There has never been a better time to start a company which makes initiatives such as the Converge Challenge so exciting. Over the past ten years I have worked with a whole range of technology start-ups from a range of sectors. They have many similarities but each one is unique with its own particular challenges.
I joined Informatics Ventures a couple of years ago. We support Scotland's technology innovators and entrepreneurs emerging from Scottish universities and the wider business community through a series of events and educational programmes.
Our flagship event is Engage Invest Exploit (EIE) which takes place in May in Edinburgh. This is established as Scotland's premier investor showcase giving 60 early stage technology companies the opportunity to pitch for investment. EIE in 2014 was attended by over 600 people. A number of companies have come through the Converge Challenge and progressed to win a pitching slot at EIE.
Pitching to investors requires a great deal of preparation and practice. The preparation begins with the writing of a clear, concise and credible Business Plan. As with a book, the first paragraph must be crafted to excite the reader and entice them to read on.
A well written Executive Summary is also essential. It must be a standalone document which summarises the key elements of the Business Plan on a SINGLE page - in a readable font size!
The pitch itself is the live version of the Executive Summary. The opening statement is critical to capture the attention of the audience and make them sit up and listen. Visuals should be carefully prepared to enhance the impact of the spoken word and not act as a distraction. A pitch will normally be followed by a Q & A. There are no new questions. They are just the same questions expressed in a different way in a different context.
This where we come full circle with the preparation. A fully thought through business plan will already contain the answers to those questions.
Gordon Stuart
Informatics Ventures
gordon.stuart@informatics-ventures.com
