing, Chip Manufacturing, US Factory Openings, Modern Manufacturing Models, Higher-Skilled Jobs, Economic Democratization, Karen Rands, JOBS Act, Capital Markets, OSS Ventures, Seed Stage Investment, Patient Money, Profitability, Mergers and Acquisitions, International Expansion, Capital Investment Access, Tech-Related Pain Points, Solar Energy Scaling, U.S. Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Bill, Localized Production, Sustainable Manufacturing, SaaS Evolution, AI and Machine Learning, Robotics in Manufacturing, Blue-Collar Workforce Training, Compassionate Capitalist Show