Key Focus
MATRIC seeks to create rewarding, long-term financial returns on investment of time and talent in commercializing new technologies and scientific advancements, primarily through its Mid-Atlantic Holdings (MAH) subsidiary. Commercializing products and services based on sound IP positions (e.g., patents and trademarks) will position MAH to seize opportunities, generate wealth, and create jobs. MAH will select business cases in identified domains of expertise that advance intellectual property to profitable commercial businesses, providing products and services in a competitive marketplace.
Customer-Based Commercialization
MAH uses the NABC method of outlining customer-based commercialization viability from INNOVATION by Curtis R. Carlson & William W. Wilmot of SRI International.
- Need - "What is the important customer and market need?" The primary focus of assessing the viability of start-up business is the solution to a customer problem or concern. Can the new business solve an important customer need which will provide a tangible reason for the customer to purchase the product or service?
- Approach - "What is the unique approach for addressing this need?" The approach to solving the customer need should be unique in the marketplace through technology, delivery or value.
- Benefit per cost - "What are the specific benefits per costs that result from this approach?" The quantification of the benefit to the customer evolves as we understand the details of the marketplace. However, we always dollarize these benefits early and refine the benefit per cost ratio as we gather more data.
- Competition - "How are these benefits per costs superior to the competitions and other alternatives?" Competition in the marketplace can be both a barrier and an asset. We must know how to add more value to the customer than competing businesses by detailing the benefit to cost ratio of the solution provided by others. Furthermore, competitors validate the market by assuring the new start-up business that customers exist and are willing to pay for similar products and services which solve their need.
The Commercialization Process
MAH will focus on early identification of opportunities and will seek applications, markets, management, and capital to illuminate two paths. First, MAH can create jobs and provide profits for future funding of the initiative by commercializing the technology. Second, MAH can fund internal R&D efforts and establish future revenue streams by creating joint ventures, entering into equity- or revenue-sharing relationships, and/or establishing licensing agreements with local or national businesses that will take products and services to market.
MAH’s ability to impart valuable seed-stage services (e.g., market research) to young companies will position MAH to (1) make better, more informed decisions about its involvement and (2) negotiate better deals given its demonstrated commitment to the product and the startup. Both help MAH hone its focus on advancing projects with higher potential for commercial success. Relationships with commercial business partners, universities, local entrepreneurs, and technical experts of world-class stature will aid this process.
Creating Opportunities, Wealth, and Jobs
An advantage for potential partners is MAH's thorough understanding of the funding required to start and to grow a business. Most commercialization opportunities presented to MAH are considered seed-stage or early-stage deals—those at the concept stage without development or testing of a prototype. They are opportunities with some risk. They may have technical merit and market possibility but lack a management team or revenue. In almost every instance, MAH sees opportunities that require financial funding for advancement. MAH is unique in that it has experience with venture capital companies, understands the interests and considerations of angel and early-stage investors, and brings a mature understanding of capital formation as well as proven strategies and critical relationships to help launch a new business. By augmenting scientific and technical talent, enhancing the depth of the management team, and sharing strategies for early-stage capital formation, MAH is a valuable partner on the path to successful commercialization.
