If you are uploading your pitch deck, you may want to use the following sample deck as aguide.
If you are presenting, please record a 6-minute video presentation of your pitch. You will NOT be presenting/pitching live. We are purposely using pre-recorded video of your pitch for the presentation for 2 reasons:
The recorded pitch will be available after the event is over for investors to review regardless if they had seen it during the live event or afterwards.
Pre-recorded pitch will help us streamline the process for a smoother presentation day.
To record your video, it may be as simple as turning on your Zoom by starting a new meeting without any participant, share your presentation, and then begin recording. You can also use a platform like Vimeo.com with free account. It is up to you to figure out how to produce your video. Please adhere to the 6-minute time otherwise your presentation will be cut off - 6 MINUTES ONLY.
Recorded video must be uploaded to Vimeo.com and then update your profile to add the Pitch Video URL to your profile. MUST BE A VIMEO.COM URL ONLY - NO EXCEPTIONS.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please make sure the last slide on your presentation pitch deck and your video pitch displays the following information:
How much capital is being raised in this round
What are the deal terms? Pre and Post Valuation/Cap, Discount, Maturity, Interest Rate, Etc.?
How much of the raise has already been collected and in the bank?
How much of the raise is soft committed but not collected?
How much capital previously raised? How many rounds?
How much hard cash has been invested by the founders in total (not sweat equity)?
What are the milestones and intended use of investment capital?
What is the current monthly burn rate?
How long will the currently available cash last without additional investment?
How many seats on your Board of Directors and do they have industry experience?
Business must be active and may be either pre or post revenue but may not be just an idea that has not been launched
Business must have a Board of Director
Applicants are allowed only one submission per business
Applicant must have access to stable internet connection and device to connect online
Applicant may be required fill out registration, application, questionnaire, and any other required document as requested from time to time without prior notification
Each applicant and business (each application) must accept and abide by all the rules, requirements, terms and conditions as such terms may change from time to time without prior notification, otherwise they can be disqualified
Applicants may not be able to update submission materials after registration or any published deadline
All participants release the rights to Pismo Ventures to use any audio, video, or media for training and promotional purposes
Participating in the Startup Symposium offers startups one the biggest opportunities to raise capital.
Exposures to investors, investor groups, venture capital firms, and family offices from across the nation and the globe
Exposures could lead to significant investments for your company as it has been the case with previous events
Attend invaluable educational webinars, workshops, and expert panels
Startup Symposium provides startups and founders with invaluable exposure to investors across the nation and the globe. Several companies in previous events have raised millions of dollars largely due to their participation and exposure to our investor network consisting of angels, angel groups, venture capital firms, family offices and other funds. Additionally, this Symposium provides invaluable webinars and panels from thought leaders with topics ranging from finance, legal, marketing/sales, pitch deck, and much more.
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.
No. As with all investor introductions, their decision to invest is subject to your company matching their screen (stage, industry, geography, etc) and subsequent due diligence and negotiation by and between both parties. The Startup Symposium provides exposure to help startups present to investors.
No. As with all investor offers, your decision to accept an investment is subject to the investor matching your needs (stage, industry, geography, ability to offer more than funding, etc) and subsequent due diligence and negotiation by and between both parties.
Your first step, should you receive no investment offer, is to ask investors for feedback and adjust accordingly. You can get additional help from your network.
Further, Pismo Venture has an advisory arm available to help startups with their startup needs and prepare them to be investable. We help de-risk the investment opportunity for investors by increasing the likelihood of success and minimizing the risk of failure. Please visit us at Pismo Ventures or email us.
Angels, Angel Groups, Venture Capitalists, and Family Offices. The following is a list of some of the investors that have previously participated. They are independent or may belong to one or more of the following investment groups, angel groups, venture capital firms, or family offices. These investors have participated previously and may or may not participate in each Startup Symposium event. Further, there may be additional investors and investment groups that have not been added to the above lists.
Each event is different. Some events will have the ability to upload a pitch deck. If so, you will receive instructions on how to apply. Further, if you are required to submit an application, you will require you to answer few questions, upload your pitch deck, and a short video describing your product or service. Please refer to each event specific information.
Further, Pismo Ventures has an advisory arm available help startups with their startup needs and prepare them to be investable. We help derisk the investment opportunity for investors by increasing the likelihood of success and minimizing the risk of failure. Please visit us at Pismo Ventures or email us.
If pitch decks are available, all investors will be given the opportunity and access to review all applications and pitch decks, but it is up to them to review or not.
