Biocat and CataloniaBio & HealthTech launch training program to improve virtual pitches to investors
<p>The E-Pitch Training Program was created to provide projects and start-ups with tools to adapt their pitches to the new normality</p>
The new normality has forced us to rethink how we connect, and professional gatherings and partnering are no exception. Taking this into account, Biocat and CataloniaBio & HealthTech are launching the E-Pitch Training Program, a program specifically for projects and start-ups that need to improve the pitch they give on-screen to investors, corporate venture capitalists and scouts from the healthcare and life sciences sector.
Investors often see dozens of pitches from projects and start-ups each month. Beyond the potential and quality of the research, what makes one stand out above the rest? How should you adapt an idea and turn it into a story that gets the attention of your virtual audience? Participants in the E-Pitch Training Program will have two individual training sessions, getting feedback on their business idea, key messages, storytelling and slides, as well as their performance on-screen.
The training will be led by Luis Ruiz-Avila and Diana Sansó, renowned experts who will help improve both the format and content of the messages in a virtual environment. "It's not about arranging slides, it's about transforming the pitch into a catchy presentation," said Ruiz-Avila. And to transfer to the participants some knowledge that will serve them in the long term, “helping them to sow the seed of the critical vision”, adds Sansó.
The program costs €150 per company/project for the two sessions from September to December 2020. The sessions are personalized and can be attended by more than one person from each company or project. Spots are limited to 18 and the deadline to sign up here is September 10.
Àlex Casta Awards: who has the best pitch in the BioRegion?
September 28 will be the ceremony giving out the first Àlex Casta Awards, a joint initiative of the ecosystem in memory of Dr. Àlex Casta, a renowned professional in the sector who died in December 2018. These awards were created to recognize the best pitch in the BioRegion and promote talent, raise awareness and incentivize entrepreneurship in the ecosystem.
The 5 finalists will get two virtual training sessions for the final, where they will give their pitch in person but without an audience. The event will be held at the presentation of the BioRegion of Catalonia Life Sciences and Healthcare Outlook 2020: Challenges Ahead, compiled by Biocat and CataloniaBio & HealthTech with support from Amgen. The winning company will get a prize worth €5,000: €2,500 in cash and €2,500 in consultancy hours, thanks to the support of Genesis Biomed, plus a commemorative trophy provided by UPF Ventures, a 1-year membership to the CataloniaBio & HealthTech association and visibility in the communication materials of the organizers.