Unlocking Fundraising Success: VC Day at Denver Startup Week
As the entrepreneurial spirit thrives and innovation takes center stage, Denver Startup Week presents an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring startups to dive deep into the world of venture capital. On Wednesday, September 20th and Thursday, September 21st, we invite you to join us for an enriching experience of knowledge-sharing, networking, and learning during our much-anticipated "VC Day" activities. This official set of events and sessions is designed to bridge the gap between investors and startups, empowering founders with the insights, strategies, and skills needed to navigate the intricate landscape of venture capital successfully.
VC & Founder Meet & Greet: A Networking Extravaganza on Wednesday, September 20
In addition to the insightful sessions below, "VC Day" features the "VC & Founder Meet & Greet," a networking event that fosters meaningful connections between startups and investors. Engage in meaningful conversations, pitch your ideas, and explore potential partnerships in this event sponsored by many of the local VCs in Colorado.
- Founders RSVP here: https://www.denverstartupweek.org/schedule/8549-vc-community-meet-greet
- VCs can email natty@matchstick.vc to join and explore sponsorship opportunities of this event
VC Day Panel Sessions on the HQ Main Stage on Thursday, September 21
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 at X Denver
3:00 - 4:00pm
THE IMPORTANCE OF AND HOW-TOS AROUND GETTING MORE DIVERSITY AND REPRESENTATION AMONG OUR INVESTING RANKS
Across North America, ethnic and racial minorities represent only 20 percent of managing-director-level investing professionals. Women make up 45% of the total venture capital workforce but only sit in the key role of investment partner 5-16% of the time. This event welcomes current and future investors along with any individuals interested in this topic.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 on the HQ Main Stage
9:00-10:00am
Fundraising Level Set: The Who, What, and Why of Venture Capital. And Other Non-Dilutive Options & More
Come learn all the nuts and bolts of raising capital, from bootstrapping to Venture Capital, we’ll demystify the key players and options, why (or why not) to raise capital and how to do it. Learn about sources of capital besides venture, including revenue-based, government funding, and more. Startups will leave this session with a deeper understanding of their financing options and how to pursue capital to grow their business.
10:30-11:30am
Beyond Seed Rounds: How Not To Screw Up Your Series A At The Seed Stage
If you want to keep your foot on the gas and continue to raise capital, there are some entirely avoidable mistakes. Hear from Series A and Growth stage investors on actionable tips to avoid common pitfalls, strategies to optimize for, and how to set a solid foundation for a strong future Series A round.
12:00-1:00pm
Standing Out with VCs: Dissecting A Successful Pitch Deck
One of the most important parts of the fundraising process is having a pitch deck that stands out and gets investors excited. In this session we’ll look at successful pitch decks and see what they did to stand out. Startups will leave this session with clear, actionable ideas about how to make the best pitch deck for their business.
1:30-2:30pm
Leveling the Playing Field: Understanding Term Sheets & What Is Being Negotiated
Once a startup has attracted investors, it’s time to discuss the term sheet and the important elements of the fundraise itself. Most VCs know this process, the terms, and what to negotiate on well, but startup founders don’t. In this session, startups will develop a deeper understanding of what’s being negotiated, what’s standard (and what isn’t), and what to optimize for in the term sheet process.
3:00-4:00pm
Give & Get: Successful Relationships With Investors
You’ve attracted some great investors to your company, congrats! How should you work with your investors? What should you expect from them? How do you get the most out of the relationship with your new stakeholders? Startups will leave this session with tactical advice and lessons learned to answer these key questions.
4:30-5:30pm
How To Raise Seed Capital From VCs: The Process For A Successful Fundraise
Fundraising doesn’t just happen, it takes work and a process. In this session, experienced investors and founders will share how they set themselves up for success with detailed preparation, process and intention. Startups will leave this session with a deeper understanding and playbook for how to actually raise capital.
"VC Day" at Denver Startup Week is not just an event; it's a platform to empower startups with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the intricate world of venture capital. By bringing together local investors, successful entrepreneurs, and burgeoning startups, we create a dynamic ecosystem where innovation can flourish, partnerships can come together, and dreams transform into reality. Join us on September 20th and 21st for an immersive experience to better understand VC and connect with the local community.
DSW extends a huge thank you to Matchstick, Range, SpringTime, and all of the other community partners and participants in organizing VC Day activities!
