As a venture capitalist active in emerging technologies, I meet with countless entrepreneurs looking for seed capital. Many of the start-up founders I meet are scientists with PhD’s. These individuals are brilliant – indeed they are passionate about their ideas, inventions and products – but too often they lack the business and marketing acumen they need to turn ideas into successful companies.

Cleantech needs as much venture capital support as it can get. It is an emerging industry aimed at solving the biggest problems such as climate change and our dependence on foreign oil. However, many of its products and services are still not commercially viable. The only way an industry with no immediate revenue stream can build the technology of tomorrow is through investment. Direct government support can only go so far, and it is the venture capital and angel community that will pick up the slack.