Connect Scotland Investment Conference

Scotland’s Premier Technology Investment Event

The Connect Investment Conference (CSIC) is the leading technology investment conference in Scotland.  It is the only event that brings together the entire spectrum of players operating in the technology community. CSIC provides delegates with a unique opportunity to deliver their brand, service offering and key messages to the decision makers fronting technology companies, the investors that support these companies, and the business support organisations that advise Scotland’s technology sector.

CSIC 2012 will be a one-day compact, dynamic and engaging conference, with up to 15 technology companies pitching for growth funding and a technology showcase where delegates can meet the presenting companies.  The event will conclude with a networking reception to forge and strengthen new and existing relationships.

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Investors – This event is Scotland’s premier investment event and is tailored to ensure that investors see the best second stage investment prospects that Scotland has to offer.

Corporate and Professional Services Partners – This event is a valuable networking opportunity for organisations wishing to access the high growth technology business market.

Technology Companies – Investment-ready high growth technology companies with a solid business proposition can present at this event or attend to access a wealth of valuable contacts.

This is a popular event and places are limited so book your place now!

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Apply to pitch

Applying companies must be:

• an Innovative, Knowledge based, Science or Technology business
• seeking to raise investment of between £250K and £3m
• able to attend selection panels and the CSIC on the specified dates
• able to pay the fee required on the specified date

By taking part in the Connect Scotland CSIC 2012 Investment Conference you will have:

• A great opportunity for raising your profile
• A top networking event
• FREE help, support and invaluable advice to ensure investors will listen
• Access to a free interactive workshop given by leading professionals
• Intense one on one advice to hone your pitch to give you the best chance of success
• Raised profile amongst the investment and business community
• The opportunity to present your investment proposition to hundreds of delegates
• The opportunity to pitch to specialist Investors, Business Angels and Venture Capitalists

Individual applications will be subject to an initial screening once they have been received.  Successful applicants will be invited to present at a selection panel to decide who will go forward to the next stage. These panels will take place in several locations across Scotland depending on the geographical split of applicants.

Each Panel is made up of 3-4 Connect Champions who have been selected on the grounds of their expertise in the field of high growth technology and investment. Each Panel will meet the applicants, and assess and score their pitches. Each finalist is asked to do a 10 minute (maximum) presentation. This will be followed by an opportunity for the Panel to ask questions for a further 20 minutes.

Applicants will be informed within one week of the completion of the panel whether or not they have been successful. If the business is not suitable Connect Scotland will explain why and what steps the business could take to ensure its suitability at another date.

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Connect Champions Mentoring Support

Upon selection for the next stage of the process each applicant will be assigned a Connect Champion. The role of the Champion is to mentor applicants to the stage where they can present a robust investment proposition at the time of the Conference. The Connect Champion will be available to meet with applicants and provide an equivalent of 1 day mentorship.

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Investment Readiness Support

Selected applicants will also be invited to attend an Investment Readiness Workshop where they will receive general advice on what investors look for and how to prepare their pitch. This will they be supported by advice from the Connect Champions that will be specific to individual businesses.

Applicants who were successfully selected from the first panel will be asked to present a second time to a panel of Connect Champions. This selection process will be the same format as before however in this case only a maximum of 15 companies will be selected to present at the Conference.

Each selected company will automatically be offered the opportunity to exhibit at the conference i.e. man one exhibition stand for the duration of the day. Each company will only be pitching for a maximum of 10 minutes therefore an exhibition stand maximises the opportunities to interact and network with the audience of investors and professional services.

During the selection process applicants should be prepare to redraft their presentation on several occasions to ensure that they a fully prepared for the conditions of the conference including ensuring that they keep strictly to time.

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Conference Rehearsal

In order for the CSIC to run to a very strict time schedule the presenting companies will be given the opportunity to present at a rehearsal under conference timings and conditions. This will enable them to perfect the exact timing of their pitches and also to make any final adjustments to their content.

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What will it cost?

The subsidised company rate for this opportunity is £250 + VAT*, this includes:

• Raising your profile amongst the investment and business community
• Presenting your proposition to hundreds of delegates
• Pitching to specialist Business Angels, Investors and Venture Capitalists
• Exhibition space specifically for you to network with the main players in Scotland
• A two page summary of your company's proposition in our delegate handbook

• Post event progress tracking
• Offer of assistance and impartial advice on deal progression
• Professional photographs taken on the day

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*This rate is for 2 company representatives to attend the event. Additional attendees will be charged at the additional discounted rate of £250 + VAT