No. As with all startup introductions, your decision to invest is subject to the startup matching your screen (stage, industry, geography, etc) and subsequent due diligence and negotiation by and between both parties.
Pismo Ventures makes best efforts and uses its own proprietary questionnaire and algorithm to select startups that are best-in-class, investment-worthy, and most-fundable.
Stage definition is changing. For the most part these are early-stage startups raising Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A. Further, we intentionally did not establish dollar thresholds because it can vary by industry vertical, region, and investors.
No. This is not a business plan competition; rather, it is a showcase to connect highly fundable startups and investors for possible due diligence and investment.
You might consider investing directly as an individual, through an angel group, or participate in a syndicate of investors through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). SPVs will be set up by Pismo Ventures with information regarding SPVs shared before, during and after the event.
You are not required but are highly encouraged to since doing so adds to the excitement of the event, provides you greater visibility to other investors and startups, gives you the ability to syndicate, offers the chance to team up with other subject matter experts for due diligence, and signals your satisfaction with the event.
Yes. A “soft commitment” is a non-binding, non-legal expression of your confidence in the startups and the event. Investors willing to make a soft commitment will be provided access to the startup slide decks in advance of the event. The magnitude of the ‘soft commitment’ is up to the investor, and is typically based on the average investment they make in one or more investments. Investors making ‘soft commitments’ may choose to have listed on our webpage, (a) their name and amount listed; (b) just their name; or (c) no mention of their name. In all cases, the ‘soft commitment’ may be reflected in the total pool of soft commitments listed on our webpage.
Each event is different. Some events will have a Q&A period available after presentations but not all. Please refer to each event specific information.
Each event is different. Some events will have the ability for pitch decks to be reviewed in advance. If so, you will receive instructions on how and when you may access pitch decks and other pertinent information about each startup. Please refer to each event specific information.
Each event is different. Some events will have the capability to facilitate dialogue. If so, should you and a startup have discussions in advance of the event, we ask that you still participate for your own personal networking and the opportunity to see more startups. Please refer to each event specific information.
