Master Your Pitch: Tips from Angelo Igitego, Hanga Pitchfest Alumnus

The excitement is building as Hanga PitchFest 2024 draws nearer, and startups across Rwanda are gearing up for the opportunity of a lifetime. Known as Rwanda’s premier platform for showcasing innovation, this year’s event promises to be more competitive than ever, with entrepreneurs aiming to capture the attention of judges, investors, and an entire nation.

With stakes this high, delivering a standout pitch could make all the difference. We sat down with Angelo Igitego , co-founder of KARISIMBI TECH SOLUTIONS —a startup that claimed 5th place in Hanga PitchFest 2021—to gather some insider pitching tips. As a seasoned entrepreneur who has experienced the pressure and the spotlight, Angelo shared valuable insights that will help anyone hoping to win over the judges this year.

The Power of a Great Pitch

Pitching at Hanga PitchFest is more than just talking about a product; it’s about selling your vision. This year’s competition will test entrepreneurs on their ability to communicate clearly, think strategically, and inspire confidence in both their business model and their potential for growth.

“Hanga PitchFest was a game-changer for us,” Angelo recalls. “It wasn’t just about presenting our product, but also about showing the judges why we mattered as a business, why our solution was relevant, and why we were worth investing in.”

1. Start with the Problem You’re Solving

To stand out, Angelo emphasizes that every pitch must start by clearly articulating the problem. “You have to deeply understand the issue your product solves and communicate that in simple, relatable terms,” he says. Rather than diving straight into the product, tell a story that draws your audience in. This is particularly important in competitions like Hanga PitchFest, where founders have to grab attention quickly. A well-researched, relatable story will connect with the judges on an emotional level and make them more receptive to your solution.

?2. Hook Your Audience in the First 30 Seconds

The opening moments of your pitch are crucial. Angelo advises starting with an interesting fact or a compelling hook that immediately grabs attention. "It could be a striking statistic or a story that the audience can relate to," he suggests. This year at Hanga PitchFest 2024, with so many talented entrepreneurs vying for the spotlight, those first 30 seconds could be what makes your pitch memorable.

3. Explain Your Product Without Jargon

Entrepreneurs often get caught up in the technicalities of their solutions, but Angelo’s advice is clear: Keep it simple. "Avoid heavy technical jargon and focus on explaining what your product does in the clearest way possible," he says. This balance between product and business explanations can be tricky, but it's vital for ensuring that your pitch resonates with a diverse audience, from investors to customers.

?4. Practice, Practice, Practice

With the clock ticking during your pitch, time constraints can be a real challenge. Angelo recommends practicing in front of a mirror or a friend to refine your message and stay within the time limit. This year, contestants will need to deliver sharp, concise pitches that convey the core of their business in a matter of minutes, so practice is key.

?5. Handling Tough Questions with Confidence

The judges at Hanga PitchFest are known for asking tough, insightful questions, and being prepared to answer them confidently is essential. Angelo’s strategy? Research the judges beforehand. "Understand who the panel members are and tailor your responses to the types of questions they’re likely to ask," he advises. This kind of preparation will help you anticipate challenges and respond without getting flustered.

6. Showcasing Your Traction with Solid Metrics

For any startup hoping to make an impression, showcasing real-world traction is vital. “Focus on the numbers that matter,” Angelo stresses. Whether it’s user growth, revenue, or market penetration, concrete data points will give your pitch credibility. At Hanga PitchFest 2024, demonstrating measurable progress could be what sets you apart from the competition.

7. Tailor Your Pitch to Different Audiences

Not all pitches are created equal. Angelo stresses the importance of knowing your audience and adjusting your pitch accordingly. For example, if you're pitching to an investor, highlight the market potential and the scalability of your business. But if your audience is a customer, focus on their pain points and how your solution addresses them. Being adaptable is crucial to winning over different types of stakeholders.

?A Final Word of Advice

As Hanga PitchFest 2024 approaches, Angelo has one piece of advice for this year’s participants: “Winning is great, but it’s just a fraction of your journey. Whether you win or not, the real work starts after the competition.” The platform gives entrepreneurs a head start, but long-term success depends on consistent hard work and execution.

Looking Forward to Hanga PitchFest 2024

With Hanga PitchFest 2024 set to showcase some of Rwanda’s most innovative startups, the excitement is already building. Entrepreneurs will face the challenge of delivering sharp, compelling pitches, but they’ll also have the chance to connect with investors, gain visibility, and possibly change the trajectory of their businesses.

Whether you're competing or just cheering from the sidelines, one thing is certain: we can't wait to see the creative, impactful, and inspiring pitches that will shape the future of Rwanda's startup ecosystem. Stay tuned!