Pitch applications being accepted for Early Stage Symposium

Pitch applications being accepted for Early Stage Symposium

ESS-LogoApply to pitch your company to the most active investors in the Midwest at the annual Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, being held Nov. 12-13 at Madison’s Monona Terrace. Many companies have cited their presentations at the conference as a key factor for getting funding and growing their business.

All applicants will be eligible for a discounted conference registration rate of $169. Registration will open Sept. 5 at www.wisearlystage.com.

Companies selected for the Wisconsin Angel Network track presentations will also receive a complimentary individual Wisconsin Innovation Network membership for one year (a $100 value). Team members of these companies will be eligible to attend the conference at a special team rate.

Company applications are due no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014.

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There are two separate presentation levels at the Early Stage Symposium: the Wisconsin Angel Network Investors’ Track and the Elevator Pitch Olympics*.

Wisconsin Angel Network Investors’ Track – Tuesday, Nov. 12:
The WAN tracks will feature about 20 companies from the Midwest representing an array of industries, including biotechnology, medical device, health care, advanced manufacturing, information technology and mobile application sectors.

Companies selected for the WAN tracks will have many opportunities to interest investors: a seven-minute presentation, networking receptions, an executive summary published in the investor-only program and an opportunity to exhibit where investors may speak directly to presenting companies. Companies selected for the WAN tracks are also invited to participate in a preconference practice session with a group of mentors.

Elevator Pitch Olympics – Wednesday, Nov. 13:
Companies selected for the Elevator Pitch Olympics, a crowd favorite, will have the opportunity to give a 90-second pitch in front of conference attendees and a panel of six to eight investors. The investors will score the presenter on a scale of 1 to 5, focusing on whether the pitch was compelling enough to arrange a follow-up meeting, and will offer immediate feedback.

About 15 companies will be selected for the Elevator Pitch Olympics. In past years, these have been companies seeking a smaller investment round or planning to do so within the next year.

*Applicants not selected for the WAN tracks will automatically be considered for the Elevator Pitch Olympics, unless indicated otherwise.