Pitch Camp (pitch your startup like a rockstar) October 18, 2008

Pitching your startup to venture capitalists, angel investors, journalists or prospective employees can be daunting for even the most experienced entrepreneur, let alone a novice. To help budding entrepreneurs learn the skills they will need to win funding and buzz, SpringStage -- a nationwide startup support network -- presents Pitch Camp Dallas this Saturday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dallas Infomart.

The free event will include networking and presentations, as well as a hands-on workshop where participants provide "pitch makeovers" to real-world startups. After the event, there will be cocktails and additional informal networking.

Presentations at the event will include:

Dan Owen: "How to Pitch to VCs"

Dan is managing general partner of HO2 Partners, a Dallas-based technology venture capital firm, and is an active private investor and company adviser. Dan began his career as a media executive and entrepreneur. Joining Spectradyne in 1975 during its infancy, Dan negotiated with the Hollywood studios to create pay-per-view movie release window and led the rollout of SpectraVision into 700,000 hotel rooms in five countries, eventually becoming Chief Operating Officer until the sale of the company for $635 million in 1989. In 1992 Dan founded Focus Networks and built a satellite video sales training network for the department store industry, which he sold to Fairchild Publications in 1995. In 1996 he was a seed-round investor and advisor in WeddingChannel.com, which became the largest online bridal registry and merged with TheKnot, Inc. in 2006. In 1998 Dan co-founded HO2 Partners and launched a $35 million venture capital fund. HO2 co-led the initial funding rounds of five successful enterprise technology companies: TraqWireless (now merged with Tangoe, Inc.), Ignite Technologies, InnerWireless, GlobeRanger and Voyence (sold to EMC Software). Dan serves on the boards of Ignite and GlobeRanger.

Chuck McCoy: "How to Pitch to Angels"

Chuck is Executive Director of the North Texas Angel Network. The North Texas Angel Network (NTAN) is a Texas not-for-profit corporation that provides quality opportunities for angel investors. NTAN is a part of the statewide network of non-profit angel groups. We educate and coach early stage companies in North Texas for the purpose of raising money, assisting in their growth and improving the local economy. Members take an active role in the organization by helping to identify, screen, and assist early-stage companies seeking investment capital. We hold meetings at venues across the metroplex. At investment meetings NTAN members hear from companies chosen through a formal application and screening process. Educational meetings are open to any interested person.

Tom Hedrick: "How to Pitch to VCs"

Tom, managing partner at HP Growth Partners, is an accomplished executive, having been one of the most senior partners at the international strategy-consulting firm McKinsey & Company where he led or co-led several technology-related and venture-related practices as well as the Dallas office. Since 1995, Mr. Hedrick has also been an active and successful individual venture investor through his family investment vehicle Dillon Joyce Ltd, generating returns far in excess of industry benchmarks. Tom is a board member of All Web Leads, Bulldog Solutions and RealManage. He also is an advisory board member for Tek-Tools, Inc. Mr. Hedrick received his MBA from the Harvard Business School and his BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame.

Angela Shah: "How to Pitch to Reporters"

Angela is a senior reporter at The Dallas Morning News, covering economic issues for the Business section. She also writes the monthly Texas View column. Recently, Ms. Shah was named a 2004 finalist for the National Journalism Award in public service reporting by the Scripps Howard Foundation for her work on The News’ special series “Dallas at the Tipping Point: A Roadmap for Renewal.” The series was also recently cited as the Best Urban Article or Series in Civic Strategies’ Urban Journalism Awards. Prior to coming to Dallas in July 2000, Ms. Shah worked as a staff writer for the Metro section of the Austin American-Statesman. She covered a variety of issues including city and county government, higher education and general assignments.

The event will be held in the offices of Architel, a startup incubator, at the Infomart, 1950 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 2022, Dallas, Texas 75207. For more information, visit http://www.texasstartupblog.com/2008/10/15/pitch-camp-dallas-this-saturday-10am-4pm.

Official Website: http://www.texasstartupblog.com/2008/10/15/pitch-camp-dallas-this-saturday-10am-4pm