Q&A with Stewart Skomra of Tier 1 Solar, Inc.

Tier1's production process is a game-changer in the graphene market, primarily due to our patented Biocene® production technology. Unlike traditional methods like Mechanical Exfoliation or Chemical Vapor Deposition, which are either labor-intensive or costly and complex, our process is both energy-efficient and scalable. It allows us to produce high-quality graphene from biochar at a significantly lower cost and with a smaller environmental footprint. This scalability and cost-effectiveness mean we can meet large-scale industrial demands for graphene, making it more accessible for widespread use across various industries.

Tier1's strategy hinges on two key differentiators: our innovative production technology and our strategic industry focus. We have positioned ourselves in rapidly growing sectors such as green construction and energy storage, where the unique properties of graphene have a transformative impact. By partnering with leading companies in these sectors and focusing on verticals with high growth potential, we aim to capture significant market share. Our main competitors are other graphene producers that are positioned to compete against one another in the bulk materials space. We have positioned ourselves, by backward integrating into the supply chain and forward integrating into the marketplace, to be able to benefit from the "Red Ocean" cutthroat competition in the materials space enjoying very attractive margins in the solution space. Our advanced technology and market-specific approach give us a competitive edge.

The $30 million funding will be strategically allocated to scale our operations and enhance our product development. Key investments include scaling up our Biocene® production facility in Puerto Rico, acquiring the PermaStrong building system, and developing new products in both our Green Construction and Energy Storage Business Units. This investment will also bolster our marketing, sales, and operations, enabling us to reach new markets and customers. With this funding, Tier1 aims to triple our current production capacity, significantly expand our product offerings, and establish ourselves as leaders in the graphene market, thus accelerating our growth trajectory.