In this episode, Roman Axelrod, founder and CEO of Xpanceo, shares the bold vision behind raising capital - $290M to create smart contact lenses designed to expand human capability.

From building prototypes to leading a deep-tech team, Roman opens up about the real challenges of turning science fiction into science fact. He discusses the grit it takes to lead a company operating at the edge of innovation—and how clarity, communication, and conviction become non-negotiables in the process.

We explore:

• The role of storytelling in raising capital for moonshot ideas

• Why prototypes matter more than PowerPoints in deep tech

• How to attract world-class talent in a hyper-competitive market

• What makes co-founder relationships thrive under pressure

• How creativity and discipline coexist in breakthrough innovation

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or future-focused leader, Roman’s journey offers powerful lessons on building what doesn’t yet exist—and getting others to believe in it.

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Chapters

00:00 The Vision Behind Xpanceo

10:16 Challenges and Reactions to the Idea

14:14 Building a Deep Tech Company

17:22 Motivating a High-Stakes Team

21:47 The Importance of Prototypes

23:58 Recruiting Top Talent in Deep Tech

27:35 The Co-Founder Dynamic

31:14 Communication and Leadership in High-Stakes Environments

34:42 Cultivating Creativity and Vision

39:49 Looking Ahead: The Future of Xpanceo