The objective of the Feasibility Study (split into four tasks) is to ensure the technical, commercial and financial viability of the project. The results is a business plan used as a basis for Phase II and III.
Task 1: Technical Feasibility (Resp: Grassi)
Work performed: we analysed and identified technical activities necessary to further develop the existing platform (named Pathfinder) to make it a market-ready product. We developed a time frame including a budget for planned milestones, resources and technical development to reach a scalable platform.
Main Results:
A work plan consisting of milestones, including work packages for Phase II with detailed budget and resource allocations, a schedule, a technical risk assessment and mitigation plan.
Task 2: Market & Commercial Feasibility, Risk Assessment (Resp: Bieri)
Work performed:
In the market study, we analysed Pathfinder’s expected impact on the European and Global market of Power Grid Operators. In the commercial study we defined strengths and weaknesses, pricing structure, offering model, possible sales volumes including a marketing and communication strategy. The Overall Risk Assessment resulted in a detailed and holistic analysis of major operational risks and a mitigation plan with a plan on how to minimize these risks.
Main Results:
In the market study we quantified and described market volumes, digital trends in the sector, competitors pricing and service offering models as well as market entry barriers. In the commercial study we created a SWOT analysis also considering competitors in the market. We created a commercial roadmap with marketing measurements and a sales plan which includes pricing structure and offering model which we validated with potential customers. The Overall Risk Assessment is a holistic analysis of major operational risks related to topics like finance, personnel, intellectual property, production and others and a mitigation plan which qualifies these risks and focuses on the mitigation of the main risks.
Task 3: Financial Feasibility (Resp: Bieri)
Work performed:
We conducted a detailed financial feasibility study. We collected all relevant information gathered during the project and we worked closely with other experienced entrepreneurs and experts in the field of financial planning and financial risk mitigation.
Main Results:
In the financial planning spreadsheet we updated our sales numbers including quantities, pricing and revenues and have also a sales costs breakdown for the next 5 years including an analysis on the return on investments (ROI). We also included detailed operational costs (payroll and admin costs) to calculate break even and long-term financial viability.
Furthermore, we have conducted a risk assessment indicating contingency measures in case our figures do not match our forecast. To mitigate such risks, monitoring of costs and triggering moments (cost and revenue side) were implemented.
We have created a liquidity planning schedule, which includes an investor strategy and schedule, updated once a month in order to predict in advance potential financial problems. We had first discussions with potential investors with positive feedback including a letter of intent.
Task 4: Business Plan – (resp: Bieri & Grassi)
Work performed: with the information collected in the Feasibility Study, we created a comprehensive business plan.
Main Results: the business plan covers technical, commercial and financial aspects. The results in the business plan are a roadmap for the activities for Phase II and Phase III.
