In the journey of deep tech startups, breakthroughs in the lab mark just the initial step. Transforming an innovative technology into a scalable enterprise requires navigating a complex legal landscape.
On this episode of Build Mode, Isabelle Johannessen interviews Capella Kerst, the founder and CEO of geCKo Materials, a notable runner-up in the 2024 TechCrunch Startup Battlefield. Kerst, a former Stanford PhD student researching bio-inspired adhesives, wasn’t initially aiming for entrepreneurship, but a significant breakthrough changed her path, leading her to see the potential in her work.
However, moving from lab discovery to startup success requires more than a moment of inspiration.
“When the reality set in, I had the courage to have a serious discussion with my advisor about the plan to start this company,” Kerst shared. This conversation was the start of geCKo Materials’ journey.
Here are some steps for aspiring founders looking to move products out of academia:
– **Engage previous contributors.** Contact everyone whose work contributed to the breakthrough. Kerst gave these contributors the options to join the company, become advisors, or receive compensation.
– **Meet licensing prerequisites.** Kerst began discussions with Stanford’s Technology Licensing office early, learning that completing her PhD was essential for the process. These conversations helped her prepare for the eventual steps.
– **Establish the company and secure legal counsel.** Stanford provided a list of lawyers for Kerst to choose from. “I took the time to interview them, learn about their experiences, and select one. I wanted the best deal to build a big company,” Kerst said.
– **Transition into the founder role.** Once the licensing is secured, shift from academic roles to leading the company.
Five years on, geCKo Materials continues to innovate and expand the applications of its adhesive technology, ranging from robotics and manufacturing to the automotive sector and even space exploration. The company’s materials are already used on the International Space Station, with ambitions to replace traditional fastening methods like Velcro.
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Isabelle Johannessen hosts Build Mode, produced and edited by Maggie Nye. Audience Development is led by Morgan Little, with support from the Foundry and Cheddar video teams.