Method Design Lab differs from traditional angels, venture capital funds, and accelerators in many fundamental ways.

We have a different view about the source of innovation. Since the earliest days of Silicon Valley, innovation has been synonymous with technology. While innovation around technology will certainly continue, we’ve reached a tipping point where readily available technological solutions—off-the-shelf tools, open source programs, cloud computing—allow for building robust, innovative companies that are differentiated not by technology, but instead by the design and user experience of their products and services. We are unique in focusing on design as a differentiator.

The services we offer to intellectual property creators and potential entrepreneurs also make us different from most funds and incubators in the marketplace. Beyond office space and a rolodex, we offer business plan vetting through Method’s world-class Strategy group; design assessment, design polishing and even full design and build capabilities when appropriate; license negotiation support; executive recruiting; ongoing advisory services through Method, CSM faculty and CSM alumni; and a pipeline to distributors, customers and follow-on funders who are already part of the MDL ecosystem.

Differentiators — Method Design Lab differs from traditional angels, venture capital funds, and accelerators in many fundamental ways:

  1. Tech Savvy

    We are tech savvy, but design-centric. Like Steve Jobs, we strive to have 'the mind of an engineer, but the heart of an artist.'

  2. Early Insights

    Through Method's client services business, MDL has early insights into market needs, and early access to potential customers.

  3. Track Record

    Method has a proven track record of bringing ideas to life. MDL applies this effective process to greatly reduce execution risk as we take concepts to market.

  4. Unique Ideas

    We harvest a unique flow of ideas not only from the talent at Method, but also the 4,500+ students, faculty, and staff at Central Saint Martins.

Services — The services MDL offers to intellectual property creators and potential entrepreneurs also differentiate us from most accelerators in the marketplace. Beyond office space and a rolodex, we offer:

  1. Vetting

    We extensively vet business plans through Method's world-class Strategy group.

  2. Design

    We offer design assessment, design polishing and full design and build capabilities when appropriate.

  3. Advisors

    Ongoing advisory services are available through Method, CSM faculty, and CSM alumni.

  4. Recruiting

    MDL offers support for building businesses, products, and services including executive recruiting.