18 Sep Elevator Pitch Olympics return to Early-Stage Symposium
Madison, Wis. – Start-up companies can apply for one of two chances to present to potential investors at the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, to be held Nov. 14 and 15, at Madison’s Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.
The annual conference, produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and its partners and sponsors, will feature the third annual “Elevator Pitch Olympics” for companies in a seed financing stage, and a separate Wisconsin Angel Network “Early Stage” presentation track for companies seeking angel investments in the $500,000 to $2 million range.
Up to 30 companies will be selected to present in one track or the other.
The Elevator Pitch Olympics will allow entrepreneurs to make 90-second presentations to a panel of venture and angel investors. The term describes a pitch that’s short enough to be given during an elevator ride.
Investor judges hold up their scores and give points ranging from 1 to 5 in the categories of “quality of presentation” and “business fundability.” Immediately afterwards, presenters will get constructive feedback from the judges, who are all seasoned investors.
First preference in the Elevator track will be given to companies that take part in the VentureQuest educational seminar, which helps entrepreneurs prepare to seek private equity and other financing.
The symposium also will feature nationally known speakers, a number of panel discussions, a networking reception and an awards dinner for Wisconsin recipients of federal small-business research grants.
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