INTEL 🧠

Let's reflect together!

From a wild idea in a brainstorming session to now having 8 episodes online, with over 1.5K subscribers and more than 1.5 million minutes watched on YouTube, we're incredibly proud and grateful to YOU!

Yes, you! A valued member of our audience, continually showing support and interest as we share knowledge and engage you in direct face-to-face meetings with entrepreneurs.

As this first ride with the rollercoaster comes to an end and the grand finale is on the horizon, let’s do a quick recap of what we’ve been watching together.

Firstly, in the debut episode, we discussed the most common traits of successful entrepreneurs. From unwavering persistence to a thirst for learning, our startup mentors and advisory board explored the characteristics and motivations that drive founders' journeys.

Meanwhile, you've had the opportunity to get to know each startup mentor and founding team in depth, as we've compiled everything into this playlist for you to catch up on.

In the next four episodes, you got to know all 20 contestants more closely, with their assigned mentors guiding them through the process with expertise and experience, providing you with a closer look at the journey.

In the most recent three episodes, we've bid farewell to seven startups that exited the game, revealing the reasons and feedback from the advisory board. We then shifted our focus to showcasing the unique pre-pitch rituals of the remaining 12 startups, leading up to their actual pitches in front of the advisory board.

Fast-forward to today, we have only 2 episodes left to reveal who will win the grand prize: a ticket to Silicon Valley and the title of ultimate winner of these founder games.

What a ride!

What's your favorite? 

Reply to this email and place your bet on the winning startup, along with honest feedback for this season so far!

LEVEL UP ⬆️

All about that pitch!

There hasn't been an episode this season where the word 'pitch' wasn't mentioned, especially considering that the last episodes were entirely focused on our startups preparing for and delivering their pitches!

But what actually is a pitch and why it’s so important? Let’s dig deeper into this topic 👇

Whether you're a new or experienced entrepreneur, at some point, you'll need to present your idea to customers, shareholders, investors, and network professionals. So, what is a pitch?

A startup pitch is a presentation given by the founders or representatives of a startup company to potential investors or stakeholders. Its primary goal is to convince the audience of the viability and potential of the startup's business idea, product, or service.

Startup pitches are often concise, typically lasting around 5 to 15 minutes, and are designed to capture the attention and interest of investors who may provide funding or support to help the startup grow.

But how do you craft an effective pitch that clearly and compellingly presents your startup? Here are 8 handy steps to follow 👣

1. Begin with the opening hook as this is where you introduce your story, share a surprising fact, or pose a provocative question to instantly captivate your audience.

2. Elaborate on the problem and thoroughly explore the issue your startup is addressing, clearly defining it to ensure the audience can relate to the pain points and understand the solution you're developing.

3. Present the product/market fit for your solution highlighting what makes it unique. Provide a brief overview of the benefits you bring to your target audience.

4. Research the market opportunity and demonstrate your startup's potential for growth by presenting market size and other relevant data. This allows investors to glimpse the potential of your venture.

5. Introduce your team members, highlighting their relevant skills and experience that are valuable for the startup. Also, mention notable advisors, mentors, and partners who add credibility to your work.

6. Explain the business model and traction! Investors are curious to gauge your startup by understanding how you're generating revenue. Present your strategy, channels, and revenue streams, emphasizing scalability. Additionally, share the progress you've made and key milestones achieved, such as sales, user numbers, partnerships, or pilot programs.

7. Outline the Go-to-Market plan by briefly explaining your marketing and sales strategy, as well as how you plan to attract and retain customers.

8. End your pitch with a clear call to action, stating specifically what you want from the audience. Remember, investors want to know how much funding you need, so don't be shy. Ask boldly, and you may receive.

*Bonus tip: Be clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary details, but keep them in mind for follow-up questions. Use visuals to make the pitch more engaging, and of course, perform your pre-pitch ritual to build confidence and ensure a smooth delivery!

🎁 Here comes the gift 🎁 Grab our free template to help you craft the next great pitch deck smoothly!

**Bonus to the bonus tip

Here's some additional helpful material to enhance your pitch game and get you ready for this moment 👇

🎥 Teddy Pejoski on what effective investor pitch should include

🎥 How to pitch your company by YC

🎥 How to pitch your startup by YC (again)

CONNECT AND GROW 🎫

_{Can’t miss these startup events!}

• How To Come Up With Great Startup Ideas (June 11)

  Jonathan Greechan (Co-Founder & CEO of Founder Institute) will share a framework for crafting great startup ideas that he has learned from working with over 10K startups worldwide.

• Startup Success: Mastering the Product Discovery Process (June 11)

  Understanding the core of customer needs is crucial for any startup's success. This online workshop guides individuals on how to accurately identify and solve customer problems through a structured Product Discovery approach.

• Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder (June 12)

  Hear the stories, tips, and best practices of those who left their jobs to pursue their own startup company. Listen to the experiences of people just like you who have made the transition, and discuss any questions or concerns that you have.

• Founders' Forum (June 13)

  Online and interactive series crafted to equip entrepreneurs with the indispensable knowledge and insights crucial for success in the realm of startup fundraising.

NOTEWORTHY TWEETS 🐦

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 🍿