Our Practice

Capital Ideas specializes in identifying breakthrough strategies that enable high tech companies to grow faster. We have a track record of helping our clients become industry leaders.

To achieve these objectives, we look for creative ways to exploit disruptions in technologies, markets and financial structures.

Identifying a breakthrough strategy typically requires innovation along two or more dimensions. A key reason for our successes, and our differentiation from many other consulting firms, is our deep experience in the three key areas of technology, markets and finance.

Our goal is to achieve growth in a capital efficient manner, while establishing sustainable competitive barriers around the opportunity.

Our industry expertise is information technologies (semiconductors, communications, computers, software and the internet) and greentech (energy storage, SmartGrid and renewables).

We do both strategy development and implementation, including taking interim executive or Board roles, when appropriate.

Why Clients Call Us

Our clients typically have complex technologies and fiercely competitive market environments.

They want a firm that understands the subtleties of their markets and technologies, and can identify and implement effective growth strategies.

They want a firm that has field-proven, systematic processes for identifying "high pain point" market opportunities and receptive prospective customers.

They want a firm that is entrepreneurial, intelligent, adaptable and high energy. One that can roll-up-its-sleeves and become a highly effective addition to the management team during implementation.

They want a firm with deep ties to the investment community, including extensive experience on both sides of the fundraising process (experience as both a fundraising company and as an investor).

Our assignments have included both initial commercialization and expansion of existing businesses. David MacMillan is personally involved in all engagements and can provide a larger team of highly experienced executives spanning multiple functional areas, if needed.

Capital Ideas is located in Silicon Valley (Northern California).