Unleashing the Magic of Investor Attraction
By Dr. Li Deng, China
I’m excited to share an unforgettable workshop experience that was part of our SUSI program, where we delved into the intriguing world of investor pitches under the guidance of two seasoned experts, Rick Plaut and Rick Feldman.
The workshop started with an air of excitement as all the SUSI project participants were divided into four groups, each comprising of 4-5 members. Armed with the Business Canvas Model Tool, the teams embarked on the thrilling journey of selecting competitive products for their pitch.
Rick Plaut and Rick Feldman, both veterans in the investment and teaching realms, took charge as our workshop facilitators. Their combined expertise promised an engaging and informative session ahead.
The first group set the tone by presenting a thoughtfully designed laundry service app tailored to the current state of affairs in Ukraine. The second group captured our attention with a comprehensive package of services aimed at combating carbon emissions. Meanwhile, the third group centered their pitch around social support initiatives, emphasizing the importance of connections in modern society. Finally, the fourth group introduced us to “PawsTech Tracker,” an innovative solution for pet tracking and health services.
Each team had a mere three minutes to make their case, followed by a lively Q&A session from fellow participants. It was a tight timeframe, and the challenge was clear – to captivate investors’ interest rapidly.
After all the presentations, Rick Plaut and Rick Feldman provided invaluable feedback. They emphasized the significance of addressing two key questions: “Why present?” and “Why listen?” In such a brief time, it was crucial to convey the purpose of the pitch and the value of the presented idea to potential investors effectively.
Throughout the workshop, the passionate discussions revolved around strategies to pique investors’ curiosity in just a few minutes. Ideas were exchanged, and creativity flowed as we brainstormed on ways to stand out in a crowded market.
The climax of the workshop came with the highly anticipated voting session to determine the best team of the day. It was a tight race, but in the end, the accolade went to the “PawsTech Tracker” team for their innovative and promising project.
In a thought-provoking twist, both Rick Plaut and Rick Feldman encouraged us to contemplate the process of training students in this realm – how to help them learn from failure. They highlighted the vital role of embracing setbacks as learning opportunities and fostering resilience among aspiring entrepreneurs.
The workshop concluded on a high note, leaving us with new found knowledge, inspiration, and camaraderie among participants. We had explored the art and science of the investor pitch, and the experience was nothing short of memorable.
As we continue our entrepreneurial journey, we will carry the invaluable lessons learned from Rick Plaut and Rick Feldman with us. With unwavering determination and creativity, we strive to make our mark in the competitive world of startups and investments.
All opinions expressed by the program participants are their own and do not represent nor reflect official views from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, or of the Institute for Training and Development, Inc.
