Re-Cap: Growing a Blue Technology Startup

To start the “school year off” right, the Blue Venture Forum Co-Founder and Director, Toby Stapleton moderated a dynamic panel of Blue Tech Start Up companies at the newly renovated Innovate Newport facility.
 
Alessandra Bianchi of SeaTrac, Ray Schmitt of Salient Predictions, Ian Estaphan Owen of Jaia Robotics, and Rusty Warren of Armada Marine Robotics shared their start up stories. Common to all was the fact that they are passionate about their product, have family and friends who provided support via hot meals, funding, and patience. Having a sense of humor helps too!
They all agreed that the product (technology) must be excellent, and it needs to be targeted to the requirements of the customer. “You really need to understand who your customer is and what problem our product (“great idea”) will solve”, stated Rusty Warren of Armada Marine Robotics. That said, technology developers often focus on the details of their product to the peril of understanding the marketplace and pit falls of growth.
When asked what are the most important things to consider when starting a marine technology business each ticked off the importance of great technology, knowing your customers, having a sound business plan, and attracting great staff.
 
SeaTrac’s Alessandra Bianchi remarked, “Toby Stapleton and his crew have done it again, creating just the right atmosphere for a productive gathering to discuss what it’s really like to grow a BlueTech company. Real war stories with useful tidbits, convivial friendly vibe and incredibly astute questions from audience. An example of using our New England blue tech corridor to our advantage to help grow the new blue economy!”
To participate and/or pitch at future Blue Venture Forums, please contact: [email protected] or Maggie@blueventureforum.org.
 
A Special Thank You to our Panelists: