how to ace the 1-hour, and ever-elusive, pitch presentation at tc early stage
Understanding the Venture Capital Perspective During Pitches
Lisa Wu, a partner at Norwest, whose investment portfolio includes companies such as Calm, Plaid, Opendoor, and Grove Collaborative, advises founders to adopt the mindset of a venture capitalist when delivering their pitch. Securing funding extends beyond simply increasing financial resources.
It fundamentally involves selecting a venture partner who will provide support throughout the entire journey, navigating both successes and challenges.
The Importance of Partner Selection
The relationship between a founder and a VC is often compared to a long-term commitment, one that differs significantly from typical business arrangements.
This analogy highlights the depth and longevity expected from the partnership.
Wu will be sharing her insights at TechCrunch Early Stage, an event designed with first-time founders and investors in mind.
Wu’s Extensive Background
Prior to her role at Norwest, Wu gained valuable experience within Amazon’s corporate development division and at Bessemer Venture Partners.
She also demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit by founding BANZAI, a company dedicated to providing nutritious, high-quality food options to schools.
Maximizing Your Pitch Presentation
Having experience on both sides of the investment process, Wu will focus on strategies founders can employ to optimize their one-hour pitch presentations.
Her discussion will cover techniques for gauging audience engagement, effectively incorporating feedback, and articulating expansive concepts to demonstrate market potential and competitive landscape.
TechCrunch Early Stage Event Details
Wu is one of many leading experts who will be presenting at the event, covering crucial topics like fundraising, operational efficiency, and marketing strategies.
Her workshop is a key component of the two-day TC Early Stage – Marketing and Fundraising event, scheduled for July 8 & 9, which focuses on seed and Series A funding, talent acquisition, and other essential aspects for early-stage startups.
Tickets are currently available, but the price will increase this evening, so secure yours now!
Natasha Mascarenhas
Natasha Mascarenhas's Coverage at TechCrunch
Natasha Mascarenhas previously held the position of a senior reporter with TechCrunch. Her reporting focused specifically on companies in their initial phases of development and the associated movements within the venture capital landscape.
Focus on Early-Stage Startups
A significant portion of Mascarenhas’s work involved detailed coverage of early-stage startups. This included examining their business models, funding rounds, and overall progress.
Venture Capital Trend Analysis
Beyond individual companies, Mascarenhas also provided analysis of broader venture capital trends. She tracked investment patterns and identified emerging opportunities within the startup ecosystem.
Her insights were valuable for both entrepreneurs seeking funding and investors looking for promising ventures.
Reporting Role and Responsibilities
As a senior reporter, Mascarenhas was responsible for in-depth reporting, interviewing founders and investors, and delivering timely news and analysis to TechCrunch’s readership.
The scope of her work encompassed a wide range of industries and technologies, reflecting the dynamic nature of the startup world.