Sundeo Technologies, Inc. (Sundeo) has been organized to design, patent, and market superior new variations of existing devices in several established markets. Sundeo’s initial product offering includes a method of reinforcing cutting blades, called the Wearsharp (treatment) method resulting in edges that are self-sharpening. Applications will include lawn mower blades, chain saw blades, various grain and hay harvesting applications, augur bits, plow points, circular saw blades, hedge clippers, and other powered cutting and ground-engaging tools.

Assistance from the Indiana Venture Center:

One of the first priorities when starting Sundeo was to contact the Indiana Venture Center. “My prior experience working at the Purdue Research Park Gateway Program allowed me to understand the Indiana Venture Center’s mission and see how valuable they are in new venture creation activities in Indiana,” stated Sam V. Florance, Jr., CEO of Sundeo.

In June 2005, Sundeo began receiving comprehensive assistance from the Indiana Venture Center staff and fellows. With the Sundeo goal of raising capital, the Venture Center embarked on several activities that would strengthen the company’s strategies and fundraising potential.

The Indiana Venture Center’s 2005 summer Hoosier Fellows completed a comprehensive round of market intelligence gathering and counsel that led to significant improvements to their investor presentation and reinforced their market data. To further solidify their investor presentation, Sundeo participated in several “triage” sessions where local business professionals critiqued the presentation and offered invaluable comments. Through this process and working with the Venture Center staff, Sundeo adequately prepared for their AngelNet presentation and “had a good experience,” said Florance.

The Venture Center also provided specific guidance and coaching for Indiana Venture Idol, a competition where 27 of Indiana’s most innovative companies presented their exciting new products to an audience of venture capitalists, angel investors, MBA students, entrepreneurs, and other professionals from across the country.  

“I had a very good sense of what to expect… I have been very impressed,” commented Florance. “I didn’t come in expecting the Indiana Venture Center to confirm my plan – I was looking for real assistance and counsel, and I got it.” Florance also noted that the “if the entrepreneur is willing to embrace the process and submit to the refining fire of criticism, they’ll receive a great benefit. If they are not willing to participate in the process, their benefit will be proportionately less.”

“The Indiana Venture Center brought us significant resources, from the triage forums in which we received expert counsel to refine our pitch, to the team of interns who performed significant market research on our behalf, to the wonderful promotional video produced by Sanders Group. As a key sponsor of the Indiana Venture Idol Competition, they also fostered a very positive view of the Central Indiana Venture environment to a broad national audience of investors and venture capitalists. [The Indiana Venture Center] provided a focal point for all of the assistance we received. Overall, our experience with the IVC was a great one.”
- Sam V. Florance, Jr., Sundeo Technologies, Inc.