The Role of University Tech Transfer Offices in Starting New Companies

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The Role of University Tech Transfer Offices in
Starting New Companies

• Steven A. Gedeon, PhD, MBA, PEng
• sgedeon_at_ryerson.ca

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Strategy

• Differentiation from the Competition
• Find a Distinctive Competency that Matters
• Concepts apply to Universities and University
  Tech Transfer Offices
• OPIC can Differentiate on the Basis of New
  Company Startups

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Tech Transfer vs. Startup

• Tech Focus
• Articulate the IP
• Control/Protect the IP
• Sell the IP
• IP is the Value

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Tech Transfer vs. Startup

• Tech Focus
• Articulate the IP
• Control/Protect the IP
• Sell the IP
• IP is the Value

• People Focus
• Articulate the Vision
• No Control Possible
• Sell the Product/Service
• People are the Value

5
Fundamental Shift in Focus

• From Tech to People
• From Patents to Plans
• From Control to Support
• From IP/Tech to Products/Services

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Newco Startup Process
OPIC ORCP Entrepreneurship Program
Student Entrepreneurship Clubs CEO
Fusion Center Campus Fusion Start
Me Up
PoP
PoP
Idea
Resources
Team
Plan
Traction
Profs Students Businesses?
Students Pros
Sales LoI, MoU References
Angel People
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Venture Capitalists (VCs)

• In General
• Professional Money Managers
• NOT normally a source of funding for small
  startups
• They Think a 7 Year Old Company with 5M/yr rev
  is still a Startup!
• Must be a BIG Opportunity
• Should have gt 1Million per year in revenues
  already
• Must have a team, a plan, existing clients, IP
• You Cant Get Money If you Need It!

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Angels

• In General
• Meet the OSC Exemption Rules
• 150K/yr or 1Million Net Assets
• Wealthy People DO NOT have to give you Money!
• They WILL NOT Chase You
• They have Strong Egos
• They Invest Because they Like You and Believe in
  Your Vision (They Invest in People)
• They are Entrepreneurs (and can vicariously live
  the dream again through you)

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Questions ?
Steven A. Gedeon, PhD, MBA, PEng
sgedeon_at_ryerson.ca