FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

William A. Sahlman

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Case | HBS Case Collection | March 2001

FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

by William A. Sahlman

Abstract

Describes some strategic and financial issues confronting the founder and executive director of a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving awareness of and interest in science and technology among elementary and high school students. The organization sponsors national robotics competitions.

Keywords: Middle School Education; Finance; Nonprofit Organizations; Cognition and Thinking; Strategy; Technology;

Format: Print

30 pages

Find at Harvard

Citation:

Sahlman, William A. "FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology." Harvard Business School Case 801-380, March 2001.

About the Author

William A. Sahlman

Baker Foundation Professor, Dimitri V. D'Arbeloff - MBA Class of 1955 Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus

Entrepreneurial Management

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Exercise | August 2016 (Revised February 2018)

Entrepreneurial Finance Problem Set

Ramana Nanda, William A. Sahlman and Robert White

Citation:
Nanda, Ramana, William A. Sahlman, and Robert White. "Entrepreneurial Finance Problem Set." Harvard Business School Exercise 817-037, August 2016. (Revised February 2018.) View Details

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Case | HBS Case Collection | February 2015 (Revised January 2018)

WebTracker

William A. Sahlman and Michael J. Roberts DBA

Citation:
Sahlman, William A., and Michael J. Roberts DBA. "WebTracker." Harvard Business School Brief Case 915-543, February 2015. (Revised January 2018.) View Details

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Case | HBS Case Collection | November 2012 (Revised December 2017)

TerraPower

William A. Sahlman, Ramana Nanda, Joseph B. Lassiter III and James McQuade

John Gilleland, CEO of TerraPower, returned to his office after a lengthy meeting with potential investors. It was October 2012, and TerraPower was in the process of raising a $200M Series C round to finance the ongoing development of its next-generation nuclear reactor. Though early in the fundraising process, Gilleland noted that this most recent conversation was similar to conversations with other interested cleantech growth equity investors. The conversations circled around a common theme: "This is the biggest idea that's ever been presented at our partners' meeting. We love what you're doing, but it's not right for us as an investment." Outside of raising money from typical growth equity and infrastructure funds, Gilleland could partner with a government and/or form a joint venture with an existing nuclear power player. Reliance Industries as an investor in TerraPower could provide an entry point into the fast growing Indian market. At the same time, Gilleland and Gates had talked with China National Nuclear Corp. about a possible cooperation with TerraPower. Whom should Gilleland call next?

Keywords: nuclear power; entrepreneurial finance; venture capital; Financing and Loans; Venture Capital; Energy Industry; United States; China; India;

Citation:
Sahlman, William A., Ramana Nanda, Joseph B. Lassiter III, and James McQuade. "TerraPower." Harvard Business School Case 813-108, November 2012. (Revised December 2017.) View Details

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FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

Abstract

Citation:

About the Author

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