Tips and Recommendations

Remember that you are trying to get through to the forum - the objective here is not to get an investment.

Take time to stop and breathe - do not talk non stop. We need time to assimilate the points you are making.

Some tips for presenters at the forum:

• Your objective at the forum is to generate enough interest from members for them to want to perform due diligence on you. It is after due diligence that the final decision is made to invest. 
• Save the detail for due diligence. Focus on the essentials (see screening committee tips). 
• Stop and breathe - give members time to assimilate what you are saying.
• Do not read the power point. 
• Power points should be highlights not short novels.
• Use your best sales person to make the pitch. 
• Do not go into technical detail - save it for due diligence - it is sufficient to show that you know what you are talking about.
• Make sure you have an interesting value proposition for investors. There are many opportunities out there seeking investor capital 
• Show that you are open to listening to advice. No one knows it all!
• Ask for other resources you need. Members have great rolodexes and experience.

Here are the essentials that all presentations must cover:

1. Product Offering (the problem and your solution)
2. Market Description (size, growth rate, segmentation, concentration, etc.)
3. Underlying Technology (including IP Strength)
4. Competitive Analysis (how do you create value over and above competition?)
5. Partners/Customers
6. Marketing/Sales/Distribution Strategy
7. Historical/Current Financial Position; Financial Projections
8. Funding requirements
9. Deal Structure (i.e. type of security offered, capitalization table, etc.)
10. Management Team

We recommend you listen to Guy Kawasaki’s presentation on Pitching.

Some tips to help you with due diligence:

• Be prepared with a deck of all your information. 
• Be available.
• Make sure potential investors have your cell phone and that you answer it. 
• Follow up diligently with answers to questions. 
• Follow up with all interested parties as quickly as possible.
• e sure to have a good corporate securities attorney ready and engaged to prepare the documentation (subscription agreements).