Pre-startups

Startups in progress, called Pre-startups , may be groups affiliated with a research lab or innovation program of the institution that have acquired intellectual property and are considering or at the early stages of forming a startup. The pre-startup feature of SeedSprint allows these early-stage startups to start the search for corporate partners to help commercialize their technology early in their development.

If the group decides to spin out from the university and become a startup , these profiles can be converted from university-owned pre-startup profiles to independent_ startup_ profiles. Once converted to startups, these profiles will no longer be accessible by institutional accounts and will become independent startup profiles with all the capabilities of startup users.

While in the pre-startup phase, however, pre-startup _profiles function much like _Technology profiles and are managed by the institution. Standard users can edit the pre-startup profile and send and receive messages regarding the profile. Admin users of the institution can add, delete, and edit pre-startup profiles and convert pre-startup profiles to full-fledged startups if/when they reach that development stage.

Once published, Pre-startup profiles will be searchable and tagged with the institution as the licensor, much like available technology profiles.

Adding and Managing a Pre-startup

To add a pre-startup, navigate to the Pre-startups section on the left sidebar and select Add Prestartup in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Once the pre-startup has been added, create the Pre-startup’s profile page by selecting the Edit to the right of the pre-startup’s name.

Once you are satisfied with the profile, publish the pre-startup using the buttons in the top right corner and the Pre-startup will become searchable on the SeedSprint’s database.

Converting a Pre-startup to a startup profile

When a pre-startup team becomes ready to spin out from your institution into a full-fledged startup, convert the pre-startup profile into a startup profile by selecting the convert to startup button on the right side of the pre-startup name on the main pre-startup page.

Once converted, the pre-startup will no longer be managed by your institution. The new owners of the profile will be the company, who you will invite by email after selecting the convert to startup button.

Adding users to the Pre-startup profile

In order to give members of the pre-startup access to the pre-startup profile, SeedSprint database, and messaging regarding their profile, create a r_estricted use_r via the Account Settings page and restrict their access to their Pre-startup profile. For more information on creating restricted users, see Basic Account Settings in the user manual.

Manage who receives notifications to messages sent to the pre-startup profile via checking or unchecking their name in the Notification Recipients field.