today, the chief intellectual property counsel for GE argues that patent protection provides a crucial incentive to innovate.
The head of an angel investing bootcamp for women philanthropists urges women to get their business ideas out into the open.
In 2011, only 12 percent of startups pitching to angels in the U.S. were women-led, according to the Center for Venture Research at the University of New Hampshire. Out of that 12 percent, 26 percent secured funding.
Benefits of pitching
Feedback
Pitching your startup is a way that you can receive advice and suggestions from potential investors that can help your business model get closer to meeting market needs.
Connections
Don’t view pitching as a zero-sum game where you either get funding, or you don’t. Instead, view pitching as an opportunity for you to meet key influencers. While a potential investor may not be interested in investing in your startup, she/he may know someone who might want to learn more and, by pitching, you increase your network, as well as you chances of securing a relevant introduction.
And yes, capital.
One of my favorite sayings is, “If you want money, as for feedback” (and we come full circle…). Pitching is an opportunity for you to share your startup, engage people, and secure funding. Whether someone wants to invest on the spot, or you receive a referral to a potential investor, remember that putting yourself out there can get you closer to raising capital.
Need a pep talk before venturing out to pitch?
Natalia Oberti Noguera is the founder and CEO of Pipeline Fellowship, an angel investing bootcamp for women philanthropists.
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