Pitching for success… or not. You be the judge!
Amir Emami, former US Army and founder of his own startup prior to joining BU’s MBA program (Questrom School of Business) reviewed two (2) very different deals that week.
The first start-up he reviewed was based on providing internet security services to online businesses that help eliminate fraudulent users, duplicate profiles etc. While he found the business interesting to research, he eventually came to the conclusion that the lack of patents to differentiate the product meant it could be replicated by established competitors relatively easily.
His second deal review was much more promising. The music focused start-up produces software that aids musicians and sound engineers in live performances and other music production endeavors was founded by a former professional musician who had performed live for over 10 years and included a professional software developer who had developed commercial software including smartphone apps for over 30 years.
Amir finally recommended the music aid business to G51 when research revealed that the product would potentially disrupt the current market yet be a fraction of the cost of competing products while featuring a proprietary WiFi interface software that presently undergoing patenting. His presentation on Deal Review Day to G51 was received well and his hard work in analyzing each deal resulted in the acceptance of his recommendations.
Apart from the exposure to a myriad of exciting enterprises through deal reviews, Venture Scholars are also invited to virtually attend the pitch presentations of particularly promising start-ups that that G51 connects with venture capital firms.
Amir’s take on the pitches heard that week, “I really loved the pitch presentations. That’s really the part I enjoy the most about the program so far – hearing those guys pitch such cool businesses!”. Further reflecting on the program to date, Amir found the experience of talking to the different entrepreneurs was insightful and he looked forward to seeing what deals lie in store.
