From Idea to Impact: How to Commercialize Tech and Fundraise in the Age of Gen AI

Reflecting on the dynamic panel at the Three Rivers Venture Fair alongside Brett Renzenbrink of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP , Mackenzie Dolacki from WynHouse: An Innovation Firm , and Patrick Henshaw of Render Capital . It was an engaging session where we unpacked essential insights on AI, venture growth, and the art of commercialization for startups.

Here's what founders need to know when looking to commercialize their startups and navigate today’s innovation landscape:

1. Understanding 'Solution-Problem Fit':

Startups often tout their innovative features, but the true key to commercialization lies in offering a solution that tackles a strategically important problem. Patrick pointed out that many founders miss this critical alignment, defaulting to 'feature-selling' rather than positioning their products as indispensable solutions. I shared similar sentiments on the panel—startups need to transcend basic LLM applications and develop robust, vertical AI solutions that provide substantial, end-to-end value. This is where HauerX Holdings comes in, partnering with startups to advise and build AI solutions that drive real impact.

2. Commercialization Through Strategic Guidance:

As Brett highlighted, navigating the complex web of legal, corporate governance, and strategic planning is essential for startups ready to scale. His deep-rooted expertise, leading multidisciplinary teams at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, underscores the importance of having strong, strategic partners who understand the venture ecosystem. Startups seeking to commercialize must be backed by advisors who can anticipate challenges, manage risks, and position their companies for sustainable growth.

3. Driving Value in Regulated Industries:

Mackenzie brought forward a compelling discussion on healthcare commercialization—a field where innovation intersects with data privacy, compliance, and legacy systems. Her experience leading health tech projects at Wynhouse sheds light on the importance of walking a deliberate path with big companies, aligning solutions with their existing workflows, and ensuring that innovation seamlessly integrates without adding friction. For founders in regulated spaces, this approach is crucial for breaking into the market and gaining trust.

4. From Pilot Projects to Revenue Velocity:

One of the highlights of the panel was Patrick’s emphasis on revenue velocity—an indicator that often determines the sustainability of a startup. At Render Capital, he evaluates startups based on their ability to triple revenue annually and build momentum. The journey from pilot programs to sustainable revenue requires founders to prioritize building meaningful, sticky relationships with clients and proving their solution's value beyond the initial engagement.

5. Leveraging AI to Scale Operations and Drive Sales:

In my commentary, I revisited the strategic use of AI agents for automating business processes, an area where HauerX Holdings has been deeply involved. The goal is not just to use AI as a shiny new tool but to integrate it in ways that genuinely enhance operations and accelerate growth. I encouraged founders to be deliberate in choosing their target customers, understanding their pain points, and aligning AI capabilities to solve them efficiently. Startups should know their buyer, map out strategic approaches, and leverage automation as an enabler—only after solidifying their value proposition and understanding their market landscape.

6. Winning in the Midwest and Beyond:

A recurring theme was the unique challenges and opportunities in 'flyover' states like Ohio and Pennsylvania. While these regions may not have the same venture density as coastal hubs, they are rich in industry diversity, partnerships, and early adopters ready to drive proof of concept. As a Cincinnati native, I know the power of local ecosystems and building trust within them. I stressed that for founders, this means creating strong case studies and leveraging local partnerships as a launchpad for larger opportunities.

7. Looking Ahead – What’s Next?:

When thinking about the future of commercialization and innovation, we all agreed on the significance of AI maturity. The next decade will see major advancements, particularly in AI agents that augment professional services and value chains. These innovations won’t just support the status quo—they’ll redefine business capabilities and open up new economic layers. At HauerX Holdings, we’re excited to be part of this journey, investing in and building solutions that aren’t just futuristic but actionable and relevant today.

Final Thought:

The Three Rivers Venture Fair was a testament to the collaborative spirit driving innovation in the Midwest and beyond. If you’re a founder wondering where to start or how to take your next strategic step, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s through connecting with Brett's legal acumen, Mackenzie's health tech expertise, Patrick's venture insights, or my work with AI-driven commercialization at HauerX Holdings, we’re all here to support the journey.

#AI #StartupCommercialization #Innovation #Entrepreneurship