Nano Startups the Art of Entrepreneurship

摘要

The focus of this paper is to help scientists understand the concepts instrumental in setting up Nanotechnology startups. The paper asserts that Understanding the concept of valuation and its effective management is critical to success in business and especially with startups. The value / valuation is measured in terms of a company's tangible (cash, fixed assets) and intangible (such as patents) financial worth. Startups manage their value through dynamic execution of the key value drivers i.e.; partnerships, with venture capitalists or corporations; omanizational evolution in terms of stronger management; and dissemination strategy sell products and increase market share. For example, successful firms require strong managers that bring experience to the table to expedite growth. They improve the value by partnering with other firms to increase investment, lower costs and improve marketability. The startups implement the appropriate go-to-market strategies i.e.; service, direct or OEM model to improve market share and profitability. The majority of innovations in Nanotechnology are likely to be in known markets for products that already exist, i.e.; cheaper - better - faster products. This is an advantage as it is easier to find experienced management to expedite business growth in known markets. The certainty of market size and availability of strong management positively impacts all three key value drivers. We expect promising startups with high valuation to emerge in this arena. The advantages of known market are, however, somewhat counter-balanced by the need for large investments. The cost of patents and the need to innovate will be high as Nanotechnology maturity cycle will be long. Consequently, strong financial partnerships are a critical success factor in the Nanotechnology industry.