Entrepreneurs Matched with Dozens of Investors at SEED Dixie Speedpitching Event

Eight entrepreneurs, anxiously seeking funding for their business, pitched at last week’s FundingUniverse SEED Dixie Speedpitching luncheon in Southern Utah.

The April 19, 2007 luncheon, sponsored by FundingUniverse, Grow Utah Ventures and the SEED Dixie Initiative, featured eight of southern Utah’s top entrepreneurs. In an effort to match these entrepreneurs with investors, the entrepreneurs made four-minute pitches to dozens of accredited angel investors, rotating in a fast-paced, speed-dating style.

“Instead of spending large amounts of time and money to reach one investor, entrepreneurs now have the ability to use the limited resources they have in the best possible way,” Brock Blake, CEO of FundingUniverse said. “The event provides an ideal situation for busy investors and entrepreneurs anxiously searching for funding.”

Investors representing Grow Utah Ventures, the Dixie Angels and the Vegas Valley Angels listened as the entrepreneurs pitched their businesses. Bill Payne, entrepreneur-in-residence at the Kauffman Foundation and Vegas Valley Angel member, attended the event.

Entrepreneurs and investors benefit from the event. Entrepreneurs had access to dozens of active investors. Speedpitching provided a way for the entrepreneur, who is generally working with limited resources, to make efficient use of their time. Instead of meeting with one investor over a lunch break, the entrepreneurs pitched to dozens.

“Studies show that the primary reasons that investors choose to invest in companies have to do with the charisma, trustworthiness, and experience of the entrepreneur,” Blake explained. “The Speedpitching luncheon gives entrepreneurs the chance to present themselves, as well as their ideas.”

Investors similarly benefit from the event. Investors saw several “investment worthy” deals. Many of these investors willingly provide support and mentorship to the Speedpitching companies long after the event has ended.

The SEED Dixie Speedpitching event was hosted by FundingUniverse, Grow Utah Ventures and the SEED Dixie initiative, a community led effort focused on fostering and supporting entrepreneurs in the Dixie region. All entrepreneurs in Washington County and across the surrounding regions were invited to submit their business plans for consideration. Each business opportunity was reviewed and evaluated by the FundingUniverse staff.

The following companies presented at the SEED Dixie Speedpitching luncheon:
• Browz
• D.A.M. Truck Tools
• Ellipse Technology
• Freedom Fuel
• In2Networks
• O’D-Von
• Possibility Forge
• uPillar