It’s Not About Having A Better Product

This event is tailored for early-stage tech founders, players (investors, consultants, educators etc.) in the tech start-up ecosystem, students interested in entrepreneurship, and anyone else who wants to learn more about why market and competitive analysis is critical to start-up success. The session covers:

• Why market research and competitive analysis can make or break your business
• Founder misconceptions about the market and competition
• What should market research for a start-up looks like
• Getting the information you really need: What is your true market potential? Do people really want your product and will they pay for it? How to learn from competitor successes and mistakes. And, defining how you will outcompete and grab market share and revenues.

As a consultant with the Michigan SBDC Tech Team, Dr. Marquicia Pierce advises advanced technology founders and executives on driving growth and raising funds for their early-stage startups.

For the past 12 years, Dr. Marquicia Pierce has infused creative storytelling and business acumen to produce compelling brand identities, company narratives, technology overviews, roadmaps, and pitch decks. Her mission is to elevate the business story of innovation as she works with tech entrepreneurs and accelerators in their commercialization endeavors. Prior to joining the tech team, Marquicia was a product development manager at a tech accelerator for therapeutics. Prior to these activities she managed a Michigan State University academic start-up (acquired) focused on oncology pharmaceutical compounds. She complemented her doctorate in Molecular Physiology & Biophysics with Engineering Management at Vanderbilt University and received an MBA from Northwood University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Purdue University. Marquicia is also the founder of Ruby Leaf Media, scientific communication and business consulting company to help life science start-ups, portfolio companies, and incubators grow their businesses and earn industry recognition.