Session Details Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 Duration: 90 minutes + 60-minute pre-recorded video on YODL Format: Pre-Work (60 min Video) + Zoom Session Type: Pre-Recorded Presentation (30mins) + Expert-Led Workshop + Applied Learning
Session Purpose This session combines a pre-recorded overview of early-stage funding options with a live workshop focused on pitch coaching. Participants will learn about financing pathways, investor readiness, and receive tailored feedback to prepare for the investor panel in Session 11.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand early-stage funding options and investor expectations;
- Learn strategies to become investor-ready;
- Develop and refine pitch content and delivery; and
- Receive targeted feedback on pitch materials in preparation for Session 11.
Session Flow & Speaker Roles
Pre-recorded - Funding Landscape & Investor Overview (60 min) Galen Udell, President, Novate Technologies
- Provide a clear overview of funding pathways for early-stage ventures, including grants, angels, and venture capital.
- Share insights into what investors look for at TRL 6–9 and common pitfalls for founders.
- Differences between high-growth vs. lifestyle companies and how funding strategies differ.
- Key founder questions: when, why, and how to raise money (and whether you need to at all).
- Core components of an investor pitch: origin story, solution, market, competition, traction, business model, go-to-market strategy, financials, and “the ask.”
- Importance of tailoring pitch length (1, 3, 5, or 10 minutes) while keeping flow and clarity.
- Investor perspective: always answer “what’s in it for the investor.”
Welcome & Framing the Session (5 min) Dr. Jody Dexter, Cohort Mentor
- Introduce the session theme and emphasize the importance of financing and pitch readiness as a bridge to scaling.
- Reinforce how early-stage funding decisions impact commercialization strategy.
Discussion & Q&A: Early-Stage Funding & Investor Readiness (20 min) Galen Udell with cohort participants, moderated by Dr. Jody Dexter
- Facilitate peer discussion on current fundraising efforts and challenges.
- Encourage participants to share their financing assumptions, receive feedback, and explore alternate approaches.
- Jody will prompt deeper dialogue to connect speaker insights directly to cohort company contexts.
Pitch Review & Coaching (60 min) Galen Udell with Dr. Jody Dexter
- Provide individualized feedback on participant pitch materials.
- Practice pitch delivery and narrative clarity in a supportive environment.
- Highlight areas to refine ahead of Session 11’s investor panel.
Wrap-Up & Looking Ahead (5-10 min) Dr. Jody Dexter
- Summarize session takeaways and reinforce the connection between financing strategy and investor readiness.
- Preview Session 7: Finding Customers and Validating Your Solution
