This experience has been extraordinary mostly in good ways. It is unprecedented for me to analyze educational technology from a purely business perspective. The amount and quality of learning I gained in the days I worked on this assignment are massively incredible (or incredibly massive?) that my brain literally hurts. Navigating through tens of resources to find the necessary information, selecting only the most valuable and relevant, and endeavouring to understand new knowledge and know how to utilize it efficiently are among the skills I improved through this assignment. It was challenging to understand the new terminology and fundamentals of the business world, but I can proudly say that I have won this challenge.

For the most part, I am glad and excited and inspired to try to pitch my own venture, however, I am also a bit terrified as it seems like a complex challenge. Understanding what makes a venture story strong is an objective I can say with a lot of confidence that I have achieved. Nevertheless, I do believe writing and telling that story are completely different things, and I have learned that the way the story is told is basically everything. In most cases it is what makes or breaks the deal.

Among the factors I think make a venture story strong are the compelling characters, the fervent plot, and the exciting tipping point. The compelling characters are in essence the magnificent team behind the venture. The more experienced, passionate, courageous, and smart they are, the better chance they have of attracting the investor’s attention. As for the fervent plot, it is mainly the story of how this venture was conceived and why people should listen to it. A successful plot is a moving and emotional one, not too sappy, just awe-inspiring enough for the investor to actually hear it till the end and be inspired to support it. Finally, the exciting tipping point is the ‘’wow’’ moment at which the brilliant idea has been born. The investor should be convinced of its originality and importance and potential to be profitably monetized.

With a charming and charismatic delivery, I believe these elements make up a pretty good recipe for a successful and strong venture pitch. I hope my work proves that to be true.

One last notion I would like to share is that I feel empowered this term as I am taking both ETEC522 and ETEC524. The former is enabling me to assess educational technologies from an investment perspective while the latter is providing the theoretical frameworks and models and hands-on experience necessary to evaluate educational technologies from a consumer/user point of view. Understanding the distinction between the two is indeed empowering because it opens opportunities for me to play both roles, efficiently I aspire.