ASPIRE is an intensive program that prepares startups for the investments and partnerships necessary to launch their venture. Mentors-in-residence work one-on-one with startups to simulate due diligence conversations and integrate feedback into deal room materials in real-time.
Spend one-on-one time with investors. You will work with high-caliber mentors throughout the program that have experience investing or partnering with startups like yours.
Vet your fundraising strategy. Startups will leave with a clear articulation of their investment needs, including the investment ask and planned milestones for the round. Take part in a mock board meeting to prepare yourself for fundraising and investor conversations.
Due Diligence Deal Room. Spend time creating and refining deal room materials to use during the fundraising process. Invest your time and energy into work product for a deal room discussion, not a demo day pitch.
Stress-test your startup. Work through real-world disaster scenarios with your team to discover how to best prepare for the unexpected.
Collaborate and network. Connect with fellow founders and leverage the VentureWell investor network after the program ends.
Does your startup qualify?
For each cohort, VentureWell selects 10-15 dedicated science and engineering-based startups from across the nation that are launching high-impact inventions. Startups must be committed and competitive!
Team identified and startup formed. First-time founders with management team and key roles identified—no one-person teams. Incorporated as a legal entity by the beginning of the program.
High-impact inventions. Innovation has a clear positive impact, solves a real problem felt by customers, and has a compelling value proposition.
Early market validation. Validated customer segments and initial evidence of product-market fit. Articulation of economic value proposition and evidence of customer buy-in.
Intellectual property. Provisional patent(s) filed and assigned to the company or evidence of a clear pathway to the license.
Beyond proof of concept. Initial prototype developed and pilot studies/field trials underway.
Actively fundraising. Company has raised at least $25K (grants or equity) and is preparing for a round of equity investment within 12 months.
Grant Management Associates has years of experience with opportunities like this one. Contact us today for a consultation.
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