CASE STUDY
Customer
Industry: Startup Incubation & Technology Commercialization
Project: Investor Readiness Training and Coaching for Science Park Graz & ESA/BIC
Company: Science Park Graz
Contact person: Dijana Janevska, Senior Project Manager ESA Business Incubation Centre Austria at Science Park Graz
Challenges
Deep tech and space-related startups face unique hurdles in translating complex technology into investment-ready business cases. The primary challenge was bridging the knowledge gap in investment processes and term sheet legalities for a highly diverse group of founders. Science Park Graz required a structured approach to ensure startups – regardless of prior experience – could enter high-stakes negotiations with a clear understanding of deal structures and investor expectations.
Our Approach and Execution
Interactive Investor Frameworks
We delivered a series of workshops focused on the end-to-end investment process, ensuring founders master the mechanics of fundraising before approaching the market.
Tactical Negotiation Simulations
Using tailored, real-world simulations, we provided founders with a “sparring” environment to practice negotiation strategies and handle complex term sheet discussions.
Personalized Deep Tech Coaching
We combined legal and strategic frameworks with 1-on-1 coaching sessions, addressing the specific commercialization scenarios unique to ESA/BIC and Science Park Graz ventures.
Results and Impact
- 4 Cohorts completed the training program.
- 49 Startups supported through investor readiness journey
Key Highlights
- Niche expertise for deep tech and space-related ventures: hands-on legal and negotiation training tailored to complex technologies
Key Learnings
- Diversity drives readiness: vastly diverse technologies and teams faced near-identical fundraising hurdles
- Structured frameworks combined with safe “sparring” environments maximize preparation
About the collaboration
Thank you for all the great insights on the topic, looking forward to the next ones!
Dijana Janevska, Program Manager, Science Park Graz
Empowering deep tech founders at Science Park Graz is about more than just teaching negotiation; it’s about translating visionary science into investable business logic. By providing a structured framework and a safe space for rigorous ‘sparring,’ we ensure these startups are not just prepared for the meeting, but ready to lead the deal. It is a privilege to support the next generation of space and tech pioneers in securing their future growth.
Petra Wolkenstein, CEO Konsultori