Prepared for the Licensing Executives Society

by

Dr. David Harper, Founder, Biocontrol Limited

Who are we?

• Started trading in 2000• Developing environmentally friendly microbiological agents as

alternatives to drugs and pesticides• Three projects under way in high value markets where current

controls do not work, are controversial, or are failing• Run to date on Angel investment and SMART grants• Final Angel fundraising now under way following first clinical trial• Initial licensing discussions under way

• Knowledge from prior fundraising efforts is very useful

• Personal recommendations are valuable

• Pick your groups carefully; not all are of equal quality

http://www.bestmatch.co.uk/home/

• Cast the net wide

• Watch out for the “helpful” people

• Look at the fee structure BEFORE you commit

• Do not always take the first deal offered

• Beware of poison pills

• Be prepared to walk away

• To grow your idea and generate value

• To fill the funding gap

• To provide rapid access to support

• To find “believers”

Fifty companies are chasing each pound, dollar or Euro

Why are YOU the one they should pick?

Who are you?

• People back people

Are you committed?

• Time, money, career?

What are your capabilities?

• If you have a hole, have a plan

Presentation skills are not automatic

• Pick your presenter

• Practice

• Beware of special effects

• Get input from test audiences

• Sell!

Sell a business proposition

• Not just an idea

• Not just a product

• Not just a company

What are you going to do?

• SUMMARISE your proposal

How are you going to get to market?

• Future investors, commercial interest

How will your investor make money?

• And why they should they believe you

You are selling – Make people want to buy

And most of all

NEVER MISS A CHANCE

Now recruiting angel funding to complete first clinical trial and open up a major commercial

opportunity in a billion-pound market –

Initial licensing discussions under way

www.biocontrol.co.uk