Congratulations on making the choice to come and pitch our audience at one of our events! It takes a lot of courage to speak in public, and we’re here to support you all the way.
Should you be confirmed to pitch you’ll have the opportunity to speak for 3 minutes and show 3-5 slides. After that there will be 2 minutes of Q & A with the audience. This is your best opportunity to impress the investors attending the event, and to hone your pitching skills in a real, yet supportive environment.
This post will help you make the most of this opportunity – so be sure to read carefully…
What is a Proseed Open Mic Pitch?
We run a successful monthly startup event in Bangkok, during which we give 3 startup an opportunity to pitch our audience. The format is simple – You have 3 minutes to pitch our audience, followed by 2 minutes of Q&A.
Who can apply to give a Pitch?
If you’re launching an innovative business in Southeast Asia you’re welcome to pitch us. If you’re unsure if your business is innovative enough – feel free to contact us. The best way to do that is via a direct message on our Facebook page.
We screen the quality of all pitches prior to allowing them on stage so please be sure to reach out to us BEFORE the event to confirm your slot.
How to prepare for your Startup Pitch?
To help you make the most of your pitch slot please be sure to have the following. The following pointers are based on the experiences and learning of tens of pitches we’ve witnessed – Take our word for it – Following these guidelines will help you shine on the day:
- Pitch deck with 3-5 slides – Dedicate your opening slide to a hero image and your logo, and leave your final slide to your contact details and whatever your offer / ask from investors is. We ONLY ACCEPT PDF SLIDES. Check these samples for inspiration:Young Happy | Stroll Guam | Terebinth
- Script – The 3 minute pitch time means you can fit 240-300 words in your pitch, depending on your narration speed. We STRONGLY suggest you aim for the lower end of the scale and S-P-E-A-K S-L-O-W-L-Y. What works well in a rehearsal will inevitably take longer when you’re on stage.
- REHEARSE IT – A lot. With an audience. Make them ask you tough questions and challenge you. Practice really makes perfect.
- Be ready for the Q&A – Whatever you’re most uncomfortable talking about in your pitch will inevitably be a question from the audience, so come prepared.
- Dealing with tough questions – If you’re uncomfortable answering a question the best response is to simply say: “I’d rather not talk about that publicly – Let’s chat later during the open networking.”
- Bring business cards – You will be asked for them.
What should you include in your 3 minute startup pitch cover?
We’ve worked with leading investors to identify the points they’re most interested in hearing about when evaluating a founders’ pitch – Be sure to cover the following in your presentation and script:
- Customer Pain: what’s the pain, what’s your remedy?
- What problem are you solving – Which inefficiency in the value chain are you displacing?
- Market size
- Technology / Hedge / Unfair advantage in your engine/remedy
- What is your value proposition
- How much are you raising, and for that amount what will the investor get? In other words what’s your pre-money valuation?
- How did you reach your valuation number?
- How will you use investment funds?
What to do on the day of your pitch?
Please be sure to be at the event venue no later 18.00 for final briefing and setup. For any more questions – contact us on Facebook.
GOOD LUCK!