As the time for an InSITE engagement is limited, the client and engagement team will focus on three core deliverables: 1) a pitch deck, 2) a brief executive summary, and 3) a Pitch Event to Top VC and Angel Investors:
Pitch/Presentation enhancement and Story Practice
The pitch deck and presentation should be clear and concise. In addition to the slides, management should be able to produce additional backup material including the sources that they cite within the presentation. The speaker should avoid being either overly formal or over familiar. Often times an investor will not be able to listen to an entire presentation regardless of its quality. Ensure that the initial overview tells the story well, in case the investor cuts a presentation short. Get to the point and know the audience. If they are experts in the field, too much background will bore them.
By working with InSITE on this critical piece of the funding puzzle, entrepreneurs can be confident that
* The pitch tells the story in a complimentary way while providing the information that sophisticated investors demand;
* Investors will understand exactly what the company does and how they earn profits; and,
* Given very limited presentation time, the message will come across in a manner that reflects well on the business and management.
Executive Summary
Based on the group feedback from the initial screening of the plans and the pitch, this is a critical point where InSITE can add immediate value for the client. The objective of this component of the process is to identify strengths and weaknesses.
InSITE will ensure that the summary goes beyond simply asking for funding by ensuring it:
* Effectively describes the business in terms of its objectives and goals;
* Articulates in a clear and simple manner the various sources of revenues and profits;
* Explains the nature of demand for the business’ products and services; and,
* Focuses on the experiences and unique qualities of management.
Pitch Event to Top VC and Angel Funders
Each semester, InSITE Companies have the opportunity to present to VC and Angel Funders at the Final Pitch Event. Each entrepreneur will have 10 minutes to pitch, and will receive feedback from a panel of highly experienced funders and entrepreneurs.
Past panelists have included:
- Bob Greene / Co-Founder and Partner, Contour Venture Partners
- Thomas Lehrman / Founder and CEO, Boliven
- Charlie O’Donnell / Entrepreneur in Residence, First Round Capital
- Noah Walley / Managing Director, Investor Growth Capital
Past attendees at pitch events have included:
- Contour Venture Partners (InSITE VCAP Sponsor)
- DFJ Gotham (InSITE VCAP Sponsor)
- Greenhill SAVP (InSITE VCAP Sponsor)
- Investor Growth Capital (InSITE VCAP Sponsor)
- Milestone Venture Partners (InSITE VCAP Sponsor)
- RRE Ventures (InSITE VCAP Sponsor)
- Ascend Venture Group
- Black Dome Capital
- Canaan Partners
- First Mark Capital
- First Round Capital
- L Capital
- Lux Capital
- NGEN Partners
- Rose Tech Ventures
- Tipping Point Partners
- Salmon River Capital
- Union Square Ventures
Additional Services
As a function of improving the pitch deck, presentation and executive summary, the InSITE team may find it necessary to provide some additional services to strengthen these 3 deliverables including:
* Overall Business Review
* Business Model Analysis
* Management Review & Recommendations
* Strategic Analysis (timing, competition & alternatives)
To the qualified early-stage entrepreneurial organization, InSITE is prepared to add the critical value and experience that businesses need to survive and thrive in a challenging funding environment. In addition to the obvious benefits, companies will have access to the body of experience that the InSITE fellowship has to offer.