Patent Attorney and Founder
That’s a great question, and honestly, one every new inventor asks right after their patent gets granted: “Now what? How do I get the money to actually make this thing?”
Here’s how I usually break it down, simply, realistically, and step by step.
First off, start with what’s closest to you. Your own resources.
If you’ve saved some cash, have a line of credit, or can get a small loan, that’s usually the cleanest route. It’s not exciting, but it gives you control. No one’s taking equity. No one’s making decisions for you.
Next, look to friends and family who believe in you. If you can show real passion and a solid plan, you’d be surprised how many will want to help. Just make sure to do it right, get a business attorney involved to draft clear agreements. That way, everyone knows exactly what they’re putting in and what they’re getting out.
When you’re ready to go bigger, say, seed or Series A investors, your focus shifts to presentation. You’ll need a clear message, a prototype, and a vision people can buy into. Competitions and pitch events can also open doors. They help you refine your story, get feedback, and connect with potential investors or partners.
Now, about manufacturing, if you’re starting small, keep it local.
Working with people nearby helps you stay hands-on, maintain confidentiality, and catch issues early. As you grow, you might look overseas for lower costs, but that comes with higher risks, language barriers, longer shipping times, and less control.
And finally, remember this: getting a patent isn’t the finish line. It’s the starting point.
Your goal is to turn that patent into a return, on your time, effort, and money.
So ask yourself:
- Do I want to build a company around this?
- Or do I want to license it and let another company take it to market?
Either path can work. Just make sure it fits your goals, your time, and your risk tolerance.
Once you start selling, even just a small batch, you’ll get real, unfiltered feedback. That’s where you’ll learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to make it better. And that’s where the real journey begins.