Strategic Consulting for Underserved Deep Tech Founders Solving Society's Biggest Challenges
Strategic Consulting for Underserved Deep Tech Founders Solving Society's Biggest Challenges
At EquiTech Innovate, we help underserved and overlooked founders bring innovative and disruptive technologies to market. We focus on early-stage deep tech startups that need guidance through commercialization.
At EquiTech Innovate, we believe the next wave of disruptive technologies will come from diverse, often overlooked founders. Whether you are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, female, veteran, immigrant, a person with disabilities, or face unique barriers, our mission is to empower you to unlock your full potential. We provide the strategic expertise and industry connections to bring your innovations to market.
At Equitech Innovate, we strongly believe in integrity, excellence, inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration to contribute collectively to the greater good. We are dedicated to building strong relationships with our clients and delivering exceptional service that exceeds their expectations.
We focus on startups with the following disruptive technologies addressing society's most pressing problems: Agentic AI, Autonomous Systems, Renewable Energy Generation and Storage, Space, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Edge Computing, Human-Machine Interfaces, Advanced Cyber, Advanced Sensors, Advanced Communications, Quantum, Microelectronics, and Hypersonics.
Salvador leverages his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (UCLA - Edwards Air Force Research Lab) and partnerships with Spacex, Stanford, and Wright Patterson Air Force Base, his research experience at top universities and government labs (Caltech, UC Berkeley, DOE's Sandia), 10+ years background in aerospace, energy, and defense, and his experience in helping stand up and manage operations for National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC), a component of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), aimed at accelerating early stage dual-use deep tech startups toward commercialization. His core competencies include early-stage venture capital, national security strategy, and deep technology.
At DIU and NSIC, Salvador also helped identify, evaluate, fund, and support 21 early-stage dual-use hardware startups across 12 states with ~$50M over three years leading to over $335M in total follow-on private capital (up to 20X funded amount at up to 11X prior to funding valuation). Some of the portfolio companies include Lyten, Anthro Energy, Starfish Space, Darkhive, Ateios Systems, NUVIEW, Teradar, and Maybell. A full list of the portfolio companies can be found here.
As a first- generation bilingual LGBTQ+ Latino, Salvador is passionate about increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the STEM, venture capital, tech startup, and arts communities. To that end, he is a mentor for the Stanford Latino Business Action Network (LBAN), is part of Angeles Investors, and serves on the Board of Directors for Science is Elementary (SiE) and Teatro Visión.
We provide comprehensive strategic consulting tailored to the needs of underserved deep tech founders. Whether you’re working on early-stage prototypes or preparing for your next funding round, we help you overcome key challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Contact us to discuss how we can best help you.
Transforming innovation into a marketable product requires more than just a great idea. We work with you to find product-market fit and craft a go-to-market strategy that identifies and secures your target customers, refines your value proposition, and ensures your product stands out in competitive markets. We help you move from prototype to product, from vision to viable revenue streams.
Finding the right investors and securing the right funding is one of the biggest challenges for underserved founders in deep tech. We help you create investor-ready pitch decks and funding strategies that align with your vision and growth trajectory. Our strong connections with VCs, angel investors, and government grant programs will help you secure the partnerships and capital you need. Schedule a call to discuss your funding strategy today.
The defense sector offers immense opportunities for deep tech founders, but navigating the complexities of government contracts, regulations, and dual-use pathways can be daunting. We specialize in helping you position your technology for both commercial and defense applications and balance the differing (and sometimes competing) priorities and requirements.