Is it Real? Can we Win? Will it be Worth it?*

These three simple questions offer a powerful framework to critically analyze markets, business models and management needs of any new venture. By applying the Real-Win-Worth methodology, Carlson Ventures Enterprise associates sharpen their skills in:

• Assessing the viability and financial potential of a venture
• Valuing intellectual property
• Identifying and sizing markets
• Understanding market needs and customer behavior
• Gauging the competition
• Determining which management characteristics are critical for the early stage venture
• Assessing the scalability of technology and business models
• Building realistic financial projections
• Determining capital needs
• Discerning what type of investment capital is required
• Communicating the mission, vision, and strategy of the venture

*Schrello & Associates

Carlson Ventures Enterprise is pioneering a new method for developing ventures that we call Innovation by Design (I/d). Rather than starting with a new technology or invention and searching for the market need, I/d projects start with a deep understanding of a critical problem in the market before turning to the University for resources to develop a solution. Over time, we anticipate expanding the I/d program to be a truly multi-disciplinary effort, with Ventures Enterprise associates collaborating with graduate students from across campus to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. Our initial project is focused on the changing market for energy production, with a specific look at biomass fuels.

View Innovation by Design project description »