1. THE LAUNCH OF DRATHS CORPORATION: A GREEN TECH ADVENTURE!
2. Dr. John Frost and Dr. Karen Draths are a couple of brilliant Scientists that have worked for well over a decade on advancing their research in Renewable Energy. They were working side by side advancing their technology at Michigan State in 2005. University. Dr. John Frost, Co-Founder and CSO John Frost is Chief Science Officer and heads the Scientific Advisory Board of Draths Corporation. Currently on leave from his position of University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, Dr. Frost is internationally recognized for his research in the field of green chemistry. By combining microbial catalysis with organic chemistry, Dr. Frost has created novel routes whereby nontoxic glucose replaces benzene as a starting material in chemical manufacture. Dr. Frost received his BS in Chemistry from Purdue University, his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University. Dr. Frost has more than 15 issued and pending patents along with over 90 publications to his name. He has also served as the major advisor on 35 PhD and MS dissertations. Karen Draths, Co-Founder and Senior Principal Scientist Dr. Draths oversees exploratory research at Draths’ Okemos research facility. Most recently, Dr. Draths held the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University. Along with John Frost, she received the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award in 1998 for their innovative synthesis of adipic acid from renewable resources. Dr. Draths earned her BS in Chemistry at Saint Mary’s College and her PhD from Stanford University. Dr. Draths has more than 30 publications and 10 patents related to biocatalytic synthesis and its applications.
3. Dr. Frost and Dr. Drath wanted to take their technology to the next level And get to participate to help in the evolution and value their work could bring to world. They decided to become entrepreneurs and in 2005 they began working to launch their new company- Draths Corporation FROM SCIENTISTS TO ENTREPRENEURS
4. Dr. John Frost and Dr. Karen Drath were pioneers in green technology, with scores of highly regarded research published, patents, and prestigious awards racking up Since the early 90’s. THEY STILL NEEDED SOMEONE TO BELIEVE AND BET ON THEM AS ENTREPRENEURS!
5. How Did they make the jump from Scientists working at Michigan State to full fledged Entrepreneurs? Where did they get the money they needed to start the company? Where did they get guidance and support along the way? Who had a vested interest to spend time helping them negotiate & brave challenges? IN LATE 2005 - THEY FOUND AN ANGEL INVESTOR!
6. 2005 THIS IS THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE THAT GOT MY ATTENTION IN 2005! WOW! GET TO DEPLOY $1 MILLION TO HELP SAVE THE WORLD? SIGN ME UP! WE REACHED A DEAL WITHIN 18 DAYS!
7. DRATHS CORP - FIRST PRESS RELEASE – APRIL 2006 “ Brad Greenspan, entrepreneur, and investor today announced a $1 million Investment which has seed funded and launched the Draths Corporation
12. KEY PATENT ISSUED TO DRATHS FOR ITS GREEN TECHNOLOGY ROUTE TO CREATING NYLON-6 AUGUST 11, 2008 DRATHS BEGINS FOCUS ON EXPLOITING OPPORTUNITY AND HAS ENTERED DISCUSSIONS WITH AT LEAST ONE MAJOR CARPET MANUFACTURER
14. Environmental Footprint of Nylon Fossil Energy Consumed (MJ/kg) GHG Emitted (kg CO2 eq./kg) Water Consumed (kg/kg) REDUCING POLLUTION OR DAMAGE TO ENVIRONMENT! ITS WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT! Draths technology to produce caprolactam reduces GHG emissions by 52% GHG reductions translate to 8¢ per pound advantage Kg CO2 equivalent per kg of caprolactam
15. February 6, 2009 - Draths Raises $16.7 Million of Growth Capital from Leading Energy and Clean Tech Investors: Texas Pacific Group (TPG) / Khosla Ventures (KV) / CMEA Ventures New Financing completed at 400% Higher Value for Shareholders F/ 2006 Initial $1 million Investment (Series A holder Brad Greenspan) $16.7 Million
