Tech Innovation and Strategic Advisory
Where academic rigour meets real-world investment readiness
Market Validation & Commercial Strategy
We help you test real-world demand before overinvesting, using lean methodologies tailored to emergent technologies like blockchain and AI.
Our approach identifies your highest-risk assumptions and designs low-cost experiments, whether through targeted surveys, niche community engagement, or prototype testing, to validate commercial potential.
Investor Readiness & Fundraising Strategy
Preparing for investment requires more than a polished pitch deck.
We work with founders to refine their narrative, align financial storytelling with investor priorities, and structure due diligence materials to withstand scrutiny.
Our guidance includes practical training on how investors evaluate risk in deep-tech sectors, ensuring you speak their language.
Intellectual Property & Legal Frameworks
Protecting your innovation is non-negotiable.
We advise on pragmatic IP strategies—from provisional patents to trade secrets—and draft founder-friendly contracts to safeguard your interests.
We provide early warnings on compliance hurdles, such as GDPR, blockchain governance, or AI ethics, for ventures navigating regulatory complexities.
Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Access
Building the right connections accelerates growth.
We facilitate introductions to investors, technical talent, and sector-specific accelerators within our UK and EU network, helping you bypass cold outreach and focus on scaling.
The NorthStar Difference
We bridge a critical gap in innovation support by combining:
Academic-Grade Analysis
Most SMEs receive surface-level advice. We apply peer-reviewed methodologies from technology commercialisation and behavioural economics to stress-test your business model. Expect forensic market sizing, competitor benchmarking using Porter’s Five Forces, and scenario planning – the rigour typically reserved for university spinouts.Investor-Standard Due Diligence
Unlike generic advisors, we prepare you for exacting scrutiny with:Technical validation by industry specialists (including former VCs)
IP strategy reviews aligned with commercial goals
Financial models that withstand investor interrogation
Investment Readiness with Capital Access
Unlike advisory-only firms, we offer:Curated introductions to our network of angel investors and specialist funds
Direct co-investment opportunities up to £100K for qualifying ventures
Post-funding strategic governance support