Google for Entrepreneur’s 2nd Demo Day
January 13, 2015 / Share:
On April 2nd 2015, Google for Entrepreneurs will be holding its second annual Google for Entrepreneur’s Demo Day.
At the event, startups representing each of Google for Entrepreneurs’ nine tech hubs will pitch to an audience of investors representing the nation’s most prestigious firms. This is an amazing opportunity for a Nashville based company to ignite their funding process and get recognition on a national scale.
Last year’s participant from Nashville, Josh Nickols, CEO of InvisionHeart, capitalized on this amazing experience by forging relationships with many investors on the West Coast.
Read more about Josh’s experience at the GFE Demo Day and how it has helped InvisionHeart secure funding in the Q and A below:
At what stage in the funding process was InvisionHeart prior to your appearance at GFE Demo Day?
· We had a term sheet from one of our venture investors and we were circling the round among 3 local investors. Steve Case and GFE certainly catalyzed the close and elevated interest among the soft commitments.
How do you feel that GFE Demo Day helped you secure your subsequent funding?
· GFE Demo Day created greater visibility and interest among local investors. It also allowed us to network in the Bay Area with other investors who may eventually participate in our Series B.
Did you build any lasting relationships with investors through your appearance at Demo Day?
· Yes, first with the GFE team. We are in contact with Kaili and others. Second, we have a half dozen VCs that we continue to update periodically.
Did you have any difficulties initially securing funding in a tight Nashville market?
· Yes, JSF, the EC, and the GFE were all immensely supportive of fundraising. Things are much improved, now, however. Angel groups like NueCura are able to provide much needed early stage capital.
Do you think that other Nashville based companies seeking growth stage funding should look to investors outside the metro area?
· It depends on the stage and industry, but for early-stage anything outside of Nashville is more difficult. Series A perhaps, but better odds of success outside of the city at the B-round.
How do you feel that the Entrepreneur Center helped prepare you to compete against other companies at Demo Day?
· We worked with Scott Rouse, had rehearsed a lot with JSF, and the disciplined programs offered at the EC made our pitch very competitive. We were the only healthcare company to pitch, which also helped. Other companies were farther along and generating revenue, however.
For more information about the event, click here. To apply to be this year’s participant from Nashville, click here.