The Dobson Cup 2012: Elevator Pitch Day

Please note that registration for this event has been extended to October 17, 2011.

Overview

This event is the first event of the Dobson Cup 2012 business plan competition (Dobson Cup 2012 $50,000 in prizes: See www.mcgill.ca/desautels/research/centres/dces for further details regarding the Dobson Cup 2012.)

• The Elevator Pitch is your business overview that you should be able to deliver to any investor who happens to ride the same elevator as you. The first impression is critical. The elevator pitch should provide enough information to pique the interest of potential investors and strategic partners. It should provide a clear picture of the company and its solution. It should be delivered effectively.

Rules

• Each team will be given a maximum of 3 minutes to present its elevator pitch to the panel of judges.
• Index cards or other notes will not be permitted for the Elevator Pitch Competition, as you would not expect to have the benefit of these notes in a real life situation.
• This presentation will be given by one team member. Only current McGill students, alumni or employees can present at the competition. The 3 minute Elevator Pitch will be uninterrupted. There will be no Question and Answer period. Teams will be judged on their oral presentation alone.
• Top 5 pitches will be awarded $100 each. Winners only, will be advised by November 1, 2011.

Judges Evaluation Criteria

• Judges will score each team that presents on a scale of 1 (excellent) to 7 (very poor). The teams with the best (i.e., lowest) overall scores will be the winners.
• Judges should evaluate each team based on how convincingly they present their business concept, such that the judge would want to learn more about the company as a potential investor. The best teams are those teams that an investor would want to schedule a follow-up meeting for further discussion because they believe this company represents a strong investment opportunity.

Guidelines

To help you focus your Elevator Pitch, remember to highlight the following key topics - remember you're just providing a "teaser" to the audience with the purpose of having them ask "tell me more about your company":

• Management Team
  • Who are you?
  • Why are you doing this?
• Product and service offering (e.g., the problem and your solution)
  • Brief description of offering
  • What problem or need does it solve? What are the benefits of your product?
• Unique Differentiators
  • Why is this unique or different from competition?
  • Is this difference sustainable (e.g., patents, intellectual property, etc.)?
• Market Opportunity & Target Customers
  • Who are the targeted customers?
  • What is the size of the market?
  • Is there evidence they will buy the product?
• Current Development Stage
  • What is the current status of technology/venture?
  • What are key next steps?
• Business Model - how will the company generate profitable revenue?
• Milestones and Success Metrics
  • What are the success metrics?
  • What is the exit strategy?
• Capital Needs
  • How much funding is needed to move forward?
  • How will the money be used?
  • Why is your business an attractive investment?

Registration: To register for Elevator Pitch Competition please email dobsoncupbusplancomp.mgmt [at] mcgill.ca.

Please note that registration for this event has been extended to October 17, 2011.