Programs Special One-Day Events

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Real Talk - The Funding Process

Perfect Pitch

You never get a second chance at a first impression. Early-stage ventures seeking investment need to know how to target, locate, approach, and close with venture capitalists, angels, and strategic investors. Hear first-hand a successful pitch from an entrepreneur who has closed a funding round (or two) and how the company’s pitch evolved over time.Speakers:

• Marci Cornell-Feist, BoardOnTrack
• Jeremy Halpern, Nutter McClennen & Fish

Mentor Lunch

The Entrepreneur-Advisor matching lunch is an opportunity for you to ask questions and receive advice from experienced entrepreneurs, strategic professionals, or early-stage investors, all who are active supporters of New England’s entrepreneurial community. Spend the lunch hour in a small group discussion with fellow entrepreneurs and our handpicked advisors to discuss your startup. Come ready with your one-minute pitch and a burning question.

Full list of mentors

Company Valuation and Metrics – top down or bottom up?

Defending your corporate valuation to Angels & VCs is nearly impossible. In this program, we will discuss valuation methodologies, metrics, tactics, and tips for early-stage corporate valuations.

• Bob Gervis, Launchpad Venture Group
• Paulina Hill, Polaris Partners
• Tod Loofbourrow, ViralGains

Funding Deep Dives

Get your specific questions answered about the funding process, strategy, and where to look for investment based on your companies stage and progress.

The First Raise

So you’re getting ready for your first raise, you need some cash to get to your first milestone and launch your product. At this stage, there are multiple options to choose from: friends and family, individual angels, and maybe even crowdfunding. Which do you choose for your venture at this time? How do you correctly approach this raise so that you’re strategically prepared for the next? Who do you partner with in the early stages for long-term support? We will tackle the most significant issues startups face when approaching their first rounds.

• Jim Miller, RoundGrille, Inc.
• Ben Littauer, Walnut Venture Associates
• Emily Lagasse, Fedwell Pet Foods
• Will Bernat, Nutter McLennen & Fish

The Big Ask

You’re growing, and you need more cash. You’ve got customers but you need to scale- quickly. This is the sweet spot in your development where you have proven a certain level of success, and people are beginning to notice. How much equity do you give up, and to whom? Are you actually ready to talk to a VC, or are you seeking too much too fast and at risk of diluting the value of your company? How do you approach larger angel groups and VCs while upholding positive relationships with your early investors? Let’s take a close look at that pie and figure out how to divvy it up while maintaining the quality of the company you’ve poured your heart into.

• David Beisel, NextView Ventures
• Anne Estabrook, Golden Seeds
• Matthew Zisow, Scratch Technology Corp.
• Adam Ghander, Nutter McClennen & Fish, LLP

Industry Roundtables

Get the inside scoop on what the investment landscape is for your company and industry. Led by leading experts in your field, ready to answer your questions.

• Peter Parker, Lab Central
• Jess Mclear, Contract Pharmaceuticals Limited
• Dan Goldman, Clean Energy Venture Group
• Jeremy Halpern, Nutter McClennen & Fish
• Ed Mascioli, SV Life Science
• Michael Schraeder, Vaxess
• Ben Littauer, Boston Harbor Angels
• Karen Teller, Golden Seeds

Registration:

Regular: $150.00 advance, $200.00 at the doorAEP Members: $80.00- Join Now

Some full scholarships available. Please fill out this form to apply.Students: $80.00 – a limited number of scholarships are available to full-time students through StayinMA