Inside Dark Networks

Life is good again in Silicon Valley. Many start-ups are emerging and they all need one thing….cash. But in order to get Angel or Venture Capital, they need to be able to successfully pitch their company. Irrespective of how important their mission is, or the huge potential market share, if CEOs cannot articulate their value proposition within 15 minutes, they will not get funded.

I recently attended an Angel & VC event. After hearing many pitches of varying impact, I managed to obtain a comprehensive list of the things that Angels & VC’s look for.

When creating and preparing to deliver your companies elevator pitch, you will likely be judged on the following:

1) Elevator Pitch: Introduction

2) Product/Service Solves a needed problem in the marketplace

3) Marketing Strategy

4) Business Model: (Makes practical sense, including profit model)

5) Management Team: (Not just the Executive team, but who is on you Board of Directors, who are your Advisors)

6) Financials and Funding: (what do you have already? what do you need?, is it clearly stated and feasible?)

7) Overall Presentation: (Verbal delivery skills including workable business plan and knowledge of the Market Place)

Obviously practice is key. Ensure you can deliver your presentation consistently and with passion every time, and always always under the allotted time.

Good luck!