RapidRise logo RapidRise

I make advanced technology procurable.

RapidRise builds the commercial route to market for startups and growing companies in AI, deep technology and defence technology.

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When the technology is real and the route to market is not

RapidRise exists for companies whose technology is real but whose commercial route to market is not yet repeatable. I translate complex capability into an executive level business case, a procurement ready deal structure and a revenue path leadership can forecast with confidence.

I do the work myself, end to end: origination, structuring, negotiation and delivery. There is no handoff between the person who scopes the work and the person who does it.

What I do

Build the case

I turn technical capability into a business case that a capability owner can defend and procurement will approve.

Plan the route through procurement

I align the buyers across security, IT, operations, finance and legal, and plan the approvals before they become delays.

Make revenue repeatable

I support the first lighthouse deals, then write the playbook so your team can run it without me.

Start here: Commercial Architecture Review

A focused two week engagement that shows where your commercial architecture is working and where it is losing ground. It is delivered as a written report that stands on its own, with no ongoing commitment.

The review covers:

  • Deal pipeline assessment: where deals are stalling and why
  • Buyer mapping: whether you are reaching budget holders or influencers
  • Qualification gap analysis: where your process loses commercial ground
  • Messaging and positioning review: how your narrative lands with the economic buyer and with procurement
  • 90 day commercial roadmap: prioritised actions with clear ownership

The review is designed as the first step of any engagement. You see the quality of the thinking before committing to anything longer.

Sectors I know

Defence technology and unmanned systems

I have analysed military air and sea drones since 2020. I follow counter drone systems, undersea sensing, command and control, sensor fusion and electronic warfare.

Maritime intelligence

At IHS Markit and S&P Global I sold the full maritime suite of ten products, covering vessel tracking, ship and ownership data, dark vessel detection and sanctions screening, alongside Janes defence and security intelligence.

AI and advanced analytics

I sold data science solutions, machine learning tools and enterprise data management to client data science teams, and built the commercial operation for a Bayesian risk analytics software company on a six month contract.

About Daniel Lee Knight

I am the Founder and Principal of RapidRise. I have owned complex customer accounts for 25 years, across defence, maritime, technology and financial markets. I spent seven years at IHS Markit and S&P Global as Executive Director, Strategic Accounts, owning C level relationships at leading asset managers, hedge funds and insurers. I am a former Royal Engineer Army Reservist.

More about me

Get in touch

If your technology is proven and your commercial route is not yet repeatable, I would be glad to hear from you.