In conversation with Peter Barrett on toughest challenges at the boundaries of deep tech and hard science
Peter Barrett is the co-founder and general partner of Playground Global. He is drawn to the toughest challenges at the boundaries of deep tech and hard science. Peter has been writing software since he was a teenager. At 19, his first security program caught the attention of the NSA. From his first company, Rocket Science Games, he’s had an adventurous career in technology from creating the first widely used video codec in the early 90s, building the world’s most popular IPTV platform at Microsoft, cloud intelligence for automotive at CloudCar, and now quantum and optical computing, robotics and artificial intelligence at Playground. He holds over 100 patents.
"We are witnessing a great acceleration in the development of consequential technologies with entirely new classes of computing, AI, and automation, driving innovation across material science and drug discovery,” said Peter Barrett, co-founder and General Partner at Playground Global. “In 2023 alone, we’ve seen Relativity Space launch the first 3D-printed rocket to space, Universal Hydrogen flew the world’s largest hydrogen-powered plane, and Amazon announced that it will begin testing Agility Robotic’s bipedal robot, Digit, for use in their operations. We’re thrilled to back these companies that are making an impact, today, and for generations to come.”
Playground Global is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in entrepreneurs who have developed breakthroughs in frontier technologies that will transform existing industries and create entirely new verticals. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Playground invests across deep tech and science, including automation, infrastructure, engineered biology, and decarbonisation — all underpinned by the next generation of compute. Playground’s bench of technical and operational experts supports founders in developing their deep tech technical breakthroughs into transformational businesses. Playground has been an early – and frequently the first investor – in companies like PsiQuantum, Relativity Space, Ultima Genomics, MosaicML, d-Matrix, Strand Therapeutics, and Universal Hydrogen. Learn more at playground.vc. Peter lives in Palo Alto with his wife, two children, a surly cat, and a friendly dog.
Fun fact: did you know that Peter dropped out of University of Sydney to head to Silicon Valley in 1986. He gave Elon Musk his first job in the Valley, worked with Bill Gates, and started a venture fund, more here.
WHEN: Wednesday, 23 October 2024
5.00 PM – 6.00 PM: Fireside discussion in Provost’s Drawing Room
6.00 PM – 6.30 PM: Drinks reception and networking in Provost's Drawing Room
WHERE: King’s College, Cambridge
TICKETS: get your free ticket here