This is an invite-only, flexible digital event for active & accredited investors to hear pitches from startups with a connection to Western New England. Startups get an optimized way to meet a room full of different investors, many with a strong interest in companies connected to the region. Investors get a first look at the startups, meet the founders, and network with other investors.
This event is organized by a coalition of the region's startup investors including: Launch413, River Valley Investors, Milltown Capital, Alchemy Fund, Golden Seeds, the Maroon Fund, and the event is hosted online and in a flexible way that allows investors to drop in and see the startups that interest them in a quick and convenient way. For regulatory compliance reasons, representatives of other investment groups & funds who wish to attend need simply request an invitation. Members of the local entrepreneurship ecosystem who wish to observe may also request an invitation.
If you want to raise money now or in the near future, Western MA Demo Day puts you in a (digital )room full of people with money, who actively invest in companies like you, and who are keen to be helpful. And... there is no fee to apply or participate!
Entrepreneurs review the selection criteria and investor profiles (below).
Applications open on September 25th (Startups apply by October 26th @ 11:59pm.)
Applicants accepted to the next phase will schedule a 30 minute pitch review with representatives from Launch413.
Who does and does not have a slot is announced via email by November 2nd @ 11:59pm.
Demo Day is on December 7th and is an afternoon event. It begins at 1pm, with each startup holding a pre-specified time slot to be determined closer to the event.
Linked - Live, raised, educated, business is based, graduated from an entrepreneurship organization (like VVM, LEVER, EforAll, etc), and/or business founded in Western New England.
Launched - You have a prototype and/or are generating revenue. People at the "I have an idea" stage should not apply.
Logical - In the application, you will be asked to submit EITHER a 5-minute pitch video OR a copy of your executive summary. If you opt for the pitch video, make sure the video you submit clearly articulates your business opportunity (see application for details). Tips:
The best format is to record your voice over your slides.
Here is a video sequence demonstrating voice-over-slides while giving tips on strong presentation.
Here is a template you can use that covers all the items required and includes lots of embedded tips.
Here is a short series of blog posts with useful tips on crafting fantastic presentations.
Scalable - Your ambition is to build a venture that will scale beyond a traditional small business. @ minimum: goal of reaching at least $3 million a year in income.
Up to 10 Applicants (as selected based on the above criteria) will be invited.
Note: If you aren't selected for the event, you may certainly re-apply to the next demo day (persistence is an appealing trait to see in startups). Past presenters may also apply.
Launch413: Helps companies close their seed round and then scale. Uses a royalty financing model.
River Valley Investors: Seeking high growth-potential companies. Typically an equity investor, open to royalty financing.
Golden Seeds: Seeking companies with gender-diverse management teams within the B2B & B2C technology, health care, and consumer products or services industries .
Alchemy Fund: Seeking startups who want investment and to add veteran executive co-founders so they can scale to high-value companies.
Maroon Fund: Seeking early stage, high growth-potential companies linked to UMass Amherst.
Milltown Capital: Seeking companies based in Western Massachusetts, especially in the Berkshires. Typically an equity investor, open to royalty financing.
Lever: Seeking high-growth potential companies that lift our regional economy.
Springfield Venture Fund: established to invest in high potential startups as a catalyst for economic growth in the city of Springfield, MA.
5:00pm - Networking
5:15pm - Intro
5:25pm - Breakout Round 1
5:45pm - Breakout Round 2
6:05pm - Breakout Round 3
6:25pm - Wrapup
6:30pm - Done!