Hi everyone! I am planning to grow Jatropha plant in India, and extract bio diesel from it. since its a capital intensive project, i have planned to go step by step. In the first year, i have planned to just grow them and later i will set up a processing and refining facility. what's your view on it? please share...!

Do your research and develop a business plan before you attempt to launch this idea

you type:	you see:
italics	italics
* item 1 * item 2 * item 3	item 1 item 2 item 3
1. item 1 2. item 2 3. item 3	item 1 item 2 item 3
Paragraphs are separated by one or more blank lines: The first paragraph. Another paragraph.	The first paragraph. Another paragraph

I have a product idea that is completely one-of-a-kind, nothing out there like it. Do I start by trying to develop a prototype or try to get a patent on it? I'm worried my ...

Answered by Andrew Patricio – Founder, BizLaunch

There is no simple answer to this question. If you don't show it to people and produce it you'll never know, if you do show it it could be copied. I am assuming you don't... (more)

How was the first year of running your business? How did you manage your time to make sure you were not over working yourself? Since I started working on my startup, my b...

Answered by Dan Martell – Founder & Investor.

The first year is intense. It's major ups & downs (like crazy ups and downs). It's normal to be feeling this way - just keep pushing forward. I've learned that I need to... (more)

What's your take on the current industry? Are we in a bubble? Should we all take advantage of the conditions to raise money even if we don't need it?

Answered by Gregg Spiridellis – Founder of JibJab.

I have no idea if we are in a bubble. No one does until it pops. As an entrepreneur I keep my head down and focus on building products I think consumers will want and, mo... (more)

We're a b2b startup, just starting to develop our product. we want to start early conversation with customers and get commitment prior to launch of alpha, so that customer...

Answered by Mark Suster – Partner, GRP Partners

Create HTML mock-ups. Do a PowerPoint that shows the ROI benefit. Ask them to be "pilot users" which basically entails a small consulting project. Promise them huge bene... (more)

Hi Mark, What's your take on tech companies that, although they seem like a good idea, will likely never be profitable?

Answered by Mark Ruddock – Founder, INEA

Normally, if you want to build something valuable and sustainable, you have to build a great business. At points of inflection, like we currently find ourselves in, sometim... (more)

Sign up for Sprouter