New Enterprise Forum

Expert Panel: Opening the Aperture For and With Foreign Entrepreneurs

November 21, 2023

Foreign entrepreneurs are an untapped resource that can help grow our startup ecosystems. However, the barrier to entry is higher given the unique challenges foreign entrepreneurs face not only when they pursue building a startup from scratch but also when established startups want to recruit them. This panel will shed light on some of those challenges, resources available and success stories.

Moderator: Soosmita Sinha

Experts: Ernestine Lyons,

Expert Panel: Demystifying Go-to-Market Strategy

Go-to-Market (GtM) is a key component of any investor pitch. However, tech founders often misunderstand exactly what it should look like, and what investors want to see. During this panel, we will explore the importance of GtM in a funding pitch, and dive into the details of exactly what to include - and what to leave out - if you want to impress investors and achieve hockey-stick growth. / November 8, 2023

Moderator: Stefan Sysko

Experts: Alison Accavitti, Jen Baird, and Lindsey Kilbride

VIDEO: “Controlling the Chaos in High Growth Startups”

September 18, 2022

Panel: Strategies for Startups to Avoid Chaos and Burnout

Many entrepreneurial CEOs/ Founders start with a great idea, full of passion and possibility, but as the company grows in people and revenue the chaos begins and what once was passion can become a burden. Our panel of experts discussed strategies for helping early stage companies manage the chaos, focus on what’s important, and avoid burnout.

Panelists

VIDEO - “DO YOU EVEN NEED TO IMPRESS INVESTORS IN TODAY’S FUNDRAISING WORLD?”

November 30, 2021

In November 2021, a panel of experts explored ways to fund growth without using outside investors or alternative equity sources. Depending upon the business plan, growth focus and the founder’s wishes, companies of all types can find different ways to fund their growth. Not all businesses require angel or venture capital funding to be successful.

Watch the video to hear our panelists address the question: “DO YOU EVEN NEED TO IMPRESS INVESTORS IN TODAY’S FUNDRAISING WORLD?”

Moderator

VIDEO - HOW TO IMPRESS INVESTORS WITH YOUR STARTUP’S TEAM

September 21, 2021

At our September Forum, a panel of experts addressed several critical questions - What are the elements of a strong team that will truly stand-out to investors? What are investors looking for in a team?

Moderator

Jen Laidlaw is the owner of TeamWerks Talent Development and Consulting; President of the Ann Arbor chapter of the Association for Talent Development; a

VIDEO - HOW TO IMPRESS INVESTORS WITH YOUR STARTUP’S TRACTION

June 19, 2021

During the June 2021 Forum, a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and other experts provided their perspectives on this critical topic for early-stage startups.

Moderator

VIDEO - HOW TO IMPRESS INVESTORS WITH YOUR BUSINESS PLAN FINANCIALS

April 24, 2021

During the April 2021 Forum, a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and other experts provided their perspectives on this critical topic for early-stage startups. (The first couple of minutes are missing from the video due to a technical glitch.)

Moderator:

Jack Miner Chief Investment Officer, TEDCO. At TEDCO, Jack stewards diligence and investment processes, leads the Builder, Seed and Maryland Venture Funds and investment portfolios to maximize the financial return, and ensures a lasting impact for the State of Maryland. He reports to the CEO providing insi