Nanotech Associates was formed on the premise that Silicon Valley will be at the epicenter of the nanotechnology revolution, as it has been through virtually every new wave of technology over the past four decades. --David Webster, Founder
It's everywhere
Nanotechnology research is a world-wide phenomenon. In 2002, governments everywhere invested a total of US$2,000,000,000 in fundamental nanotech research -- virtually every developed country has an aggressive Nanotechnology Initiative. Valuable intellectual property is being uniformly created throughout Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. This underscores a broad realization that nanotechnology has the potential to massively disrupt a large proportion of existing industry, and those who ignore this trend will be seriously disadvantaged.
Silicon Valley at the center

However Silicon Valley alone has the uniquely dynamic convergence of cutting-edge research, mature industrial infrastructure, concentrated venture capital, innovation, world class entrepreneurial workforce, and access to world markets. High technology companies that establish a credible presence in Silicon Valley will greatly magnify their probability of success.

Nanotech Associates is a team of experienced Silicon Valley professionals, with deep experience in development of small to medium sized high tech enterprises, world-wide distributed operations, international sales, strategic partnerships, and early to mid-stage funding.
The nanoSIG connection

Nanotech Associates principals are also the founders and principal officers of nanoSIG, Silicon Valley's leading organization focused on networking, education and commercialization of nanotechnology. As a result of this activity, Nanotech Associates is extremely well connected within the Silicon Valley nanotechnology community. This includes deep links into major corporates and startups; angel, corporate and VC investors; university and government research laboratories; banks, law firms and recruiters.

Literally thousands of nanotechnology professionals have ongoing business with nanoSIG as conference attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, members, associates, service providers and more. Nanotech Associates is uniquely positioned to rapidly access and develop appropriate business relationships for its clients.
Feet in two camps
Labor costs are high in Silicon Valley, although most other costs are relatively modest. Rents and commercial real estate values are currently attractive following the 'dot com' fallout. Overseas companies establishing a Silicon Valley presence generally invest only in the minimum staff required to achieve desired objectives, and retain functions such as research, engineering and manufacturing at the home base.

A Silicon Valley presence may involve anything from simple mail and phone service in your company name, through establishment of a regional or global sales or business development office, all the way to relocation of management and control to a Silicon Valley based head office.
We can help!
Nanotech Associates will advise and assist with physical premises, legal, accounting and financial requirements, sales marketing and business development, and recruitment of staff as appropriate. Partners in Nanotech Associates have hands-on experience in all these areas, and can take active or advisory roles to round out the talent set as required. Our wide industry connections will save you time, money and effort in both establishment and ongoing operations.
Getting funded

In the present climate, equity finance is tight in Silicon Valley, as everywhere. The IPO exit path is closed. Venture Capital firms are gun-shy and demanding more equity and power. Many investors are not sufficiently informed about nanotechnology.

However, on a regional basis in 2002, Silicon Valley led the field with $280 million in Small Tech VC funding, against the entire New England region a distant second at only $170 million. Some investors are prepared to take a long-term view, investing to build businesses rather than focusing on near-term exit strategy.

Founders must be able to show a compelling product or proof of concept, experienced management, proprietary intellectual property, and a path to near-term revenue and profit.

Nanotech Associates will advise and execute on finance strategy, and negotiate directly with its wide network of funding sources, which include:

* Angel networks
* Corporate Investors
* Venture Capital
* SBIR, STTR grants
* CalTIPs matching grants (California Technology Investment Partnership)