The Scale Up New Mexico program, funded in part by the United States Economic Development Administration and housed at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, will offer its Pitch Deck Sprint online accelerator to tech startups in New Mexico. (Photo: Courtesy)
Source: New Mexico State University News Release
WRITER: Alejandro Najera-Acosta, 575-646-2025, a_najera@nmsu.edu
The Scale Up New Mexico program, supported in part by the United States Economic Development Administration and based at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, is set to provide its Pitch Deck Sprint online accelerator for tech startups located in New Mexico.
The Pitch Deck Sprint is designed specifically for entrepreneurs and startups in New Mexico aiming to enhance their pitch deck presentations. This program is scheduled to take place each Thursday from April 18 to May 23. To secure a spot, interested parties should apply for the no-cost accelerator before the deadline on April 12. Those who are selected will be informed of their acceptance by April 13.
Pitch Deck Sprint is a key component of Scale Up New Mexico, an extensive collection of programs aimed at fostering the development of early-stage startups. It adds to the diverse support services provided by the Arrowhead Center, which encompass business development, guidance for Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer and various commercialization assistance services. The initiative seeks to enhance startups’ fundraising activities by offering strategic assistance in refining their pitch decks and advising on their presentation.
“The Pitch Deck Sprint program stands as a pivotal resource for New Mexico’s entrepreneurs, offering vital support that is instrumental in refining their pitch presentations”, said Dana Catron, deputy director of Arrowhead Center. “This initiative not only equips them with the tools to effectively communicate their vision, but also significantly enhances their potential for success in securing funding. It’s an essential stepping stone for startups looking to make a mark in their respective industries.”
Throughout the six-week sprint, participants will take part in dynamic sessions designed to provide a thorough grasp of both the theory and practical aspects of creating a pitch deck. The program features interactive workshops, hands-on activities and chances for immediate feedback, enabling participants to craft, evaluate and refine their pitch decks efficiently. This will include a mix of lectures, discussions, breakout groups, individual mentoring and networking events. The sprint culminates in a live presentation before active regional investors.
“Our approach to the Pitch Deck Sprint is both unique and comprehensive, focusing on empowering entrepreneurs through a blend of theoretical insights and practical application,” said Carlos Murguia, program manager for Scale Up NM. “We delve deep into the nuances of pitch deck creation, ensuring that participants not only understand the fundamental principles but also apply them in real-world scenarios.”
This hands-on method, enriched with personalized mentorship and direct investor engagement, is designed to prepare startups for successful fundraising endeavors, setting a new standard for entrepreneurial support in our community.
To qualify for the Pitch Deck Sprint, startups must be based in New Mexico or have plans to relocate to the state. Participants are expected to attend a weekly two-hour virtual session throughout the duration of the cohort and be actively participating in technology-based innovation.
For more information about the Pitch Deck Sprint, contact Murguia at cmurguia@nmsu.edu or apply at https://forms.gle/BBYvnSW3R6TN9xcs5
What is a “Pitch Deck”?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A pitch book (or pitch deck), also called a Confidential Information Memorandum, is a marketing presentation (information layout) used by investment banks, entrepreneurs, corporate finance firms, business brokers and other M&A intermediaries advising on the sale or disposal of the shares or assets of a business. It consists of a careful arrangement and analysis of the investment considerations of the client business and is presented to investors and potential investors with the intent of providing them the information necessary for them to make a decision to buy or invest in the client business. There are many contributors to an intermediary’s pitch book. In an investment bank contributors may include anyone from an analyst to an associate, a vice-president or even the managing director. See Financial analyst § Investment Banking.
Key areas covered in a typical pitch book include information on the investment highlights, key financial figures, the company’s core customers and diversification of the customer base, barriers to entry for competitors, ability and plan to achieve future projections, future growth opportunities, strength of management team, scalability of operations, opportunities in the external market place and known risks, not to mention disclaimers.[1][2]As an example, a table of contents or outline will open the pitch book for discussion. Name, title, and department present a management description of the deal team and other contributors within the firm’s internal wealth of resources. An “overview”, “financing requirements” (such as satisfying Capex and capital budgeting), and finally as mentioned a description of the company’s universe, the “comparable company analysis” are all essential elements to an investment banking pitch book.
