Startups – is Your IP Strategy Fundraising-Ready?

When pitching investors, a strong IP portfolio is table stakes. But simply having patents isn’t enough – you need a strategic approach.

Investors evaluate IP’s potential impact on:
– Valuation and Exit Multiples
– Competitive Advantages and Barriers
– Revenue Streams from Licensing/Monetization
– Risk Mitigation and Asset Protection

To impress investors, take these steps:

1. Develop a Comprehensive IP Strategy
– Map assets to business objectives
– Outline protection and commercialization plans
– Identify future IP needs and white spaces

2. Quantify Your IP’s Value Contribution
– Project potential licensing revenues
– Highlight R&D costs for core tech
– Discuss barriers created by patents

3. Articulate IP’s Role in Your Story
– Show how IP drives unique advantages
– Tie IP to your value proposition

Don’t just list your patents in the pitch deck – have a forward-looking IP strategy. Investors want to see smart management of this key asset class.

What other IP considerations do you think are critical when fundraising? Would love to hear your perspectives!

Vedant Pujari, Partner

Shashank Raj, Senior Associate – Patents & Design