We were recently chosen as one of 10 semi-finalists in the San Diego Venture Group's ninth annual Pitchfest. The competition was open to any firm based in Southern California that has raised less than $2.5 million in institutional venture capital. We were required to submit our business plan and a powerpoint presentation which was reviewed by a screening committee of local business advisers and venture capitalists whose selections narrowed the field to the 10 semifinalists and we were very excited to see our name BidMyAtoZ on the list of 10.
Peter Shaw, Pitchfest committee chairman says the competition is "an opportunity for young companies in Southern California to present their business plan to leading venture investors, fellow entrepreneurs and business advisers - you simply can't buy that kind of access."
Three companies are selected for the final round after all 10 of us pitch to a panel of judges on 10th November 2008. Raymond will be delivering our pitch with Gavin supporting him on the technology demo. The pressure is on though because we have only 10 minutes to tell our story and convince the judging panel that we deserve to be one of the final three. There is a 10 minute Q&A session after the pitch. The judging panel is comprised of highly respected venture capital and angel investors so we are excited to have this opportunity to engage with them even if it is for such a brief period.
The final round is an event on December 3rd where the three finalists will present to an audience expected to be about 350 people. Based on a ballot vote from the audience, the winner with receive a $20,000 check.
This is an amazing opportunity to be seen by all the right people and if we win to get some great exposure so check back on November 11th and December 4th to see how we did!
Great team effort!
Well done to the entire team.