But could it also seed a new industry?

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Marin, a former math professor and proficient early-seed investor with a vast network of industry connections, is a master in picking future stock winners in the junior exploration as well the large- to mid-cap energy sectors.

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It is a measure of the desperation of the U.S. nuclear power industry that it is willing to risk its seed corn on so uncertain a venture.

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The rapid growth of seed investments is the natural result of a number of industry trends, which continue to drive down the cost of launching and operating a web-based business.

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The massive growth of the seed and angel investing through new or growing seed funds and sites like AngelList has been a major change in the venture industry over the last several years.

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But the industry has nibbled, and Ross and his group have given them some seed money to get things going.

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The seed of an idea, company, product, or service often has been taken from one industry and applied to another.

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Monsanto had developed promising seed products following its initial investment, but it was a bit player, struggling to find a foothold in an industry with several well-established competitors.

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