What I had to learn once more:

POET is not sexy. Developing an electro-optical sub-component doesn´t wow anyone.

Our leaders Tom and Vivek are unable to arouse interest within 20 minutes.

Conclusion: POET has to be successful to be recognized.

Rant mode: ON.

Long ago I promised myself not to rant about POET´s communication skills any more, but that was bad, really bad. It´s a pity because it could be that easy. POET does not need to do it alone. We have a well-paid IR-company at hand. Why can´t they call them and say:

We have 20 Minutes time to attract investors. Please help us:

-        Ghostwrite for us: 5 Minutes about what we do, 10 Minutes why we are better at what we do than all the others, 5 Minutes how bright the future will be. Aim at Investors not Techies,

-        Put together a few (I said a few!) catchy slides from the last 3 presentations,

-        Coach our presenters.

Alternatively: Rent any student of communication science. No matter who. They all will do better than what I have seen.

It is no excuse that it was a Painwright Conference. Kevin Dede made a good intro and even tried to steer the presentators in the right direction (Transition to a production company etc). POET had a chance to sell the story and they missed. Pity!

Rant mode: OFF.