Comprehensive business plan template specifically designed for deep tech startups seeking seed funding. Advanced technology ventures in quantum computing, advanced materials, robotics, and frontier science.
Overview of your scientific breakthrough, TRL progression, first commercial application, team credentials, and funding requirements
Core scientific principles, peer-reviewed validation, prototype performance data, and reproducibility evidence
TRL assessment, lab-to-pilot scale transition plan, manufacturing readiness, and scale-up risk factors
Technology application markets, beachhead market selection, adoption timeline, and customer discovery findings
Patent portfolio strategy, trade secrets, scientific publication strategy, freedom-to-operate analysis, and competitive moat
SBIR/STTR strategy, DARPA/DOE/NSF programs, international grants, and non-dilutive funding pipeline
Technology transfer plan, product development pathway, pilot customer programs, licensing vs product decisions
Research team with publication records, lab and equipment capabilities, advisory board, and academic partnerships
R&D burn rate, milestone-based funding strategy, capital intensity modeling, and revenue timeline (pre-revenue to first commercial sale)
Technical risk assessment, alternative scientific pathways, scale-up failure modes, and contingency strategies
Break the long development cycle into clear milestones with go/no-go decisions at each TRL gate. Show value inflection points at each stage, how funding maps to de-risking specific technical uncertainties, and expected timeline for first commercial revenue.
SBIR/STTR grants ($275K Phase I, $1.5M Phase II), DARPA contracts, DOE ARPA-E, and NSF funding provide significant non-dilutive capital. Show how you leverage government funding to de-risk technology before raising private capital, typically 30-50% of early funding.
Be transparent about scientific uncertainties while showing your systematic de-risking approach. Present TRL progression, multiple technical pathways, prototype data with error bars, and how each milestone quantifiably reduces remaining technical risk.
File broad patent claims early covering composition of matter, methods, and processes. Build a portfolio of 5-15 patents at seed, maintain trade secrets for manufacturing know-how, and conduct thorough freedom-to-operate analysis. Strong IP is often the primary asset at exit.
Show a phased funding strategy matching capital raises to technical milestones: non-dilutive grants for TRL 3-5, angel/seed for TRL 5-7, and Series A for TRL 7-9. Include strategic partnerships, pilot customers, and government contracts that provide bridge revenue.
Strong scientific founders with published research (h-index matters), experienced engineering leads who have scaled technology before, and business development expertise. An advisory board with industry veterans, leading academics, and former program managers from DARPA/DOE adds significant credibility.
If your technology originated in academia, detail the license terms, field-of-use restrictions, milestone payments, and IP ownership structure. Investors need to understand the freedom to operate and any royalty obligations. Exclusive licenses are strongly preferred.
Often yes. SBIR/STTR provides non-dilutive validation funding, government customer references, and signals technical merit. Phase I success significantly strengthens your seed fundraise. Plan SBIR applications 3-6 months before your venture raise timeline.
Get started with our comprehensive template and develop your seed funding strategy today.