Dell Technologies Capital Executive Discusses Funding Deep-Tech Startups

Daniel Docter, managing director at Dell Technologies Capital, has detailed the firm's approach to investing in deep-technology startups, particularly those targeting markets that are not yet fully developed.

Docter, who possesses a technical background with degrees in electrical engineering and computer science, emphasized that Dell Technologies Capital looks for companies with a strong technological foundation and the potential to disrupt markets, even if widespread adoption is years away. The firm's investment philosophy is shaped by its team's extensive technical expertise and their ability to translate complex technologies into commercial use cases.

"We are betting on the people and the founders, not purely on technical capability but also on emotional intelligence and agility," Docter stated in the interview. He acknowledged that nurturing deep-tech companies requires a long-term commitment, often spanning a decade or more. The firm supports these ventures through prudent spending management and strategic partnerships with co-investors.

Since its inception in 2012, Dell Technologies Capital has invested $1.8 billion across the enterprise technology stack. The firm saw six significant exits from its portfolio companies at the end of 2025. Dell Technologies Capital leverages its unique network, including access to Michael Dell's and Dell Technologies' extensive corporate connections, to provide unique value to its portfolio companies.

Docter also addressed the evolving landscape of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), expressing his view that the SaaS model is not facing extinction. He suggested that distribution channels will likely be a key differentiator for the success of AI startups.