Opportunities to meet us online are just around the corner. Join us next week at these virtual pitching competitions:
Podim conference, 18-20 May 2020: PODIM is the most influential startup & tech event in the Alps-Adriatic & Western Balkans region, based in Slovenia. It is the gateway from/to the region for efficient networking, making deals and sharing experience.
EIT InnoEnergy PowerUp Croatia, 21 May 2020, 15:00-17:00: EIT InnoEnergy PowerUp! Challenge is an international competition that joined 425 startups in the early stage from 24 CEE countries. The best will get an opportunity to win prize money up to 50.000 eur and investment opportunity up to 5 M eur from EIT InnoEnergy as well as additional prizes from Amazon Web Services, Revolut or SpeedUp Group.
SCV team will be in the jury of both events and we are looking forward to meeting you.
How to pitch online? Tips to prepare a perfect remote pitch
Even if you are used to pitching to potential investors in real life, online pitching needs some finetuning of your presentation to ensure your message gets across. Here are some tips on how to prepare for remote pitching:
1. Choose video conferencing tool wisely
In this case, using the simplest platform that enables easy or no sign-in and sharing of your pitch deck is a huge advantage, since complicated processes may divert the interest of potential partners or investors. If the investor already has a platform of choice, it’s best to get familiar with that platform. Prepare by downloading the app beforehand and do a practise run with your team. In the practise call try out all features including screen sharing your pitch deck or video, chat options and returning to the call after your onscreen presentation is done. It can reveal any technical or presentational aspects you haven’t thought of.
2. Carry a conversation, not a presentation
Presenting online can feel like talking into empty space without feedback. On the other hand, you are battling for the jury’s attention, which might get take away by technical difficulties, noise disruptions and so on. Try to keep it short with a clear flow of the most relevant information. Keep a conversational pace of 130–140 words per minute, sprinkle it with pauses and at least a few ‘human moments’ to go with it. Feel free to have cheat-sheets, but do not completely read the text from the screen. That will be very negatively perceived by everyone present on the line.
3. Online meeting etiquette
It can be as simple as muting your microphone when it’s not your turn to speak. If the other person has their video turned on, you are expected to have it on as well, since it will give attendees better idea who they are actually speaking with. Another important thing to consider is also screen sharing that might reveal other open applications or desktop content so keep your presentation desktop professional. It might be easier if you know the rules beforehand. If needed, contact the event organiser a few days before the event and ask if there are any additional guidelines that participants are expected to follow.
4. Prepare for investor questions
As any other pitching format, you can expect for the jury to have follow-up questions. They usually revolve around go-to-market strategy, runway management, plans for the next 18-24 months, scalability and potential pivot options. Be prepared to answer them in a short and data-supported way. If the platform enables screen sharing, it might help to have main graphs and data prepared to share with the jury to help you support your answer. If not, just keep them handy so you can present some numbers as you go.
5. Follow up
Organize a follow-up meeting with the investors or partners. It can be online or face-to-face, the important thing is to continue building the relationship and keeping them apprised of your milestones which may improve your potential for future funding.
We wish good luck to all startups and are looking forward to hearing about your solution that will change the world.