Converting corporate R&D into viable and valuable businesses globally
We are the hands-on, trusted venture management partners that will take a venture from concept through to full implementation of a product or service.
We have a 10 year track record of successfully maximising the value of R&D ventures for some of the world’s largest companies.
How we work
Pilot Lite Ventures helps our corporate clients identify, de-risk, validate and launch early-stage technologies, new ventures and stranded intellectual property across developed and emerging channels and markets
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Pilot Lite Capital acquires and directly invests in stranded or incomplete IP, products and brands and develops ventures with ethical and/or sustainable attributes into free-standing, revenue-generating businesses
Learn moreHow we help
Pilot Lite’s unique, proven approach to end to end validation and deployment
Identification
(16 weeks)
We provide strategic scouting and origination of new
business (product / technology or channel) or IP opportunities for future
development through Pilot Lite Ventures.
In addition, where the opportunity is identified and our corporate client wishes to share the risk, then Pilot Lite Capital may be able to assist further fully or partially as a co-funding partner.
Validation
(10-12 weeks)
Through our Pilot Lite Ventures team of subject matter experts, we rigorously venture validate an opportunity to evaluate its 'doability / feasibility' ie. will it be a 'go or no go' recommendation (we always ask ‘Is it viable, valuable and financiable to commercialise it?’).
If required, we can also become a co-partner/investor for launch through Pilot Lite Capital.
Business Ready
(3-8 months)
Our Pilot Lite Ventures team will engage in and close out all of the work streams highlighted in the Validation stage as well as firming up critical planned pathways, included but not limited to raw materials, supply, co-manufacture, sale, logistics and regulatory activities. Commencing and closing out all contracts in preparation for a green go light to launch.
At final negotiations, should our client have a capital allocation problem which could delay their ability to move forward to launch and third party engagement, Pilot Lite Capital might consider becoming a co‐investment partner.
Launch
(3-24 months)
A Pilot Lite Ventures deployment team will take the venture into market with all the relevant contracts with third parties agreed to first revenue, whilst managing all elements of the supply chain where the clients cannot offer any support.
Should there be a requirement — for example, our client has a capital allocation issue and is looking for funding or even our client is looking to launch the venture as a separate entity rather than within the business unit — Pilot Lite Capital could consider becoming a co‐investment partner.
Scale
(6 months)
Prior to the corporate client adding their proven muscle to scale, Pilot Lite Ventures is deployed to test all partners across the supply chain and their ability to cope with geographic expansion. At that point, Pilot Lite Ventures approves scalability for the client.
Our Pilot Lite Capital team will consider investment to scale deployment prior to reintegration into the parent company or subsequently exit for the client.
Funding collaboration
Sometimes clients need help raising investment to fund their projects. Companies typically have a lot of cash but often it gets allocated to the top ten markets and products meaning that good ideas often miss out.
Therefore in each of the above stages, should it be appropriate, Pilot Lite Capital has the ability to invest our own capital either alongside the client to become a co-investor and scale-up partner, or as an acquirer of stranded or orphaned projects or ventures.
Who we help
Case Study: Pilot Lite Capital
W'air
A revolutionary sustainable clothing care system which is a low-impact way to clean and refresh your clothes, whilst reducing water and detergent use.
Case Study: Pilot Lite Ventures
Extending Business in Berlin
Accelerated venture validation and Go-To-Market strategy in Berlin for snacks and beverages business
Case Study: Pilot Lite Capital
Sustainable Packaging: Pulp Technology
We are developing an innovative and patented technology to replace glass and plastic bottles with biodegradable pulp fibre bottles to assist corporates in the drinks, personal and health care and home care sectors to meet their sustainability goals and to create a competitive advantage.
News
Managing your external supply for innovation
13 February 2020
According to McKinsey, to acclerate innovation, more companies are turning to outsiders for help – especially their suppliers. Getting supplier innovation to work means rethinking incentives, relationships and management. Read what they have to say here – and also make sure that if you are attending Future Food-Tech, 19-20 March in San Francisco, that you hear what our CEO Mike Anstey has to say about the matter in his keynote.
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Jonny Hewlett joins Pilot Lite
16 January 2020
Pilot Lite is delighted to announce that Jonny Hewlett has joined the team as Venture CEO for our W’air sustainable clothing care project. Jonny brings with him a great breadth and depth of C-suite level general management, trade marketing and commercial experience with three of the strongest companies in their respective fields, P&G, Marc Jacobs (LVMH) and Diesel.
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Proud sponsor of Future Food-Tech 2020
9 January 2020
We are once again proud to be a key sponsor of Future Food-Tech, the world’s leading event series which focuses on the most disruptive technologies transforming our food system. The next event is currently scheduled to take place from 23-24 June, to bring together over a thousand c-suite food brand executives, investors and entrepreneurs to share ideas, network, collaborate and invest. To keep up-to-date with how the event will unfold, please visit: https://futurefoodtechnyc.com/
W’air live on Indiegogo!
8 January 2020
We’ve gone live on Indiegogo! Reserve your own w’air – and take advantage of great early bird offers by visiting our Indiegogo page
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About Us
Our core team is made up of professionals who combine proven best of class corporate, consultancy and entrepreneurial expertise, together with a wider pool of over 100 technology, geocentric and financial management professionals and subject matter experts worldwide. We engage with and challenge our customers’ organisations, which gives us unrivalled access, insight and relationships.
Meet the leadership team
Contact
If you would like to find out more about Pilot Lite or what we can do for your business, then call or email us and let's start a conversation.