THE 2012-2013 MIT ENTERPRISE FORUM-PITTSBURGH SEASON
In Search Of … ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS!
September 19: ISO… CEO (and advisors, beta customers, investors…)
Here’s where it all starts! Get in on the ground floor of our new season, and on your next opportunity, as we transform our traditional Elevator Pitch event into a ‘speed dating’ mash-up event for technologists and entrepreneurs who are In Search Of a CEO, advisors, investors, etc. It’s a chance for our region’s serial entrepreneurs to find their next opportunity; for management in large companies to share their knowledge and connections with fledgling startups; for investors to support the Next Big Thing; and for our membership to go past our traditional one-night critique of Elevator Pitches, to getting involved over the coming season to help these entrepreneurs find Success!
We’ll be checking back in over the course of the season with selected teams that were formed in this first session, as we build toward our final Pitch Event
Logistics: Have technologists and entrepreneurs submit a one-page summary of their business proposition, status of development and desired connections. A screened subset will get to make a presentation. All will have an opportunity to participate in a ‘speed dating’ event where advisors, etc. will go around the room to find opportunities they want to support. Those who form a ‘team’ (or who connected in the past six months) will get to participate in future events.
October 16: ISO…EARLY STAGE FUNDING
A panel of early stage funding sources will provide an overview of their funding mechanisms and criteria. Then selected teams that were formed at the first session will have a chance to pitch their concepts. The panel will react to the business proposition, the fit with their funding mission, and provide advice on next steps to pursue to make the opportunity fundable.
November 1: ISO…SOCIAL IMPACT
In conjunction with Solutions for Society event, several selected teams that are pursuing social enterprises will have a chance to give their Elevator Pitch to a panel of experts who will provide feedback and guidance for next steps.
December 4: ISO…INNOVATION IN ENERGY
Marquee event to understand innovations in the pipeline and unmet needs in the coal and gas industries. Several selected teams in energy will make their Elevator Pitch and receive feedback from a panel of experts.
December 19: ISO…CONNECTIONS
Holiday Mixer
January 16: ISO…ADVICE
Talk to the Angels: Selected companies will have an opportunity to ask a key strategic question of a panel of angels. Event is only open to participating companies, panelists, sponsors, and board members.
February 20: ISO…OPPORTUNITIES IN BIG DATA
Panel will discuss hot topic of Big Data. What are the opportunities, and how are Pittsburgh companies and universities participating in this booming field. Several selected teams in Big Data will make their Elevator Pitch and receive feedback from the panel.
March 20: ISO…OPPORTUNITIES IN LIFE SCIENCES
Panel will discuss trends and opportunities in life sciences. What are the opportunities, and how are Pittsburgh companies and universities participating in this booming field. Several selected teams in Life Sciences will make their Elevator Pitch and receive feedback from the panel.
April 17: ISO…SUCCESS!
In a reprise of our What’s the Big Deal event, a panel of entrepreneurs will discuss their recent success in raising significant investment or their company’s acquisition. Several selected teams that are nearing the point of seeking significant investment or acquisition will make their Elevator Pitch and get advice from the panel on their upcoming transactions.
May 16: ISO...WINNING PITCHERS
The culmination of our season, as selected teams will have the opportunity to make ten minute pitches to a panel of investors and advisors.