From MVP to Market Leader: A Founder's Playbook for Commercial Success
Guidance for Every Tech Founder
For Hardware & Deep Tech Founders
Hardware founders face a unique battle with high R&D costs and complex supply chains. I provide the playbook for manufacturing and IP strategy, while my expertise in securing SBIR/NIH grants delivers the critical funding to bring your physical product to life.
For Software & SaaS Founders
For SaaS founders, the real challenge isn't just speed—it's building a durable competitive moat. I help you create one with IP strategy for your core algorithms, guidance on open-source risks, and a go-to-market plan that builds long-term, defensible value.
The Playbook I Wish I'd Had
When I started my first hardware company, CareBand, I was an expert on my technology, but a complete novice in the world of commercialization. I didn’t know what a “prior art search” was, how to structure a trade secret policy, or what investors really looked for in a patent portfolio.
I had to learn it all the hard way—through costly mistakes and years of trial and error. What I realized is that every founder is forced to navigate this same minefield of “unknown unknowns.”
A core part of my mission now is to give back and be the guide I wish someone had given me. The strategic roadmap below is the culmination of that journey. It represents the tangible guidance I now offer to help you bypass the mistakes I made and build your company on a stronger foundation.
How This Translates to Company Value
Here’s a simple breakdown of some of the services I provide and, more importantly, why they matter for your business.
Idea Validation & Market Research
How it Helps: Pressure-test your concept against the market to ensure you’re building something people actually want. This foundational step prevents you from wasting months or years building the wrong product.
Novelty & Freedom-to-Operate Search
How it Helps: Determines if your idea is truly new and if you can build it without getting sued. This is the ultimate de-risking step that provides a solid foundation for your venture and future investment.
Founder & IP Documentation
How it Helps: Ensures all co-founder agreements and invention assignments are correctly documented from day one. This “clean” IP is non-negotiable for serious investors and future acquirers.
Building Your IP Moat (Patents & Trade Secrets)
How it Helps: Creates your core defensible asset. By strategically deciding what to patent versus what to keep as a trade secret, this process builds a powerful competitive advantage that is crucial for raising your Seed or Series A round.
SBIR/NIH Grant Strategy & Proposal Support
How it Helps: Secures the capital needed to fund deep R&D and product development without giving up equity. This non-dilutive funding is a game-changer for extending your runway and hitting key milestones.
Initial Go-to-Market (GTM) Plan
How it Helps: Translates your technology into a product and build a clear plan to get your first 10 customers. This demonstrates market traction, which is essential for validating your business model and attracting further investment.
Competitive Patent Landscaping
How it Helps: Uses your IP portfolio as an offensive tool to map the competitive environment, identify “white space” opportunities for innovation, and inform your strategic R&D and M&A roadmap.
IP Due Diligence Preparation
How it Helps: Prepares your entire IP portfolio “investor-ready” for the intense scrutiny of a Series A or B due diligence process. A well-prepared IP package can significantly increase your company’s valuation.
Licensing & Monetization Strategy
How it Helps: Explores opportunities to turn your established patent portfolio into a direct revenue stream through strategic licensing deals or partnerships, creating new lines of business for your company.
Example Sprint for Founders
The Founder Commercialization Sprint
Week 1-2: IP & Defensibility Audit
Week 3-4: Non-Dilutive Funding Strategy
Week 5-6: Go-to-Market Roadmap
Week 7-8: Investor-Ready Package
Why work with me?
I bring a rare combination of firsthand experience that you won’t find with a typical consultant. When you work with me, you get a partner who has:
Been the Inventor: As an inventor on over 20 patents, I have deep, technical expertise in the entire IP lifecycle, from claim construction to monetization strategy.
Been the Founder: I’ve built both hardware and software companies from the ground up. I don’t just give advice; I give a battle-tested playbook that I’ve lived myself.
Been the Grant Reviewer: After successfully securing millions in non-dilutive funding, I was invited to serve as an official grant reviewer for the NIH and NIA. I know what it takes to win because I’ve seen it from both sides.
Common Questions
Explore answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQ).
That’s a great question. A patent attorney is essential for the legal filing and prosecution of a patent. My role comes before that. I work with you on the pre-filing strategy: mapping the competitive landscape, defining the core inventive concept to maximize its value, and building a commercialization plan around it. I help ensure that when you do go to an attorney, you’re filing for an idea that is not only protectable but also commercially valuable.
Not at all. The best time to build a strong IP and commercialization strategy is at the very beginning. Making the right decisions before you’ve written a single line of code or built your first prototype can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars and years of wasted effort down the line. My “Founder Commercialization Sprint” is specifically designed for early-stage innovators.
I primarily work with three groups:
- Tech Founders (both software and hardware) who are in the early stages of building their company.
- Investors (VCs and Angels) who need expert IP and commercial due diligence on a potential deal.
- Universities and Research Institutions that need help accelerating the spinout of lab-based technology.
It starts with a complimentary 30-minute discovery call where we discuss your goals and challenges. If it’s a good fit, I’ll send a clear proposal outlining the scope, timeline, and deliverables. For founders, this is typically the 6-8 week “Commercialization Sprint.” For investors or universities, the engagement is tailored to your specific needs.
My primary role is developing the core strategy for the grant—including the technical narrative, commercialization plan, and overall positioning—to maximize your chances of success. While I don’t usually handle the full writing process, I do work closely with a network of trusted grant writers who can execute the plan we build together. Then I review and critique applications as I would as a reviewer.
Absolutely. While much of my advisory work is confidential, I have several case studies from past ventures and anonymized client engagements that demonstrate my process and the results I help create. Please reach out via the contact form, and I’d be happy to share them with you.
Still have more questions?
If you’re looking for answers or clarity on any topic related to our services, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out and we’ll provide the information you need to move forward confidently.