Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

Me and my partner are working on an idea for a text (SMS) service that we intend to pitch to the National Health Service in the UK as it could potentially save them a lot of money. However, minus the idea, they already have the technology, framework, and (presumably) budget to be able to implement and promote it themselves, and it seems silly to me that they should have to pay someone else before being legally able to do this.

  1. Can/should the idea be protected before pitching it?
  2. If successful, how is the buyout conducted? Would it be a lumpsum or could it potentially be a proportion of the money saved?

Thanks very much in advance.

share|improve this question

2 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

Nobody buys an idea. I would be a trilnionare by now. I mean, well written, designed, planned ideas with a good marketing before the idea was finished. The thing is, that you can sell them services once you have it working, and you will need to comply with public services rules and requirements.

What you can do, is to make some marketing materials (brochures etc), an offer, and once they agree to T&C, deliver it, it's simple as that.

I dont think Hospitals are purchasing any companies. Public sector doesnt work this way most of the time.

share|improve this answer
up vote 0 down vote

As mr. Smith said, nobody buys an idea.

But in the public sector? Things can be different. If you have a big tooth to push the right buttons, sure. If not, bad luck there too.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.