Pitch Preview lets Central Va. startup founders practice pitches

New program starts in April

Published March 25, 2021 by Kate Andrews

The Virginia Small Business Development Center, along with the Charlottesville Angel Network (CAN), is offering a new program geared toward Central Virginia startup founders who need practice pitching potential investors.

Pitch Preview’s first event is scheduled April 29 from 1-3 p.m. via Zoom. Participants commit to 30-minute time slots with a 15-minute pitch, and for those not ready to take that step, the Central Virginia SBDC will soon offer a preparation and practice session. Other Pitch Preview events are scheduled July 29 and Sept. 30 and may be virtual and in-person, hosted in Charlottesville. Five applicants will be selected for each event.

“The number of startups in America doubled from Q4 2019 to Q4 2020,” Rebecca Haydock, director of the CVSBDC, said in a statement. “That trend is clear in Virginia as we see more valuable innovation-based startups seeking funding. Unfortunately, too many don’t succeed because their pitches aren’t adequately prepared or delivered. Offering feedback from experienced angel investors is a win-win as CAN members get to meet bright entrepreneurs early in the process, while the entrepreneurs hone their skills for successful fundraising.”

For more information, visit CVSBDC’s website.