Pondera International is a business advisor to various early stage start-ups and small businesses.  We specialize in bridging key management and leadership positions; developing competitive business and market analysis and strategies; and growing leadership, team and organizational capacity and capability for relevant growth stages.

Pondera’s founder, Kristen Verderame, has been an active member of the Dingman Center Angels at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland mentoring and coaching entrepreneurs for several years, as well as MACH37’s cybersecurity incubator as a member of its STARS Network.  Patty Brandmaier, Pondera Principal, has over 38 years experience leading in and working with leaders of entities of all sizes, and advises startup founders to develop human capital and leadership strategies appropriate to the various stages of growth. Pondera services in this area include:

• providing short-term interim management (CEO, COO, HR, GC)

• developing business plans

• conducting competitive market analysis

• creation of go-to-market and long term strategies for growth

• designing institutional, organizational and0 human capital structures appropriate to the relevant growth stage

• preparation of funding presentations and materials

Fee structures for start-ups are based on the size of the entity -- special rates are available for pre-revenue stage companies.