Accomplishments:

Managed product design process for LED-based display technology.  Worked with rapid prototyping shop to create specs and multi-generation product roadmap, forming the basis for multi-million dollar production contracts.

Developed market penetration strategy for high-tech start-up, leading directly to first VC infusion. Grew rapidly to 80+ person firm with over $10M raised and profitability in sight, then acquired by publicly-traded company.

Hands-on partner for high-visibility World Bank spin-off, including government relations with Commerce Department and USAID (up to Assistant Secretary level), usability assessments for web applications, messaging for potential investors (multi-million dollar close in ‘03), and selecting target markets (resulting in successful pilot with $45B high-tech corporation).

Carried out technology forecasting / scouting studies and conducted proposal reviews / due diligence for government agencies, including the National Academies of Science, the Department of Defense’s Advanced Systems & Concepts Office, and NIST’s Advanced Technology Program.

Directed renewable energy group for boutique consulting firm (Haft, Harrison & Wolfson), with clients including Duke Energy and Stirling Energy. Provided clients with advice on technology commercialization, lobbying, venture capital, business development, and strategic planning. Managed staff development and project management, including hiring and firing. Formed joint venture with leading firm in the energy field.

Conducted IP (intellectual property) and commercialization assessments, for example for newly acquired defense R&D contractor looking for new opportunities and for VC firm looking to maximize value of IP assets. Led executives to agreed criteria, assessed 100+ technologies, 30 in depth, developed commercialization strategy for best 10.

 “Virtual VP” of Product Development for bioinformatics start-up. Managed IP license from Ivy League university, including full code review. Landed first strategic partnership, a $3M+ deal providing customers and development assistance. Up-front royalties replaced first round capital without sacrificing equity.

Launched successful open source campaign, resolving IP issues across universities and funders, with thousands of participating developers and a growing number of applications in academia and industry.

Transferred AI technology (automated planning) from university research institute to successful start-up.  Developed marketing approach and applications.  Pitched at CXO level to half of top 10 firms in the travel management industry.

Took knowledge management start-up from one-guy-in-a-garage to revenue-generating EIP (enterprise information portal) and content management company.

Technologies & Industries:

Our experience spans many industries, including:

• Software applications and algorithms
• Distributed power generation
• Enterprise portals
• Intelligent transportation systems
• Knowledge management
• Renewable energy
• Drug discovery
• Field force automation
• e-learning
• On-line travel

A broad technical proficiency enables rapid action on behalf of our clients.   We have worked in-depth with technologies including:

• Natural language processing
• Distributed, networked sensors
• Stirling engines
• Visualization, user interfaces and human factors
• LEDs
• Constraint propagation algorithms
• Real-time medical monitoring
• Bioinformatics
• High-powered microwaves
• Video processing
• Data warehousing
• Machine learning
• Various unclassified and classified defense technologies in battlefield awareness, data fusion, and sensors

Our unique expertise lies at the intersection of business, government and technology – understanding the potential, the pitfalls, and the path for creating utility, social benefits and profit out of new technology.

Client Overview

Since 1999, start-ups, universities, defense contractors, and investment funds have counted on Global Works for technology commercialization, including AnswerLogic, the Department of Defense (Advanced Concepts office), DevelopmentSpace, FieldPower, GlobalWisdom, the Information Sciences Institute, the National Academies of Science, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), New Millennium Media, Terrapin Partners, the University of Maryland, Veridian Systems, and the Washington Square Capital Fund.

Our commercialization programs help clients turn new technology into successful businesses and products, including raising venture capital, implementing successful business models, forging strategic partnerships, penetrating new markets, and designing applications, products, interfaces:

Dr. Flank’s work with various clients and organizations has been covered in numerous outlets (usually with the anonymity expected of a good consultant), including Wired, Atlantic Monthly, ComputerWorld, the Washington Post, InternetWeek, and ZDTV (Internet Tonight).

If you want to know more about what Global Works can do for you, please contact us.

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