This past week, MultiversX and STORM Partners hosted their first-ever Start-Up Demo Day, a milestone event that brought together innovative startups and keen investors in an online forum designed to showcase burgeoning projects at the intersection of traditional industries and the latest in web3 infrastructure and decentralized finance (DeFi). The event served as a platform for presenting cutting-edge ideas and a learning experience for the organizers and participants. Here’s a look at the key takeaways from the event and the valuable insights gained.
Lesson 1: Start Planning in Time – Building a Community of Innovators and Investors
Start planning your project at least 3 months in advance. One of the primary lessons from this Demo Day was the reaffirmation that such events are crucial for gathering a diverse group of individuals around a common goal, but it takes time. The challenge of assembling various stakeholders for pitches was met with a dedicated effort towards relationship-building and curation. It highlighted the importance of creating spaces where the right people can connect with the most promising opportunities, a task that demands genuine effort and strategic networking.
Lesson 2: Strategic Pre-Event Promotion for Maximum Impact
The feedback from the event has underscored the need for enhanced pre-event promotion and marketing. Future events will benefit from a more robust strategy that leverages social media and other channels to amplify the reach and impact of the event. This approach will enhance visibility and ensure that the synergy between MultiversX and STORM Partners is fully leveraged, drawing more attention and participation from across the industry.
Lesson 3: Curation Excellence – Fostering Investor Interest in High-Quality Start-ups
The quality of startups present at the Demo Day was a significant highlight, drawing genuine interest from investors. This interest was palpable even in the digital realm of the event, with active engagement in Zoom chats. Such enthusiasm from investors underscores the effectiveness of the careful curation process undertaken by the organizers, ensuring that only high-quality projects were showcased. It’s a testament to the organizers’ commitment to the financial aspects and fostering a community of innovation and excellence.
Lesson 4: Feedback & Support – Elevating Start-Up Satisfaction and Success, Comprehensive Support and Positive Feedback
Startups expressed great satisfaction with the overall organization of the event, a sentiment that speaks volumes about the comprehensive support provided by MultiversX and STORM Partners. From coaching and editing pitch decks to advising on valuation and future planning, the level of assistance offered was unparalleled. Allow at least one hour of feedback per venture. This holistic approach to support helped startups polish their presentations and ensured they were fully prepared to engage with potential investors.
Lesson 5: Strategic Positioning – Niche Projects, Broad Investor Appeal
Make sure to not have more than 5-6 startups per theme, allowing approximately 1 hour of pitching. Many projects on Demo Day were niche, focusing on MultiversX, infrastructure, and DeFi, but the event successfully positioned these ventures at the crossroads of traditional industries and web3. This strategic choice piqued the interest of investors, who appreciated the opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of web3 and learn about emerging market trends. The focus on complex, innovative projects offered attendees a unique learning experience, highlighting the event’s role in educating and inspiring the investor community.
Lesson 6: Strengthening Partnerships Through Effective Collaboration, and The Importance of Following Up
The collaboration between STORM Partners and MultiversX, while challenging due to the complexity of coordinating large teams on short notice, proved to be an excellent opportunity to strengthen their relationship. The successful execution of the event demonstrated the ability of STORM Partners to mobilize various departments and collaborate effectively, showcasing their capacity for high-quality, cross-departmental work. This partnership has been reinforced and highlighted as a model for future collaborations.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural Start-Up Demo Day was a resounding success, marked by high-quality presentations, engaged investors, and a strengthened partnership between MultiversX and STORM Partners. The event has set a high standard for future gatherings, offering valuable lessons in event organization, marketing, and community engagement. As we reflect on this first event’s successes and learning opportunities, we are already looking forward to the next one, armed with insights and strategies to make it even more impactful.
In conclusion, the Start-Up Demo Day was more than just an event; it was a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community. As MultiversX and STORM Partners continue to pave the way for the future of web3 and DeFi, the lessons learned, and relationships forged during this event will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the industry.
