Why Hardware Startups Are Finally Investable Again

About this episode

This episode discusses the renewed interest in hardware startups and investment opportunities in the sector.

The hardware startup landscape has transformed dramatically since 2020, and investors are finally paying attention. In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Mihir Shaw and Benji Chia, co-founders of Hardware FYI, to explore why hardware companies are becoming attractive investment opportunities again. From PCB fabrication innovations to manufacturing automation startups, discover how a new generation of engineers is disrupting traditional industries and building companies that venture capitalists can no longer ignore. Mihir and Benji share their unique perspectives as both hardware industry insiders and startup investors, discussing the companies making waves in aerospace manufacturing, on-demand fabrication, and automated PCB design. Learn how their popular newsletter grew from zero to 20,000 engaged readers by delivering first-principles technical content that traditional publications overlook. 👉 Resources from this episode: - Building a hardware startup? Altium Develop streamlines your path from schematic to fabricated boards with integrated manufacturing quotes and project management…

People in this episode

Host: Zach Peterson

Guests: Mihir Shaw, Benji Chia

Topics covered

• hardware startups
• investment opportunities
• PCB fabrication
• manufacturing automation
• aerospace manufacturing
• automated PCB design

Keywords

• hardware startups
• investment
• PCB fabrication
• manufacturing automation
• venture capital
• aerospace manufacturing
• automated design

Sponsors

Altium Develop

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hardware FYI, Altium

More episodes of OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast

• The Signal Integrity Tool Every Engineer Is Missing · May 19, 2026 · 47 min
• Drones, Robots & the Low-Altitude Economy: A New Industry Is Born · May 12, 2026 · 43 min
• PCB Metrology Gap: How SCAN Labs Is Automating Microsectioning · May 5, 2026 · 51 min
• High-Speed Interconnects for AI & Physical AI with Samtec · April 28, 2026 · 40 min
• Altium File Parsing, AI Design Reviews & PCB Viz Tools · April 21, 2026 · 50 min
• Is FPGA the Best Engineering Career? With Adam Taylor · April 14, 2026 · 37 min