Case Study
A client from the biofuel sector developed a unique membrane technology for ethanol dehydration. The product could have a significant effect in terms of reducing processing costs. The demand for fuel-grade ethanol is expanding in North America, driven by newly-imposed government renewable fuels standards. The client approached SVI to help achieve $1.5 M of public funding toward their $4.5 M project.
The first service SVI provided was an initial assessment of the needs, business plan, and investment goals of the client. SVI then detailed an action plan to attract public and private funds. The client adjusted their public fund investment goal from $1.5 M to $6.2 M, and also their overall project value from $4.5 M to $15.7 M. SVI aligned the client with two organizations that could provide specialized test sites. Through SVI, a mutually-beneficial agreement was negotiated between all parties. SVI also introduced the client to an interested investor and strategic partner, and assisted them with a marketing plan for a secondary application of the technology.
As a result of a 16 months engagement with SVI, the project earned $6.2 M from public funds, and an additional $2 M from the strategic partner in the SVI network. The client secured $7.5 M in venture capital funds.