Mascoma Corporation

Launching the "Un-Corn" Ethanol Company

Henry Ford designed the Model T to run on alcohol, which he called "the fuel of the future.” The oil crisis of the 1970s gave the idea some traction … but its viability was challenged again in 2006, when nearly 20% of the corn crop was diverted to ethanol production. Food or fuel? That was the question.

Mascoma Corporation’s breakthrough approach to ethanol production uses a range of widely available non-food waste materials, such as woodchips and corn stalks, to minimize the impact on the environment and the food chain.

Mascoma engaged Makovsky to showcase the company’s eco-friendly technology and position its management as industry movers and shakers.The result? Massive media coverage. Prestigious listings in important corporate rankings. Sixty-one million dollars in third round financing, including $10 million from Marathon Oil. And GM’s acquisition of a stake in the company.