The Investor's Guide to Nanotechnology and Micromachines [Hardcover]

Glenn Fishbine (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471443557 | ISBN-13: 978-0471443551 | Publication Date: January 4, 2002 | Edition: 1

Tiny machines = giant profits -- the first-ever investor's guide to the burgeoning field of nanotechnology

Combined government and private investments in nanotechnology topped $1 billion in 2000, and that figure is expected to continue to grow exponentially in the years ahead. In the first investment guide to the rapidly emerging nanotech industry, Glenn Fishbine separates fact from fiction for professionals looking at nanotechnology as potential business or financial ventures. He takes an objective, no-nonsense look at current applications in the field and what's likely to develop in the near future in order to help professionals and investors distinguish between solid opportunities, "Hail Mary's," and sheer science fiction. Fishbine provides an overview of the current state of research and identifies the key nanotech applications areas. He also explores the nanotech initiatives currently underway and assesses their long-term potential from an investor's perspective.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the author has done a good and entertaining job..." (Physics World, August 2002)

"...not only provides an excellent insight into this fascinating new world but also clearly sets out the pros and cons and access points for investment." (Financial Adviser, 27 March 2003)

From the Inside Flap

If you see gold in the future of nanotechnology, you're right. Before you start investing, however, you had better be able to distinguish science fiction and fantasy from promising research with real potential. Exciting as it is, nanotechnology research has yet to produce a single viable commercial product, and any investor who wants to pick a winner needs to know where to look for opportunities and how to recognize the promising ones.

The Investor's Guide to Nanotechnology and Micromachines provides the map investors need to explore an investment landscape that is not yet fully established. It takes a clear-eyed look at current nanotechnology research being conducted in government laboratories, universities, and corporate R&D programs, and it shows investors where to find existing opportunities and how to look for and recognize emerging opportunities.

The key factor in successful nanotech investment is the ability to spot the billion-dollar opportunity amid a sea of exciting but fundamentally worthless projects. This practical guide explains the core technology issues that investors must understand in order to evaluate emerging opportunities in six key technology areas: power systems, locomotion systems, control systems, sensor systems, actuator systems, and disposal systems. It also reveals the most promising areas of application for nanotechnology, including medicine and health, aerospace, materials science, the military, and more.

Supplemented with numerous profiles of government, university, and company programs and of other institutions that perform, support, and regulate nanotech research, The Investor's Guide to Nanotechnology and Micromachines is a unique and indispensable resource for serious investors who want to avoid unnecessary risk and optimize their return on nanotechnology investments.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (January 4, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471443557
• ISBN-13: 978-0471443551
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,621,147 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A credible and insightful work, October 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Investor's Guide to Nanotechnology and Micromachines (Hardcover)

I normally never write reviews, but I was amused at the comments of a recent reviewer. Since I routinely recommend this book to my clients, I thought it best to add my thoughts.

First, nanotechnology is an emerging field. There are many more companies claiming to be in the nanotechnology space than are really present. The periodical Forbes/Wolf nanotech report consistently reminds investors to check companies to see how much of their nanotechnology is real, vs. how much is in the name/hyperbole surrounding a company.

Second, most of the nanotechnology emerging today, from an investor's point of view comes from government sources, which need to be nurtured into the commercial/investment market place. The In Realsis study confirms the author's approach to developing investment strategies based on the realities of current investment. It's not as simple as picking stocks. It requires good knowledge of the technology and quality due diligence to make an investment.

Finally, I think the recent review from the August 2002 issue of Physics World summarizes best, this author's work..."the author has done a good and entertaining job of breaking down, ordering and assessing a fair chunk of the technologies currently being developed, and providing a valuable insight into their commercial potential. If anything, this is the main strength of the book as it provides potential investors with a starting point for understanding and locating opportunities."

All in all, bravo on producing the finest guide to nanotechnology investment that one can buy for [this money].

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Introduction to Nanotechnology, April 24, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Investor's Guide to Nanotechnology and Micromachines (Hardcover)

Nanotechnology is an exciting field with amazing potential across many industries. It is only natural that nanotechnology investment analyses will soon be ubiquitous, as we witness a meteoric rise in the use of the technology. Mr. Fishbine is the first to take a stab at future earning potential of nanotechnology, introducing the reader to his vision.
The book does an excellent job of defining nanotechnology and discussing the potential benefits and challenges of nanotechnology to the reader, especially if you have had little or no experience in the field. In addition, Mr. Fishbine creates a logical and creative model upon which one can easily measure investment potential, while addressing investors' risk preferences. (e.g., stay away if you're risk averse!)
As a scientist and investor, Mr. Fishbine shines, as his deep understanding of the technology is proven while analyzing nanotechnology's interesting potentials and case studies. At times the book reads a bit awkward, however, and it could use some "touching up" from a more experienced writer.
All in all, it's a strong accomplishment that is a courageous attempt to define the nanotechnology investment landscape. Since the technology is quickly evolving, along with the economic and investment environment, I will look forward to an insightful sequel!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a valuable investment guide, April 6, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Investor's Guide to Nanotechnology and Micromachines (Hardcover)

I found this book to be clearly written, well organized, and very informative. Mr. Fishbine thoroughly explains complex technological issues in down-to-earth, and at times, humorous terminology that anyone can easily relate to. I would recommend this book as a valuable guide to anyone who is seriously thinking about investing in nanotechnology.