Terms

Services

MSBiV provides added value to the technology transfer process for its partner academic institutions. Our goal is to help transform the most promising technologies into investment or license opportunities for investors or companies.

With our experienced professionals and extensive network, MSBiV is well positioned to:

Evaluate, analyze and provide advice on technology-based opportunities.
Build, steer, and as necessary manage technology-based projects.
Help spin-offs through the various stages of development (technology development, financing, team expansion).
Hire consultants, management, and board members.
Identify additional sources of finance.
Finance projects or spin-offs based on technologies developed by partner institutions.

MSBiV strives to:

Contribute to Quebec’s efforts in research and innovation.
Encourage an entrepreneurial mindset in academia.
Facilitate cooperation between academic institutions and industry.
Support the dissemination of research results that could benefit society and the economy.
Increase the value of the technologies we support to generate higher returns for academic partners.
Create a positive economic impact in Quebec and Canada.
Build a healthy portfolio so that MSBiV can continue investing in new opportunities.

MSBiV’s metrics up to the end of 2009 are presented in the Achievements section in the home page.

How we operate

MSBi Valorisation is informed of new technologies originating at its partner institutions through invention reports or due diligence reports.

MSBiV evaluates these opportunities based on the technology, its applications, markets, etc. In particular, MSBiV will seek to ensure:

Inventors are motivated and prepared for the long path to commercialization.
Funds can be raised and meaningful milestones achieved on the way toward commercialization.

To determine projects worth investing in, MSBiV needs the following information:

Overview of the applications of the technology
Assessment of the competitive landscape
Assessment of the added value of the technology
Assessment of the total addressable market
Analysis of the intellectual property
Development plan aimed at increasing the value of the technology and preparing it for market entry
Assessment of applicable risk factors (regulatory approval, barriers to market entry)
Identification of expertise required to develop technologies
Identification of commercial milestones
Feedback obtained from the market

We are aware that it may be difficult to gather all of this information. MSBiV can support the liaison between the research team, industry representatives and institutions to help build your case. This can include connecting with the market, helping to obtain grants to reach preliminary milestones, and performing other tasks required to build an investment case. After all relevant information is gathered, based on this MSBiV will then decide whether to proceed.

MSBiV can invest up to $175,000 in a project, subject to the decision of its Investment Committee made up of seasoned professionals from the private sector who meet when required. MSBiV is looking to leverage every dollar invested to the maximum extent. A project is submitted to MSBiV’s Investment Committee once it has been presented to MSBiV’s team and has received its strong support. The team meets once a week to review opportunities.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between MSBiV and its partner institutions, investments from MSBiV are subject to reimbursement, depending on the commercialization vehicle chosen. These repayment terms aim to ensure MSBiV’s financial sustainability.

Spin-offs. A spin-off will issue a convertible debenture to MSBiV. Such debenture shall bear interest and be subject to a discount if it is converted to shares in a company established to commercialize the technology.
Licensing to an existing company. The institutions will reimburse MSBiV an amount proportional to MSBiV’s investment, based on license fees received by the institutions. This reimbursement also takes into account earlier costs incurred by the institutions to protect intellectual property.

Each investment from MSBiV is subject to a specific agreement between MSBiV, the partner institution and the inventors.