Climbing the Exponential
And we are off..
The Hook
Why does a Mars mission cost $74 million in one country and $671 million in another? How does a physicist’s refusal to take anything on faith reshape our understanding of the universe? And what does it take to build a chip that powers the modern world? These are the kinds of questions that keep me noodling around on my iPhone before I hit the bed - and that’s why I’m starting Climbing the Exponential.
The guy behind the keys
I’m Arvind Ravichandran, a product manager at ASML, where I work on data and diagnostics for the machines that make cutting-edge semiconductors. With a PhD in physics and a love for first-principles thinking, I naturally think deeper about the science, strategy, and ingenuity behind progress. On LinkedIn, I’ve shared reflections on everything from Richard Feynman’s clarity to India’s resourceful Mars mission. Here, I’m going deeper, exploring the forces driving semiconductors, aerospace, physics, business, tech, and AI.
Why This, Why Now?
We’re living on an exponential curve—chips are shrinking to nanoscale, space exploration is becoming accessible, and big ideas are reshaping industries. But too often, the “why” behind these leaps gets lost in technical jargon or hype. I’m starting Climbing the Exponential to cut through that noise, using my lens as a physicist and product manager to explain complex systems with clarity and curiosity. Now’s the time because the world needs more first-principles thinking—whether it’s questioning AI’s promises or understanding how constraints spark innovation.
What’s This Space About?
Climbing the Exponential is a community for anyone who wants to understand the mechanics of progress. If you’re a tech professional, a science enthusiast, or just curious about why things work the way they do, this is for you. I’ll dive into:
The nanoscale world of semiconductors and the machines that make them.
The business fundamentals that drive the decisions of technologists.
How physics unlocks insights into everything from quantum mechanics to social systems.
What innovators like ISRO or contrarian thinkers like Peter Thiel teach us about building the future.
Why resourcefulness and clarity matter more than ever in tech, aerospace, and beyond.
This is a space to ask hard questions, challenge assumptions, and find signal in the noise. I’m not here to preach - I’m here to explore alongside you.
What to Expect?
Here’s what you’ll get with Climbing the Exponential:
Frequency: 1–2 posts per month (800–1,500 words), blending science, strategy, and real-world insights.
Topics: Semiconductors, physics, aerospace, business innovation, tech, and critical takes on AI. Expect posts like “How ASML’s EUV machines power Moore’s Law” or “What Feynman’s first principles mean for product management.”
Free Subscribers: All main posts, delivered to your inbox, plus the chance to comment and join the discussion.
Paid Subscribers (coming later): Exclusive deep dives (e.g., technical breakdowns of chip diagnostics), Q&A sessions, and early access. Paid support keeps this ad-free and rigorous.
Schedule: No fixed days, but I’ll aim for consistency - think stories, research summaries, and practical takeaways.
My first full post will revisit Richard Feynman’s genius, exploring how his first-principles approach applies to today’s tech challenges. Subscribe to catch it in your inbox.Thanks for reading Arvind’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.