Your Name: Wendy Jameson
Business Name: Colnatec
Type of Business: High Tech
Business Location: United States
U.S. State: Arizona
Website www.colnatec.com
Twitter @colnatec
Facebook Colnatec
Reason for starting
My business partner and I met on Twitter, and I consulted to him on writing a business case for a new sensor. We found there was lots of opportunity, so he asked me if I’d like to help him build a business writing grants, doing R&D, and licensing new technology. The original idea grew into 5 new products and a manufacturing center.
Biggest Success
Winners of Phase I & II DOE SBIR grants for a self-cleaning process control sensor for CIGS solar cell and OLED electronics manufacturing. Arizona Commerce Authority Innovation Challenge grant winners, 2011. White House “Champion of Change”. Ten test beds in 4 countries on 3 continents. Frost & Sullivan “New Product Innovation Award”
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Raising capital for a high tech manufacturing company to market fast enough to win inside short technology windows is toughest. ROI horizons are long and capital requirements are high. We also started the company in the midst of the worst recession in a century, so VC’s & banks weren’t investing. Working with a business partner is second.
Who is your most important role model?
I’ve been heavily influenced by many strong women that I’ve known personally and seen in government, entertainment, philanthropy, and business. No one person stands out above all others; I learn from every experience. In THIS business, however, my business partner teaches me, believes in me, trusts me. That’s enough to give me strength and confidence.