Investors FAQs
We hope the following FAQ answers all your questions. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
FAQs
If invited to attend, am I or my firm required to invest in one or more of the presenting companies?
No. As with all startup introductions, your decision to invest is subject to the startup matching your screen (stage, industry, geography, etc) and subsequent due diligence and negotiation by and between both parties.
How many people from my firm may attend?
Since this is a virtual event, you may have as many people as you desire.
What criteria did Pismo Ventures use to select presenting companies?
Pismo Ventures uses it’s own proprietary questionnaire and algorithm to select startups that are best-in-class, investment-worthy, and most-fundable.
What stage of funding are the startups?
As stage definition is changing, for the most part these are early-stage startups raising Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A. Also, we intentionally did not establish dollar thresholds because it can vary by industry vertical and by investors.
Is this a business plan competition where companies are awarded prizes?
No. this is not a business plan competition; rather, it is a showcase to connect highly fundable startups and investors for possible due diligence and investment.
If I am an individual investor, what are the possible way I might invest?
You might consider investing directly as an individual, through an angel group, or participate in a syndicate of investors through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). SPVs will be set up by Pismo Ventures with information regarding SPVs shared before, during and after the event.
If I decide to enter into due diligence or invest in one or more startups, am I required to announce the decision at the event?
You are not required but are highly encouraged to since doing so adds to the excitement of the event, provides you greater visibility to other investors and startups, gives you the ability to syndicate, offers the chance to team up with other subject matter experts for due diligence, and signals your satisfaction with the event.
Are there limitations on the amount of capital raised or revenue generated?
No, any business that fits our terms will be allowed to apply, regardless of revenue status.
Is there an opportunity to make a "Soft Commitment" before the event begins?
Yes. A “soft commitment” is a non-binding, non-legal expression of your confidence in the startups and the event. Investors willing to make a soft commitment will be provided access to the startup slide decks in advance of the event. The magnitude of the ‘soft commitment’ is up to the investor, and is typically based on the average investment they make in one or more investments. Investors making ‘soft commitments’ may choose to have listed on our webpage, (a) their name and amount listed; (b) just their name; or (c) no mention of their name. In all cases, the ‘soft commitment’ may be reflected in the total pool of soft commitments listed on our webpage.
Will there be a Q&A period after each presentation?
Yes, a Q&A period will be available after the presentation.
Will investors be able to see pitch decks in advance?
Yes. You will receive instructions on how and when you may access pitch decks and other pertinent information about each startup.
Are investors allowed to dialogue with startups before the event?
Yes, but should you and a startup have discussions in advance of the event, we ask that you still participate for your own personal networking and the opportunity to see more startups.
Will investors have to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in order to participate and see pitch deck and presentations?
No, Investors will not be asked to sign NDAs for this event. We encourage startups to present only non-confidential/non-proprietary information.