A single strategic connection can move promising Wisconsin innovations closer to market.
Earlier this year, researchers from Versiti and Milukee Therapeutics met startup and commercialization advisor Sean Zuckerman through Founder Factory’s inaugural IP Pitch event. Following a May presentation on Versiti’s lipid-lowering peptide technology for cardiovascular disease, Founder Factory facilitated an introduction to Sean, whose background in venture development and business strategy aligned well with the team’s goals. The introduction quickly sparked conversations about the role he might play in advancing the innovation toward market adoption.
What began with a meeting at a pitch event evolved into a series of discussions involving the inventors, technology transfer professionals, and other commercialization stakeholders. As momentum grew, the team explored ways Sean could contribute to both the continued advancement of the project and an upcoming SBIR/STTR proposal.
As a result of these discussions, the team included Sean as an advisor on a recently submitted STTR application. If funded, the project could further engage him in a paid commercialization role supported through SBIR match funding. Sean brings more than 16 years of experience spanning intellectual property strategy, business development, regulatory partnerships, and multiple SBIR-funded ventures, making him a strong fit to help guide the project’s business and market development strategy.
This emerging collaboration reflects exactly what Founder Factory was designed to do: connect promising technologies with experienced business leaders who can help move them closer to market. A single introduction brought together inventors, commercialization experts, and an experienced venture builder around a promising Wisconsin innovation.
- A new advisor relationship with deep commercialization expertise
- Additional support for a competitive federal funding proposal
- A clearer path toward market readiness, including exploring Founder Factory’s Pre-Accelerator
Make the next connection. Help turn promising Wisconsin technologies into real-world impact by joining us October 14th!
Already have an idea? Fill out an LOI for the next Pre-Accelerator Cohort by October 23rd.
