NISPO INVESTMENT READINESS PROGRAMME

Mastering the apparently enigmatic art of investment fundraising can seem difficult and frustrating. But this does not need to be the case. Raising capital is a lot like selling a product; before you even meet prospective investors, you need to decide who to approach, understand their needs and learn to speak their language.

As part of the broader NISPO programme, E-Synergy will be hosting a series of innovative, interactive workshops aimed at the management teams of Northern Ireland’s high growth potential businesses. The NISPO Investment Readiness Programme sets-out to provide entrepreneurs, who have ambitions to raise investment finance, with an understanding of the investment process; how to prepare for investment and how to subsequently utilise investment funds to best effect. In particular, the IRPs will address articulating the business case in the context of the criteria investors use when assessing business opportunities.

How will the IRP benefit my company?

Sponsored by Invest NI, the IRPs will provide expert advice on propositions from an investor’s point of view. During the workshop the experienced E-Synergy team will assist companies to:

Determine whether venture capital is indeed a viable source of funding for them
Begin to understand the VC/business angel investor perspective on their business
Hone their presentation skills and refine their ‘elevator’ pitch
Understand the necessary process of company valuation
Appreciate the importance ‘aligning interests’
Examine common investment terms as they might apply to their businesses
Know what to expect from the due diligence process
Become familiar with some of the procedural and legal requirements
Get an insight into early stage investment structures
Understand how to manage the post-investment scene to best effect

The programmes frequently culminate with an opportunity for participants to practice presenting their investment opportunities to a selection of venture capitalists and experienced high net worth investors – many IRP participants have commented that the feedback from these sessions is invaluable in preparation for the real thing.