Experts of Seed Forum appreciated the "green" projects of GenerationS
In early December two "green" projects-finalists of GenerationS – Zinoferr and AquaAgroSorb – participated in the Seed Forum in New York with the support of RVC and LOGA Group. The Forum was held in the city for the ninth time and gathered dozens of American venture capital investors and business angels, and 12 entrepreneurs from the United States, Russia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Work with the participants of the forum was performed in several formats: training sessions and preparation for different types of pitches, speech in front of business angels, representatives of investment funds and corporations, as well as networking.
Preparation of pitches was held under the leadership of Korsmo Steiner, the President and CEO of the Seed Forum, and Michael Batt, Chairman of Seed Forum North-America Foundation. The participants made a power pitch – presentation of the project in 30 seconds and provision of investors with the information that could "hook" them. The entrepreneurs also prepared for seven-minute pitches presenting more information about the project, the business model and the necessary investments. The last type of pitch was the answer to the question "What is wow in your company?" in only 15 words.
After the intensive training the teams spoke at the forum in front of representatives of investment funds, business angels and corporations. All experts and investors have noted the high level of Russian companies and innovative developments. Interest was expressed not only by them, but also by other participating entrepreneurs.
The finalists of GenerationS also responded positively about the Forum and noted that dialogue with the organizers and experts of the Forum was useful for further development of the project. Great impression on entrepreneurs was produced by a presentation in front of foreign experts: "Firstly, it's a cool experience – to give a presentation in English, – we have realized this back in Helsinki, however the requirements to the content of presentation and to the manner of presenting are quite different, there you just have to blow out with energy! Many Americans praised us. Secondly, it was great to get an expert opinion of representatives of the US market about our project" – said Yana Chekryzhova, a co-founder of AquaAgroSorb dealing with production of new types of water-absorbing sorbents applicable in the agricultural sector.
In the evening, after the pitches and networking, there was a reception organized by the Consul General of Norway in the United States, where the entrepreneurs were able to have an informal talk with investors and guests of the forum. The final of the forum was marked with a morning meeting with businessmen Michael Batt. Michael shared the secrets of successful follow-up after visiting investment events, gave valuable advice and wished everybody success in the development of their innovative businesses.
All participants are automatically placed into the global network of the Seed Forum alumni, which brings together the entrepreneurs from all over the world. Now they can participate in any of the activities of the Seed Forum for free.
