Hattie Willis: co-founder of IfWeRaise and Host of Not My First Guess Podcast. As a startup coach and trainer, Hattie has supported hundreds of founders on accelerators such as Allia Impact, Hatch, Funding Accelerator, Amazon's Sustainability Accelerator to name a few. Meanwhile, on Not My First Guess, Hattie interviews founders of all stages, aiming to debunk and de-glamorise startup myths, particularly around the different funding paths; so anyone can learn from the real experiences of founders from all backgrounds.
The session covered a wide range of topics related to pitching and fundraising. The speaker emphasized the importance of storytelling in pitches and provided examples of successful pitches that focused on personal pain and relatability. They discussed the essential elements of a great pitch, including the problem statement, solution, market size, business model, differentiation from competitors, and growth potential. Tips for effective pitching were shared, such as avoiding jargon, using engaging and varied tone, and ensuring the pitch deck is visually appealing. Resources for further learning and support were also provided.