Webinar: Betting Big in Bio-based: How to Leverage Evolving Trends and Hedge Against Uncertainty

Over the years, the Bio-based Materials and Chemicals (BBMC) space has seen its fair share of ups and downs. In 2007, venture capital investment in the space reached a peak and the field was further buoyed by high oil prices. However, the financial crash in 2008 and influx of shale gas, changed the bio-based landscape. As it started to recover, mergers, acquisitions, and reorganizations dotted the field (e.g., Allylix and Virdia) and companies realigned their strategies to accommodate changing market landscapes (e.g., Virent and Sapphire Energy). Today, low natural gas prices coupled with the recent crash in oil prices put continued pressure on startups and big players alike and companies are tailoring their approaches to compete. For example, firms are trying to tap into novel feedstocks like lignin or CO2, or make performance-improved products like lubricants or surfactants. In the long run, though, effective near-, mid-, and long-term strategies are critical to not just navigate the current state of the market, but also hedge against future uncertainty. This webinar will:

• Evaluate the current market conditions and technology landscape in the bio-based materials and chemicals space
• Analyze past actions and mistakes to find the best opportunities to engage now and in the future
• Present opportunities for developing a portfolio of strategies when facing uncertain petroleum and natural gas prices