Unlock the Art of Cold Calling for Deep Tech Projects with Roger Debo

On March 25th, participants of the HiTech 2025 program joined their fourth exclusive webinar, led by long-time HiSeedTech partner Roger Debo. Designed specifically for the HiTech 2025 research teams, this hands-on session offered practical strategies for using cold calling as a powerful tool to validate deep tech projects.

Titled "Knowledge is Power", the webinar focused on helping deep tech entrepreneurs gather and leverage external information —crucial for navigating the uncertain early stages of commercialization.

A central theme of the session was the infamous Valley of Death - the gap between research breakthroughs and their commercial application. Roger Debo guided participants through the common pitfalls deep tech startups face and shared proven techniques to overcome them. His emphasis on gathering market feedback early, especially through direct outreach, resonated with the teams as they work to align their innovation with real-world needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Investor vs. Entrepreneur Perspective:
  Understanding how investors think - especially in terms of risk, return, and timing - helps founders tailor their strategies more effectively.
• Primary vs. Secondary Information:
  Knowing the difference between direct feedback from stakeholders (primary) and public data sources (secondary) is essential for building a solid business case.
• The Power of External Information:
  Cold calling becomes a discovery tool. Engaging with customers, competitors, and industry leaders helps validate assumptions and uncover opportunities.
• The Right Questions to Ask:
  Is there a real need? Is there a market? Do we have a competitive advantage? What is required for adoption? These are critical questions every entrepreneur must address.
• Where to Find Market Insights:
  Roger shared practical tips for identifying reliable sources of secondary data and creatively estimating market size when direct data is limited.

Roger Debo’s session provided HiTech 2025 participants with a practical, action - oriented framework for using cold calling - not as a sales tactic, but as a tool for exploration, validation, and credibility building. Armed with the right questions and a strategic mindset, these research teams are now better equipped to engage with their target markets and advance their deep tech projects.

With the right knowledge, a clear approach, and the willingness to ask questions, entrepreneurs can turn obstacles into opportunities. HiTech 2025 participants now have a clearer roadmap to refine their strategies, validate their ideas, and bring their deep tech projects closer to market.

About Roger Debo:
Roger Debo is a distinguished figure in entrepreneurship and technology commercialization, with a global impact spanning decades. He served as CTEC Director at Rutgers University and as Director of the Entrepreneurship Collaborative at NC State University (2000–2015). Roger has played a pivotal role in shaping deep tech innovation and has extensive experience supporting startups through leadership, mentoring, and strategic guidance.

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