| DO |
|---|
| Go back to school. Seek business ideas—and the technological innovation to go with them—in university labs, where some of the most groundbreaking research in photovoltaics and alternative fuels is going on. |
| Think globally. Look to macro trends when developing your idea. For instance, India and China need new sources of energy to continue growing at their current rates. What are faster, better, and cheaper ways to deliver that energy? |
| Do your homework on different funds. More and more investors are looking to go green. But green is a broad term, so when pitching your business plan, look into a firm's investment areas and pitch to those whose interests are similar to yours. |
| DON'T |
| Reinvent the wheel. Research what's out there. Innovation is happening so quickly that it's crucial to keep an ear to the ground to avoid wasting time and money developing a technology that already exists. |
| Make a mountain out of a molehill. Venture capitalists are most often seeking revolutionary or explosive business opportunities. If your business idea doesn't have huge growth potential or is in an early stage of development, consider angel funding or tapping friends and family for financial support. |
| Get hung up on discovering the next Google. There are plenty of smaller-scale opportunities, particularly within clean tech, for streamlining processes or honing delivery methods. These can make great businesses for the right entrepreneur. |