AI USE: I used AI for the main structure of the pitch (10 page format) as I was not familiar with what a pitch should look like. This was a focus on the heading of each page such as problem and opportunity, the academy, business and academy model, etc. I then explored, researched, and evidenced each page without the use of AI.
I have been working on this pitch for the last year in hopes of actually starting an esports academy at my school. In the last few years we have implemented a high-performance sports academy for soccer followed by volleyball. This has been an incredibly lucrative venture for the school and after seeing the enthusiasm of students in the program I believe there is opportunity to expand into esports. This was an easy topic to explore as I have already done a large aount of research on this idea. A significant consideration would be the scope of this venture. I believe it should start in a smaller scale but for the sake of this venture project I expanded it.
Strengths of this pitch:
The tiered Academy model (Foundation / Development / Elite) as a real product ladder, not just a club
The two-sided business model with the school-subsidized core plus externally-funded growth as a credible answer to "how does this pay for itself"
Grounding in verified research rather than surface-level claims. Much of esports can be romanticized but the hard data is important to understand before implementing such a large undertaking.
The pitch is based upon real world application that is mirrored by the schools soccer and volleyball academy.
Clear differentiation from competitors as the first esports academy in Phnom Penh.
Curriculum integration in addition to the competitive stream. This would be an easy integration into the CTF model in the school.
Reuse of school infrastructure for year 1
Diversified and realistic revenue model
Weakness of this pitch:
Placeholder data (student surveys) could be grounded in actual data rather than conversation inquiry.
Real market testing on the viability of an esports academy in Phnom Penh.
Surveys of potential investment partners or sponsorships (reaching out to MYTEB).
The tiers may be be too rushed for a return given this is not a normal sports venture.
Discussion on what the computer lab will look like in the future is a contended topic and there has been no major indications on its directionality.
Breakdown of technology requirements may not be appropriate for the ask. Cambodia has significant taxes on technology so the pricing may not be realistic.
I had difficulty with deciding how to overcome financial barriers necessary to start such a large venture. Competitive esports puts a significant emphasis on the technology used. Asking the school for such a large amount of money as a startup is nerve wracking. While I know that it would be a boon for the school the return may not align with my estimations. It was also difficult to put myself into the mindset of an academy director. I thought it was prudent as I explored this venture as a whole but realistically I would be more focused on being a coach or academic facilitator.Â