1 Perfecting the Pitch CUBE – Campus Y Workshop February 26, 2013

Who we are

Our EIRs

Why university startups?

Success

Our CUSTOMER is the dealmaker/investor: – Venture, private, corporate, strategic, government Our PRODUCT is the high-growth company: – High growth companies sourced through the universities and community Our STRATEGY is our program: – Utilize quality EIRs to get companies investment- ready and make connections

Impact. 200 Companies touched 45 Companies worked 22 Currently Active 10 EIRs 250+ Company meetings 350+ Connections made 1 Company – Series A funding 7 Companies fundraising 21 Employees

Why pitch? Idea phase – concept, prize $, competition awards Early stage – seed $, friends & family, angel, grants, series A investment Follow on – series B investment and beyond

Team Pitches

Doing the homework Identify the problem & market opportunity/customer Describe the product/technology Identify the competition Tell us about the current team/future hires Show key financials Outline a marketing/sales strategy

Putting it together Tell a story that illustrates the problem – customer perspective Impress with your solution – if possible, show don’t tell Make the business case – what’s the ROI? Clearly identify milestones, use of proceeds, exit strategies Don’t forget to ask!

Don’t read your slides – own the content Know your audience Google is your friend – concept, brand, company name Never say there’s “no competition” – know your marketplace Show passion Be open to questions and feedback Stick to the time provided Objective to get to the next pitch Have an answer to the question “what would you do with a million dollars?”

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Bob Creeden Executive Director Sheryl Waddell Program Manager Michelle Bolas Communications