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Explore how funders assess entrepreneurs, from commitment and cash planning to confidentiality, leadership, investor bias and common misconceptions

I began my entrepreneurial journey later in life, confident that my experience had prepared me well. I had written bankable business plans for start-up ventures, raised millions of rand in funding and helped establish several spin-out companies from the organisation where I worked. I understood both science and business, and thought I knew what it took to build a company. Starting six companies of my own over the following two years showed me how much I still had to learn. It

What makes a business plan bankable? Maravion explains why biotech and deep-tech start-ups need strong financial models, valuations and commercialisation strategies.

The landscape of healthcare and medicine is evolving rapidly, driven by breakthroughs in science and technology. Among these advancements, biopharmaceutical innovations stand out as a transformative force. These innovations are reshaping how we approach treatment, drug development, and patient care. As we explore this dynamic field, we will uncover the key concepts, technologies, and opportunities that define the world of biopharmaceuticals. The Rise of Biopharmaceutical Inno

Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) hold immense value in South Africa’s cultural and economic landscape. These systems encompass traditional wisdom, practices, and innovations that have been passed down through generations. As we explore the commercialisation of indigenous knowledge, it is essential to understand how this process can be structured to benefit local communities, startups, and industries alike. Our focus is on practical strategies that enable the transformation

A critical element is securing funding. South African biotech startups should explore diverse funding avenues, including government grants, venture capital, and international partnerships. Understanding the funding landscape and tailoring proposals to meet investor expectations is vital

Maravion supported five South African SMMEs to develop 20 market-ready cosmetic products using UWC's proprietary Cotisyl technology, combining product formulation, scientific testing, branding, IP and manufacturing support

Skin in the Game: What It Really Takes to Build a Deep-Tech Business”, I would optimise around deep-tech entrepreneurship, biotech entrepreneurship, start-up funding and founder characteristics. SEO keywords: deep-tech entrepreneurship, biotech entrepreneurship, deep-tech entrepreneurs, successful entrepreneur characteristics, start-up founder characteristics, technology entrepreneurs, deep-tech start-ups, biotech start-ups, start-up funding, funding a deep-tech start-up, min

Deep-tech startups face more than one Valley of Death. Maravion explores three critical funding gaps spanning R&D and commercialisation, market access, and growth and expansion, and why South Africa's innovation ecosystem needs to address all three

Explore when continuous flow chemistry creates value in active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing, and when solvent recovery, solubility and process economics favour batch or hybrid manufacturing.

The global biopharmaceutical industry is transforming healthcare at an unprecedented pace. From monoclonal antibodies and biosimilars to mRNA vaccines, gene therapy and personalised medicine, biologics are changing how diseases are prevented, diagnosed and treated. As governments, investors, manufacturers and research organisations seek to strengthen their life sciences sectors, one question has become increasingly important

Pharmaceutical industry mapping is the systematic assessment of an entire pharmaceutical ecosystem. Rather than focusing on a single product or manufacturing facility, it evaluates every component required to establish a sustainable and competitive pharmaceutical industry.

Bringing Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) products to market requires a strategic approach that respects cultural heritage while meeting modern commercial demands. As we navigate the complexities of product development and market entry, it is essential to adopt effective indigenous product strategies that align with both innovation and tradition. This post explores practical methods to successfully commercialize IKS products, focusing on deep-tech startups, SMMEs, universit

Why Herbal and Traditional Medicines Matter in Africa Africa possesses one of the world’s richest repositories of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). This wealth includes centuries of accumulated knowledge related to medicinal plants, traditional healing practices, and natural therapies. Across South Africa, Indigenous Knowledge continues to provide valuable opportunities for developing innovative herbal medicines. These medicines address local healthcare needs while meeting

Africa’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) continue to reveal valuable opportunities for biotechnology, natural product innovation, and phytopharmaceutical development. One compelling example is Elephantorrhiza elephantina, a medicinal plant historically used across southern Africa to treat bladder conditions, urinary tract infections, infertility, wound healing, and other ailments. For generations, traditional healers recognised the therapeutic value of this plant, particul

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and innovation, the role of strategic partners in industrialising deep-tech inventions cannot be overstated. Maravion has emerged as a pivotal player in South Africa and the broader African continenet, offering comprehensive support to startups, universities, incubators, and innovation hubs. Our focus is on enabling these entities to commercialise their inventions effectively and secure the necessary funding to scale their impac

At Maravion we believe that successful Indigenous Knowledge commercialisation begins long before a product reaches the market. Through commercialisation strategy, market assessment, techno-economic analysis, regulatory planning, intellectual property valuation, business planning, and investor readiness support, we help innovators identify the pathway most likely to achieve both commercial success and meaningful social impact.

Africa is rapidly emerging as a fertile ground for innovation, particularly in the deep-tech sector. Across the continent, a network of innovation hubs, incubators, and universities is fostering an environment where startups and small to medium enterprises (SMMEs) can thrive. These hubs are not only nurturing ideas but also helping to commercialize inventions and secure funding, which is essential for industrializing deep-tech innovations. This deep tech commercialisation blo

Whether you are commercialising university research, raising investment for a biotechnology start-up, licensing a new technology, or evaluating an innovation portfolio, understanding the value of your intellectual property (IP) is essential. Intellectual property often represents the most valuable asset in a technology-based business. However, determining its true value requires far more than estimating development costs or assigning a value to a patent. Effective IP valuatio

From Commercialisation to Independent Biotech Company C began with a deeply entrepreneurial decision: to move from supporting the commercialisation of other technologies to building an independent biotech business from the ground up. Founded around enzyme and product development, the company initially entered the market with a focus on speciality enzymes and research reagents. However, like many science-based ventures, early assumptions about market attractiveness quickly enc