NH Tech Alliance Speed Venture Summit Now Accepting Startup Application for Investor Speed Dating Program
September 26 event designed to help NH startups better connect with investors and industry leaders
Attention New Hampshire startups – it’s time to strap on those virtual running shoes and apply to be part of the 2019 Speed Venture Summit (SVS). The application period is open from July 1 through July 31 for New Hampshire-based startups that want to participate in speed dating with investors at the September 26 SVS event, which also includes high-level networking and a reception that will feature remarks from Will Hermann, a well-known entrepreneur and investor.
SVS, which is one of several programs run by the NH Tech Alliance (Alliance) to grow and nurture startups in New Hampshire, is a two-part program. The first half is for approved investors and startup founders. An experienced group of investors and entrepreneurs will match startups with multiple investors for very fast individual pitches. The goal of these pitches is to hopefully have the business concept resonate with an investor who then wants to have follow-up meetings where participants can dig into the details.
“Speed Venture Summit is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs who are taking an idea and moving it towards a product or service and want to start honing their pitch for support and feedback. It’s a great opportunity to learn, meet new people and gauge perception,” said Josh Cyr, director of acceleration and education at the Alliance.
The second half is open to the public and occurs after all the pitches have been completed. It starts with a reception where attendees can join the startups and investors for networking, followed by a networking event for attendees that is wrapped up by a fireside chat with Will Herman. Registration for the networking event will open in August.
Will Herman is an entrepreneur, active angel investor, corporate director, startup mentor and author of The Startup Playbook. He started and managed five venture-backed companies, resulting in two IPOs and two corporate sales. Herman is currently a fund advisor at the venture capital firm, Bolt, a mentor at TechStars and is a frequent speaker at startup accelerators. As an angel investor, he has invested in over 70 startups and actively advises 10 of those companies. He sits on the boards of Jumpcloud and Concrete Sensors.
Investors interested in participating should email [email protected] for more information on how to get involved. NH-based startups who would like to participate are encouraged to apply early as there is limited space available. SVS is sponsored by Sheehan Phinney Bass and Green, WIPFLI, Howe Riley Howe, Cook Little Rosenblatt & Manson, and Bernstein Shur. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting [email protected].