INNO3003 Finding Backers & Champions: Pitching for Finance, Resources and Support

2020

4.5

1 x 3-hour workshop weekly

1 INNO3002 - Going Live. Entrepreneurial Strategies, Resources & Activities
2 ^ INNO3001A - From Innovation to Impact: Creating a Roadmap from Opportunity to Action
Must Satisfy: ((1) or (2))

INNO9013 has been successfully completed

None

Core topic

This topic is for people who believe they have found a better way to make, do, or experience something and now want to gain financial and/or management support for their innovation. This course challenges fledgling entrepreneurs and innovators to learn how to construct a strong business case and to develop effective communication skills, with the goal of convincing backers to “buy in" to your “bright idea.”

Students work as teams to identify a project and build a case for support. They will learn about potential financial resources including equity and non-equity options, crowd sourcing, government grants, VC and Angel investor. Special focus will be paid to the investment decision -how to persuade an investor or supporter to choose your project. Students will gain insights into factors that influence the viability and financial health of a business. They will create a professional pitch deck and the presentation skills to accompany it.

This topic develops the fundamental analytical, financial, conceptual and critical communication skills required to attract financial and organisational support for a new venture. Students will be challenged to consider the weaknesses of their proposed venture and correct the flaws inherent in their business case prior to developing a pitch. This is a highly iterative practice, enabling students to improve through feedback and refinement.

In addition, students will learn about various sources of available capital and financial agreements tailored to various business models and situations. They will gain financial acumen by exploring business opportunities through an investor’s or supporter’s lens.

Through in-class engagement, students will work individually and in teams to learn to present their business case, solicit and incorporate feedback, and gain tactical insights for increasing the effectiveness of their appeal.

This topic develops the analytical, financial, conceptual and critical communication skills required to attract financial and organisational support for a new venture. Students will be challenged to address the weaknesses of their proposed business and correct the flaws inherent in their business plan prior to developing a pitch, with a sharp focus on financial acumen.

In addition, students will learn to distinguish among the various sources of capital available to identify what financial agreements best suit their business model and situation. They will gain experience in seeing businesses through an investor’s or supporter’s lens and identifying what makes a venture more or less attractive to adoption and capital.

Through in-class engagement, students will work individually and in teams to learn to present their business case, solicit and incorporate feedback, and gain tactical insights for increasing the effectiveness of their appeal.