Enrollment closes Sept 27th. Program access begins Sept 28th.
Hybrid (On-demand modules, live Zoom sessions & in-person pitch)
5 Weeks
$199 (Innovation Centre client exclusive offer)
Spring, Fall
If you are a Haltech or other Regional Innovation Centre Client, you are eligible for 50% off the regular price of $399. Contact hannah.fritchley@haltech.ca for promo code.
**PLEASE NOTE: WHILE THE FIRST MENTORSHIP CIRCLE STARTS OCT 5TH, PARTICIPANTS ARE EXPECTED TO COMPLETE MODULE 1 ONLINE BEGINNING SEPT 28TH PRIOR TO ATTENDING MENTORSHIP CIRCLE 1**
Do you plan to raise money? Expect to sell your company one day? Investment Readiness provides you with the tools and structured accountability you need to be confident in front of investors.
David W. WrightProgram Creator
What You’ll Gain
- Understand the information investors require and how to properly gather, present and organize that information
- Understand how to communicate the details of your business that are most relevant for investors
- Understand advanced fundraising terms
- Understand the art and science of company valuation
- Learn best practices for your investment-ready virtual deal room
- Prepare to pitch your business in a way that engages potential investors
- Learn to avoid the pitfalls first time founders make during the due diligence process
- Get strategic suggestions to build a better business model, enhancing your valuation
- Extensive access to verified tools, templates, best practises and e-learning modules developed in collaboration with Angel One.
Program Scope
You might be thinking: “I’m not ready to raise capital.” And you might be right – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. Going through the due diligence process can be daunting, whether it is your first investment round or you are preparing to sell your entire company. Investment Readiness breaks down the process by introducing 18 questions investors want answers to. If you’re looking to get an investor’s attention, you need to know what they’re looking for and have a plan for getting there. That’s why we created this program: it will give you the tools and confidence you need to make your startup investment-ready.
In this exclusive program, David W. Wright will share with you his best kept secrets on how to conduct yourself in the capital markets to maximize your potential outcome. Investment Readiness provides you with the tools and structured accountability you need to be confident in front of investors (templates, checklists, and more), as well as a community network of peers who are also working to become investment ready. David has 30 years’ experience as an equity research analyst, investment banker and advisor, working with thousands of technology companies and providing well informed investment advice.
Program Details
The Investment Readiness program was developed by David W. Wright of Cassio Capital Advisors in collaboration with Angel One. It is primarily focused on preparing early-stage companies for raising capital; whether that involves pitches to individual angel investors, venture capitalists or corporations (M&A activity). You will work with proven tools and templates for gathering the information necessary to close a deal! You will pitch, get feedback and gain skills and knowledge required to satisfy potential investors.
Each cohort will commit to ~1-2 hours of self-guided e-learning per week and 1.5 hours in each mentorship circle. Each self-guided module will be followed by an interactive mentorship circle with the cohort members, led by the expert, David W. Wright.
COMPLETE MODULE 1: INTRODUCTIONS
Sept 28 – Oct 5, 2023
In this first on-demand module participants will be introduced to the program creators, given a brief overview of what they will learn from the program, and sources of capital that might be available before looking to external investment.
MENTORSHIP CIRCLE 1 (VIRTUAL)
Oct 5, 2023 | 10-11:30am
A chance to ask questions and get help.
In this introductory session of the course, participants will introduce themselves and their company’s offerings, we will overview the program, provide insight into investors frame of mind, and conduct general Q&A.
COMPLETE MODULE 2: 18 QUESTIONS
Oct 5 – 12, 2023
This second on-demand module will reveal the 18 fundamental questions that investors want answered. Questions will be broken down into personal, technical, and financial.
MENTORSHIP CIRCLE 2 (VIRTUAL)
Oct 12, 2023 | 10-11:30am
A chance to ask questions and get help.
This session will put participants’ answers to the fundamental questions regarding their personal motivation and business concept and discuss why investors should care. We will talk about the a-ha moment, unique product/solution selling propositions and go to market strategies
COMPLETE MODULE 3: PITCH PREP
Oct 12 – 19, 2023
During this on-demand module participants will polish their pitch by choosing the right details to share, become aware of mistakes to avoid, and how to target the right investors for their pitch. Included in this module is a sample of Angel One’s pitch evaluation score card, and one-pager templates.
MENTORSHIP CIRCLE 3 (VIRTUAL)
Oct 19, 2023 | 10-11:30am
A chance to ask questions and get help.
In this session we will focus on technology and innovation of the participant’s business. We will address IP strategy, product roadmap and competition
COMPLETE MODULE 4: REALITY CHECK
Oct 19 – 26, 2023
This on-demand module will have participants re-evaluate their plan to source funding and their commitment after working through the 18 fundamental questions and pitch preparation. The module will discuss the importance of a valuation and uncover the reasons why investors walk away.
MENTORSHIP CIRCLE 4 (VIRTUAL)
Oct 26, 2023 10-11:30am
A chance to ask questions and get help.
This session will discuss financial positioning. We will address revenue models, forecasting, funding milestones, investment and exit strategies
COMPLETE MODULE 5: PITCHING IN EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES
Oct 26 – Nov 2, 2023
This last module will guide participants through the realities of pitching in a time of uncertainty. Topics will include pandemic realities and other unpredictable events, the current fundraising environment, the importance of competitive pitching, and looking forward to what the marketplace could look like in the future.
MENTORSHIP CIRCLE 5: PITCH PRACTICE (IN PERSON, TECHPLACE / INNOVATION FACTORY)
Nov 2, 2023 | 10-11:30am
In the final session of the course, participants will be immersed in a mock investment meeting setting, conducting a business pitch to receive constructive criticism from the panel of industry experts
Ready to ace your next investment round?
Investment Readiness will get you there.
Note: If you are a Haltech or other Regional Innovation Centre client, you are eligible for 50% off the regular price of $399. Contact hannah.fritchley@haltech.ca for promo link.
Who is this program for?
Investment Readiness is for founders looking for a deeper understanding of the elements necessary to support a successful funding round.
What is the cost?
Clients of Haltech, Innovation Factory and other Regional Innovation Centre clients receive the preferred price of $199 (regular price: $399 for non-clients). If you are a Regional Innovation Centre client, please contact hannah.fritchley@haltech.ca to request promo code.
Will the program take place in-person or virtually?
Investment Readiness follows a hybrid structure of 5 on-demand video modules, each followed by a live group mentorship session via zoom with other participants. The last session – Pitch Practice – takes place in-person.
Will there be introductions to VC's or other investors as part of this program?
Introductions to VC’s and other investors are not a part of this program. However, if we deem your startup ready for investment, we may opt to connect you with an investor within our network.
Do I have to be a Haltech Client to register?
No. However, all Regional Innovation Centre receive a preferred price of $199. For non-clients – $399. Applying to be a client is free. Join here.
Still have a question? Reach out!
David W. Wright
ICD.D, Founder, Cassio Capital Advisors Inc.
Founder of Cassio Capital Advisors and former Executive Director of the Angel One Investor Network, David provides advice regarding all aspects of capital markets activities and supports innovative entrepreneurs in Southern Ontario. Prior to launching the advisory business, David spent almost two decades as a highly ranked sell-side Equity Research Analyst at BMO Nesbitt Burns and two independent brokers covering public technology companies.
David has advised numerous corporations on fund raising and acquisition strategies, as well as authored Business Valuation reports identifying value creation strategies. He has analyzed thousands of technology companies, written research and investment recommendations, and advised institutional clients on equity transactions.
Karen Grant
Former Chief Operating Officer, Equation Angels
Karen Grant has launched 4 angel groups, invested in several companies, and has served in various capacities on non-profit and privately held company boards.
She has founded companies, launched investment funds, and has worked in the commercialization field with FedNor, FedDev, Ontario Centres of Excellence and most of the Regional Innovation Centres and universities around Ontario. Early in her career she led and grew the Toronto Venture Group, working with most of the venture capital firms in Canada and hundreds of companies that were seeking capital. Karen’s corporate experience includes 12 years with IBM Canada.
