About Startup Symposium
Below is information about the event including criteria and judging information.
Objective
The objective of the Startup Symposium is to provide a platform for entrepreneurs and startups to learn and show case their startup. Most of all, it is to give them the opportunity to be heard by investors, angels and VCs. We strongly believe that innovation is the life of our society. It is Pismo Ventures’ goal to foster the startup ecosystem and for every entrepreneur to be provided with the support and direction needed to launch, grow and expand their business.
Submission Materials
The following materials shall be submitted as part of the online application:
- Online Application (Application Information)
- Pitch Deck up to 15 pages max (Sample); last slide must include the following information:
- How much capital is being raised in this round
- What are the deal terms? Pre and Post Valuation/Cap, Discount, Maturity, Interest Rate, Etc…
- How much of the raise has already been collected and in the bank?
- How much of the raise is soft committed but not collected
- How much capital previously raised? How many rounds?
- How much hard cash has been invested by the founders in total (not sweat equity)?
- What are the milestones and intended use of investment capital?
- What is the current monthly burn rate?
- How long will the currently available cash last without additional investment?
- How many seats on your Board of Directors and do they have industry experience?
- 90-Second Video Demonstration of Product or Service (not a pitch video)
Submitting a 2-3 page business plan is recommended but not required.
Helpful information: Pitch Instructions, Sample Video Pitch
Submitted materials will be evaluated based on the following rubric.
The Presentation
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10 startups will be selected to present. Pismo Ventures’ proprietary questionnaire and algorithm along with our selection committee members will identify the startups that are best-in-class, investment-worthy, and most-fundable.
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10-minute pitch
- 8-minute Q&A
- 3 startups with the highest scores will emerge as winners
The Judging
Judges
Judges are investors and experts in their fields, ranging from serial entrepreneurs that have started and exited businesses to seasoned investors with years of experience investing in startups or the combination of both. Our lineup of judges include Super Angels, VCs and Family Offices all here to find and/or help nurture the next unicorn.
Rubric
The judging rubric shall consider the following: Problem, Solution, Value Proposition, Addressable Target Market, Competition, Business Model, Product-Market-Fit, Product Development, Go-To-Market Strategy, Sustainable Competitive Advantage, Intellectual Property, Distribution Channels, Financial Projections, Sales Cycle, Scalability, Funding, Team, Coachability, Presentation, and Q&A.
Scoring
Each of the criterion will be scored on a scale from 1 to 7, where 1 is the lowest score and 7 being the highest possible score. The scores will be added to produce an overall total per application. The 3 applicants with the highest scores will be announced at the conclusion of the event.
Rules and Requirements
- Applicant must be 18+ years of age
- Business must have at least one full time founder
- Business must have a legal US-Based privately held entity/corporation
- Business must be active and may be either pre or post revenue but may not be just an idea that has not been launched
- Business must have a Board of Director with at least one outside board member
- Applicants are allowed only one submission per business
- Applicant must have access to internet connection and device to connect online
- Applicant must fill out registration, application, questionnaire, and any other required document as requested from time to time without prior notification
- Each applicant and business (each application) must accept and abide by all the rules, requirements, terms and conditions as such terms may change from time to time without prior notification, otherwise they can be disqualified
- Applicants are not allowed to update submission materials after deadline
- All participants release the rights to Pismo Ventures to use any audio, video, or media for training and promotional purposes
