Commercialising Technology
Over the last 5 years KPC has gained extensive experience in commercialising early stage technology companies whether they be university spin-outs or conventional technology start-ups. KPC has assisted with the commercialisation of spin-out companies from Strathclyde, Heriot Watt and Leeds Universities in a wide range of sectors including electronics, instrumentation, life science, robotics and software.
In a recent interview for CFM News, an executive coaching e-magazine, KPC's MD Stewart Wallace made the following comments about university spin-outs:
"Managing change in university spin out technology businesses presents its own set of challenges. Often CTO’s and academics in particular do not look at things the way people in the commercial world do. As such coaching is an invaluable tool to get the best out of scientists and academics by creating an environment where they can open up and become receptive to new business ideas and change. This requires careful man management, good emphatic listening skills and an ability to build trust. The coaching skills learned through CFM have enabled me to deal with managing change within early stage businesses much more professionally"
KPC is able to offer the following value added services to early stage technology companies:
- strategic assessment of technology business ideas for new and existing investors
- helping to structure spin-out and early stage businesses and making them "investor ready"
- preparing business plans and financial forecasts
- managing cashflow ahead of a funding event
- fund raising both for seed round and main stream venture capital funding
- securing grant funding to assist with investment and product development activities
- recruitment and reshaping of management teams to allow businesses to grow
- assisting the board deal with the 'growing pains' and the 'culture shift' often required in technology businesses
- undertaking 'hands on' management roles to implement strategic plans and deliver increased shareholder value
- manage businesses to exit
