First time pitching in the edtech space; what should I put in?
Edtech Recharge
Your global thought partner to define, design, deliver, monitor, and communicate impact in edtech.
Key Highlights: Best practices for first-time pitching;
Securing a pre-seed funding round marks a milestone in the growth journey of any early-stage startup, signaling its transition from a budding concept to a viable business. Pitching to investors isn’t just about presenting numbers or an idea – it’s your opportunity to share a compelling story to set the scene for sustainable, real impact towards the problem you’re solving.?
Begin with a strong opening
What's your Zinger? - that one statement or statistic about the current edtech market that will make everyone want to solve the problem or expand the opportunity? Begin with a hook that emphasizes the significance of the problem you’re addressing. While stats are good, remember to look big picture. Elaborate on the “so what” of your statistic. For instance if X% of students at third grade are below reading standards, how might their learning and/or life trajectories shift if you brought them to at-grade standards??
Clearly define the problem you are solving
Before you offer a solution, make sure YOU and the investors truly understand the problem. What are the current gaps in the market? Why? Your insights here lay the foundation for the solution you're about to unveil. Often times, a lived experience of the problem can help empathize with solutions but remember to stay aware of changing times and shifting contexts.
Highlight your unique value proposition
Why is your solution better than the thousand solutions that already exist? How are you addressing the problem better, quicker, or easier? What makes yours different??
Perhaps it’s the pedagogical approach, the technology you’re employing, or a unique feedback mechanism. Highlight what sets your edtech solution apart.
Demonstrate traction and growth potential?
Pre-seed means you're at the beginning of a business, beyond an idea. Any traction or signs of growth can be compelling. Did you pilot your solution at a school with promising feedback? How many users have signed up and how quickly? How many use it? How many folks do you have on a waitlist? Do you have preliminary user engagement data or testimonials? Offer a glimpse into the promising future your solution is set to have.
Showcase your team
Investors invest in people, not just ideas. Your idea might be golden, but it’s the team that will turn it into reality. Highlight the strengths, backgrounds, and passions of your core team members. Have they been educators? Tech geniuses? Serial entrepreneurs? Why is YOUR team the best fit to solve this problem with this solution approach?
Present a clear financial plan
Where do you see your finances in a year? What about three years? How much do you need and how will you spend it? How will the investment change the trajectory you’ve charted out? Give investors a snapshot of your financial trajectory, emphasizing how their funds will be utilized to catalyze growth.
Address potential risks and challenges
Every journey has its setbacks. Be upfront about potential challenges in the EdTech space, how you've strategized to navigate them, and what you need to deliver on the solution. This honesty not only establishes trust but also shows your proactive mindset.
Practice your pitch
Deliberate practice makes perfect; practice your pitch with other founders, champions, low stakes investors and refine it based on feedback. Role-play potential questions investors might ask. The more prepared you are, the smoother the pitch will go.
Be confident, passionate, and authentic
Remember, investors are investing in you as much as in your idea. Be genuine about why you ventured into the EdTech space. Your passion, authenticity, and commitment can often be the deciding factor.
TIP!
A compelling pitch can make all the difference when it comes to securing funding. We have curated a pitching template designed to capture investor attention and effectively communicate your vision and value proposition to help you practice your pitch beforehand.