“Practice Makes Perfect”
This statement is especially true when you are going to make a presentation to potential investors. Whether you plan to pitch to angels or VCs, the word will spread quickly if you do a less-than-stellar job.
If equity funding is part of your company’s financing strategy, it’s more than worth the time and effort to learn how to make a good pitch. Maybe you’ve already made several presentations, but no one showed any interest – you need to learn a different approach. Remember, it’s not about selling your product; it’s all about selling you and your company!
Just ask Apeliotus Vision Science. This Hershey-based company and past recipient of a Ben Franklin investment, won the Ben Franklin Venture Idol competition last Thursday, November 5, 2009. Three early-stage entrepreneurs had the opportunity to make their pitch to a panel of investors as well as the audience and Apeliotus took top prize – a $5,000 cash investment. The event, which was held at the Hilton Scranton and Convention Center, began with a “speed dating” session. Twenty pre-selected companies delivered two-minute elevator pitches to individual and angel investors. Kathy Blum, CEO of Applied Computational Technologies, also a Ben Franklin portfolio company, took home the honors!
Many of the Idol participants had the opportunity to work with Steve Bowman, aka the Pitch Doctor, in order to hone their skills prior to the event. Mr. Bowman teaches entrepreneurs how to make a compelling presentation based on what investors are really looking for in a company.
If you plan to pitch your company and you know you need some help, check out Steve Bowman’s website, www.stevebowman.com or contact Jill Edwards with the Venture Investment Forum at jilledwards@psu.edu. Take your best shot!
Ben Franklin Venture Investment Forum receives funding from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA.
