From Earth to Orbit: The Sticky Success of geCKo Materials

The Journey from Lab Breakthrough to Successful Startup

Embarking on the path of building a deep tech startup involves more than just a laboratory breakthrough. It requires navigating a complex legal process to transform an innovative technology into a scalable business.

In a recent episode of Build Mode, Isabelle Johannessen sits down with Capella Kerst, the founder and CEO of geCKo Materials and the 2024 TechCrunch Startup Battlefield runner-up. Kerst, a former Stanford PhD student, was working on bio-inspired adhesives based on the microscopic hairs that enable geckos to cling to surfaces. Although she didn’t initially plan to become a founder, a significant breakthrough in material production sparked the realization of a viable product.

Transitioning from a lab discovery to a startup involves a series of steps beyond the initial “eureka” moment.

Capella recalls the pivotal conversation with her advisor where she expressed her intention to spin out the company, marking the commencement of geCKo Materials’ journey.

Here is a roadmap for founders looking to transition a product from academia to the market.

• Engage with prior contributors: Establish connections with individuals whose work contributed to the breakthrough. Kerst extended opportunities for these contributors to join the company, provide guidance, or receive compensation.
• Meet licensing requirements: Early discussions with Stanford’s Technology Licensing Office informed Kerst that completing her PhD was necessary to spin out the technology. These conversations also prepared her for the subsequent processes.
• Incorporate the company and seek legal counsel: Stanford provided a recommended list of lawyers for Kerst to engage. Through thorough interviews and research, Kerst selected a lawyer to negotiate with Stanford, aiming for a beneficial agreement that would support the company’s growth.
• Transition into the founder role: Upon finalizing the licensing agreement, the shift from PhD researcher to CEO becomes imperative.

Five years down the line, geCKo Materials continues to expand and explore new applications for its adhesive technology. From robotics and manufacturing to automotive and space industries, the material is undergoing testing, with current use on the International Space Station. Kerst envisions replacing conventional attachment methods like Velcro with their innovative technology.

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Isabelle Johannessen hosts Build Mode, a podcast produced and edited by Maggie Nye. Audience Development is overseen by Morgan Little, with special acknowledgments to the Foundry and Cheddar video teams.