Work-Loop marketing assessment

Project overview

A Pathfinder II Investment is intended to produce a fully viable proposition ready for seed investment (from The Mercia Fund 1 and/or other parties). It is proposed that this be made up of an objective assessment of the technology and its market; clear commercial thinking on its exploitation, and a detailed plan of action. This process will also include the preparation of a full business plan and an investment presentation. In many cases the project will have passed through the Pathfinder I Investment process and will be seen as a prospective 'university spin-out' investment. 

Project objectives

The Pathfinder II Investment would cover in respect of the project: 

Part 1 - Data points

Product assessment in respect of: 

• unique selling points and derived benefits
• the competitive landscape
• costs

Market assessment of: 

• any primary market research data from potential customers
• market segments and size
• growth options for the technology as a mature business

Part 2 - Commercial thinking

• analysis of value chain positions available to the project
• development and assessment of possible business models
• development of a commercial strategy for exploitation
• consideration of possible exit routes and identification of possible acquirers

Part 3 - Implementation plan

Preparation of:

• a task schedule for year 1 (detailed) and year 2 (outline)
• a financial plan for years 1 and 2
• a resource and skills requirements plan
• a summary of immediate next actions

Part 4 - Business plan and investment presentation

• preparation of a complete business plan integrating the above elements
• an investment presentation