Traditionally, founders compete for the attention of investors. They spend countless hours refining their pitches, hoping to secure funding. But with events like Singapore founders! rev™, the script is being flipped.
Investors now present themselves and their value to founders, sparking a new kind of conversation. This shift focuses on how both sides can benefit—not just financially, but strategically.
Highlights
Redefining Investor-Founder Relationships
For entrepreneurs, this reverse pitch format is a game-changer. Founders are no longer just seeking financial backing. They are looking for partners who can offer industry expertise, guidance, and long-term support. In many cases, these relationships can last for years, or even decades. For this reason, chemistry and shared values have become just as important as funding.
On the other hand, investors now face a different challenge. They need to demonstrate their worth beyond just deep pockets. Their strategic value, industry knowledge, and network reach have become critical. Events like Singapore founders! rev™ provide a platform for investors to showcase these attributes. It’s their chance to prove that they can genuinely contribute to a startup’s long-term success.
This model also addresses a long-standing pain point for founders. No longer do they have to convince investors that their startup is worth backing. With reverse pitching, they have the space to assess potential investors. They can now evaluate who aligns best with their vision, creating a more balanced and thoughtful partnership.
A Collaborative Effort to Reimagine Investment
What sets Singapore founders! rev™ apart is its collaborative nature. The event is organized by PitchFlix, a company that has already brought reverse pitching to London and Hong Kong. They are now partnering with key supporters like Tech Singapore Advocates, BLOCK71, and JTC Corporation to bring the concept to Singapore.
Tech Singapore Advocates plays a vital role in this collaboration. They connect innovators, investors, and professionals in Singapore’s tech scene. With their non-monetized community-driven initiative, they are helping foster a new type of relationship between founders and investors.
BLOCK71, a renowned incubator, and JTC Corporation, the venue sponsor, add further local relevance. Together, these organizations are creating a platform for founders to meet investors in a relaxed setting. The goal is to encourage genuine conversations about long-term value rather than just immediate funding.
Why Singapore?
The reverse pitch model may be new to Singapore, but it has already made waves in other startup hubs. With its strong government support for innovation, Singapore is the perfect launchpad for Singapore founders! rev™. The city-state’s strategic location in Asia and its thriving startup ecosystem make it an ideal setting for this new approach to funding.
The inaugural event will be held on 9th October 2024 at Symbiosis Tower. The event will bring together leading investors such as Cocoon Capital, SCVentures, and Antler. Founders can expect more than just pitches. They will have the opportunity to explore how investors can offer guidance and industry insights.
In addition to these investors, representatives from 1982 Ventures, JRE Ventures, Trive, Abound Capital, Fuel Ventures, and the British Chamber of Commerce will also be present. After the pitching sessions, founders and investors will have the chance to connect over networking and drinks. This relaxed environment encourages more meaningful relationships to form.
Shifting the Conversation: From Funding to Partnership
As reverse pitching gains traction, the conversation around startup funding is evolving. Investors must now show what they bring beyond capital. They need to focus on their strategic value, mentorship, and networks. For founders, this format offers a refreshing change. They can now critically assess which investors align with their vision, values, and long-term goals.
For many founders, this shift represents an important new skill set—evaluating investors based on more than just financial backing. It’s about building a partnership that will help the startup grow. On the other side, investors also need to adjust. They must prove that they are valuable long-term partners, not just funding sources.
A Model for the Future
As Singapore founders! rev™ takes root, it may spark similar events across Asia and beyond. Reverse pitching could soon become the norm, offering a new way for founders and investors to connect. Discussions are already underway to bring this model to cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Mumbai, Dubai, and San Francisco.
In Singapore, this event represents a shift in how startups and investors interact. Founders can now take their time to assess potential partners. They can focus on finding investors who align with their goals, values, and vision for the future. For investors, it’s an opportunity to build long-lasting partnerships with promising startups.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time founder, Singapore founders! rev™ offers a fresh perspective. It may just be the beginning of a new era in startup investment—one where investors court founders, and founders drive the conversation.
Highlights
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