Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CAGIX (An online software platform for effectively matching investors with start-ups, focused on boosting the cleantech sector)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2015-10-01 al 2016-01-31
The investor ecosystem is fragmented and opaque and attracting investment is a lengthy process. Early stage start-ups often have little knowledge of business planning or fund-raising procedures and therefore deals can be perceived as risky. Currently, there is no system that utilises best match criteria to lead investors to innovators. CAGIX has developed a management technology with the potential to make incubation, investment preparation and capital transactions more efficient, highly scalable and less expensive. The proprietary deal search engine when applied to the start-up database enables investors to meet companies raising money and carry out faster transactions through CAGIX’s streamlined process. The system concentrates on the cleantech industry and aims to bridge the gap between start-ups and foreign investors. The objectives for full commercialisation are: to standardise the design of the website and information portrayed to investors; localise the platform to support foreign currencies and languages; address local financial laws/regulations for investors across Europe; and launch a trial across UK, Germany and Italy with the involvement of end-users, incubators and investors.
CAGIX undertook a full analysis of both the technical and business potential to address the most optimal route to commercialisation. CAGIX analysed its current level of development to realise the necessary optimisation for the software and reviewed the overall project objectives accordingly. CAGIX reviewed its target market and adjusted the platform to be limited to accredited investors. This result in changes to the business model. The business model was redefined to include the most fruitful investments. A suitable risk analysis was carried out, with software implementation failure and difficulty in attracting investment identified as key risks. Preventative and corrective mitigation strategies were prepared for all identified risks. Within the feasibility study, CAGIX contacted end users to gain an interest in the platform and establish strategic partnerships that will be fundamental to both the successful delivery of the Phase 2 project and through commercialisation. During the PH1 project CAGIX has defined its minimum viable service, established product development and scale up plans, and as well prepared the IP strategy.
The expected outcome of the project is to start full commercialisation of CAGIX at the end of Phase 2 as a reliable innovation validated by the relevant clients and end users. The CAGIX solution will offer investors a deal pipeline of vetted start-ups providing a faster, more effective platform for investor engagement. CAGIX also provides start-ups with visibility in a funding platform and global investor community. CAGIX focusing on cleantech will contribute to the goals of the EU2020 targets with respect to climate change and energy by boosting growth for European cleantech SMEs.