The_Catalyst_Review_August_2023 - 10

ENERGY ENTREPRENEURISM
Global Energy Mentors
Improving the Odds for Energy Startup Companies
Ken Arnold
Affiliated with the University of Saint Thomas, Houston, Global Energy Mentors (GEM) provides pro bono experience and technical
expertise to assist innovators seeking to develop and commercialize complex, energy-focused technology. Since inception in 2018,
GEM has screened 44 start-ups, and accepted 33 for mentoring. GEM's recent mentorships include seven start-ups: Katz Water
Technology, OneStepPower, Black Swift Technology, Deep Cast, BluTec Energy, Mantel, and Corrolytics.
GEM has more than 50 experienced mentors who are available for coaching. These mentors have 15- to 35-plus years of experience in
the energy industry with engineering, research, and business development expertise commercializing new innovations. Skill categories
of GEM mentors are shown in the table.
Mentor Skill Categories
GEM guides innovators in
uncovering the market value
of the technology, identifying
commercial opportunities, and
shaping the development of
the product. GEM's mentoring
starts with helping to refine the
Value Proposition and ends when
the start-up has a credible pitch
deck for Seed or Angel funding.
The pitch deck has to succinctly
explain an understanding of
the market, provide a proof of
concept or pilot demonstrating
a viable product, contain a financial model and accompanying proformas, and describe a company organization chart and advisors
capable of carrying out the financial model.
GEM Process
GEM mentors clients using the Lean Canvas (LC) as a guide, incorporating Stage Gate presentations to the membership.
Gate 0: Prescreening
GEM requests a copy of the applicant's business summary and existing presentation. A member of GEM's leadership team determines
whether there is a technology and status fit and invites the applicant for a presentation to GEM's screening team and other interested
GEM mentors.
Gate 1: Screening Presentation
Presentations are made at the University of Saint Thomas in Houston or by video for out-of-town clients. The Screening Team evaluates
the applicant's technological progress and understanding of the business case. After the presentation, the applicant is provided
detailed written feedback and will either be accepted as a client and assigned two or more GEM mentors or told why the application
was denied.
Gate 2: Idea Development and Evaluation (LC Steps 1-3)
Begin Lean Canvas development with a focus on (1) a definition of the problem and how the problem is currently solved, (2) a
description of the proposed new solution, and (3) a single, clear, compelling message that aims to turn a potential customer into a
prospect. At this point a second presentation may be arranged by the assigned mentors to a broader group of GEM members to solicit
additional comments.
Gate 3: Products, Markets and Financial Feasibility (LC Steps 4-7)
Provide more focus on marketing issues including market analysis, go-to-market strategies (eg, product price, promotion, placement),
financial feasibility and breakeven analysis. Make a presentation to a broader group of GEM members to solicit additional comments.
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