Whether you still have a high burn rate or you are financially stable, one of the most important issues for start-ups is funding.

When it’s time to approach potential investors asking for investment, you will certainly need to have your IP portfolio in prime condition, as this is one of the first things they will want to look at, especially if technology is the main part of your business.

Dehns Consulting can make sure that your IP portfolio is in the best possible shape for close examination and scrutiny by the investor or their advisors (which may include patent attorneys!).

Having worked on both sides of the fence, advising both investors and start-ups down the years, we know what investors are looking for in an IP portfolio and can help make sure your portfolio is investment ready.

Investment pitches

We can also help with formal investment pitches and can support you when preparing the relevant sections in grant and funding applications. It is common for funding applications to fail because start-ups don’t spend enough time on the IP section, or enough time getting their IP portfolio in order beforehand, and we can help try to mitigate the risk of this happening.

We can support your business with:

  • Portfolio Review: We will work through the portfolio to ensure it’s ‘investment ready’ (e.g. that robust patent or trade mark applications have been filed in the right place at the right time, and that proper precautions have been taken to ensure the investor will be comfortable to invest in you. If we identify any problem areas, we can help to resolve these where possible to improve your prospects.
  • Pitch Clinic: Helping with pitches for capital raises (e.g. when applying for grants or approaching investors) to make sure the IP side is optimally covered to give you the best chance of securing the investment/funding, and to make sure you know the right answers for the questions that will likely be asked of you.

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