INSIGHT. INNOVATE. IMPROVE.
August Brown has established itself as a trailblazer in Milwaukee’s innovation ecosystem, bridging the often-daunting gap between research and market execution.
Founded by Dr. Gordon Nameni and Erik Vickstrom, this boutique agency has become synonymous with strategic excellence and groundbreaking impact. “It all really started in 2018,” Gordon recalls. “After the sale of Acceleration Advisors, Erik and I thought about the formation of a new consulting company that exclusively focused on assisting companies navigate the chasm between development and commercialization. Since then, we have had over 120 engagements and supported over $2.5 billion in target funding with our feasibility studies and commercialization work.”
The August Brown Mission and Vision
August Brown’s mission is clear: accelerating client growth through unparalleled consulting services. “Our mission is to provide unmatched levels of depth, insight, and service with the singular focus of exceeding our clients’ expectations,” Dr. Nameni emphasizes. This mission is not just a statement; it’s a commitment to creating a tangible impact. The company’s vision further solidifies this commitment, as Dr. Nameni elaborates, “We believe that every product that we bring to market or every company that we grow will benefit society by producing a greater value for the technology ecosystem. We provide deep insights with analytical rigor to drive better competitive positioning, more profitable growth strategies, and continuous improvement processes.”
Tailored Solutions for Unique Challenges
What sets August Brown apart is their bespoke approach to each client. “As no two clients are the same, no two clients deserve the same approach,” says Daniel Berg, Partner and Director of Operations. This philosophy underpins every service it offers, ensuring each solution is tailored to meet specific needs; whether feasibility studies for USDA loans, financial analyses for project viability, or comprehensive market analyses, August Brown’s deliverables are marked by depth and precision.
“Our deliverables provide depth and insight that our competition simply can’t match,” Daniel asserts.
Comprehensive Services for Diverse Needs
August Brown’s services span a wide array of needs, including IP Valuation, Feasibility Studies, Innovation Management, Capacity Utilization, Underwriting Services, and Continuous Improvement. This extensive service offering allows them to address their clients’ multifaceted challenges. “Many groundbreaking technologies fail due to poor market execution,” says Dr. Nameni. “We make it our mission to unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and maximize the value of offerings to ensure sustainable growth.”
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Empowering Financiers and Businesses
Serving a diverse clientele, August Brown partners with commercial banks, USDA-approved lenders, community banks, SBA banks, private equity firms, and venture capitalists. Its comprehensive feasibility studies and analyses empower these financial institutions to make well-informed decisions, securing successful venture outcomes. “We are trusted by over 20 USDA banks, 10 commercial banks, private equity, and venture capital firms,” Daniel proudly states.
Businesses across various industries also benefit from August Brown’s expertise. From manufacturing and hospitality to education and development, the firm’s specialized services help secure funding and achieve strategic goals. “Our services empower companies to make informed decisions, driving success in their respective markets,” Dr. Nameni adds.
Government and Academic Collaborations
August Brown’s impact extends to government agencies and academic institutions. It collaborates with agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, and Department of Defense, supporting rural development and technology commercialization. “We are excited about our Rural Bank Investment Company (RBIC) green light letter with the USDA, which enables us to raise and deploy $100M across rural communities in America,” Dr. Nameni shares.
The firm has had previous university clients such as the Harvard University Office of Technology Development and the University of Wisconsin, along with prestigious non-profit agencies, including the Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School, providing comprehensive analyses and Capacity Utilization reports. “Our tailored services enable academic institutions to realize their initiatives successfully,” says Daniel.
Innovation: A Daily Habit
For August Brown, innovation is not a sporadic effort but a daily habit. The firm fosters an environment where unconventional thinking is encouraged, and ideas are given space to flourish. “Innovation is a natural outflow of intentional thinking. It’s about giving ideas space and consideration,” Dr. Nameni explains. Each consultant is challenged to develop recommendations illuminating current and future performance while providing actionable insights for continuous improvement.
The Future: Bright and Impactful
Looking ahead, August Brown is poised for even more remarkable accomplishments. With a strong foundation of trust, expertise, and relentless pursuit of excellence, the firm is excited about driving further innovation and impact. “We are fortunate to be based in Milwaukee, a city with a lively and ever-growing innovation ecosystem. It’s a great lab to find like-minded peers and draw inspiration,” Dr. Nameni remarks.
This firm exemplifies what it means to be a pioneer in the consulting industry. Its tailored services, deep insights, and unwavering commitment to client success bridge the gap between innovation and market success and shape the future of industries. “Our clients’ success is our success, and we are dedicated to helping them positively impact the world,” Dr. Nameni concludes.
