“Becoming an Investor-Ready Entrepreneur” Event Series Returns to NC in 2024

By Kevin Nicusanti, Equity Funding Specialist

Since 1984, the SBTDC has been a primary public resource for new business owners and entrepreneurs developing new technologies. One of our most sought-after services is assisting start-ups with acquiring funding. To support that effort, we have revitalized one of our most popular educational programs for 2024: Becoming an Investor-Ready Entrepreneur.

Most start-ups face the same three strategic issues

1. Founders have information gaps and misconceptions about funding a start-up
2. Start-ups are not aware of the concept of “stage-appropriate” capital, meaning what type of funding and sources are fitting for the specific development stage of the company
3. Founders generally do not understand the expectations and demands of investors

In 2024, we are revitalizing one of the most popular SBTDC educational programs: Becoming an Investor Ready Entrepreneur (IRE). This program directly answers the three core questions above.

An MBA in Start-up Funding

IRE is an interactive, day-long event presenting detailed information, case studies, and feedback from expert panelists. The curriculum has been built in a chapter format so that each topic will be explored, discussed, and then summarized to maximize learning. Attendees will receive a digital copy of all materials presented. Subject matter experts bring added value to the event; they include active angel investors, IP/corporate attorneys, and successful entrepreneurs who have already made the funding journey using the principles discussed at IRE.

The curriculum is organized as an “ Equity Funding Journey” where the entrepreneur is the opportunity provider and the investors are the customers. The topic areas include:

1. The equity investment process and the current funding landscape
2. Building the business for Success
3. Developing the Funding Need and Targeting qualified funding investors
4. How to present to Investors
5. Preparation for Due Diligence and developing a defendable valuation
6. Structuring the deal
7. Developing a Board and planning for an Exit

Investor Ready-Entrepreneur is a rich content experience and will benefit a range of attendees: from entrepreneurs to university spinouts, from grant-funded start-ups to faculty members, and from tech transfer offices to investors scouting for new opportunities. This is a paid event (which includes food and beverages) and requires online registration.

The in-person series will be held in three locations across the state:

• Winston-Salem 4/9 (Registration open)
• Durham 6/12
• Greenville 9/18

Please share this opportunity with your relevant associates, entrepreneurs, and investors.

We look forward to meeting you at IRE in 2024.

Reviews from past IRE attendees

“This event will prepare you not only for financing your company, but strategically positioning your R&D for commercial success.”

“A must attend event for early stage innovation startups.”

“It provides an excellent foundation for the multitude of activities you have to balance.”

About Kevin Nicusanti

Kevin Nicusanti is an Equity Funding Specialist with SBTDC at UNC Chapel Hill. Kevin is also a Raleigh- based entrepreneur and business owner. In his role at the SBTDC, Kevin provides 1:1 counseling to founders and CEOs who are planning to or currently pursuing equity capital. The no-cost counseling ranges from pitch deck development to investor relationships to advising due diligence/data room preparation to building advisory boards. He leverages a network of known NC investors to provide access to capital for clients operating in verticals ranging from Life Sciences to SAAS to AgTech to Enterprise software and more.