Recorded 12/28/2023 In this presentation you will get a comprehensive guide on how to secure seed and pre-seed investment for your startup, emphasizing the importance of early-stage funding in launching and scaling. The speaker will discuss: 1) Understanding Seed and Pre-Seed Investment 2) Preparing for Investment 3) Building Relationships with Investors 4) Crafting Your Pitch 5) Pitch Deck Essentials 6) Finding Seed and Pre-Seed Investors 7) Navigating the Investment Process 8) Demonstrating Traction and Proof of Concept 9) Investment Considerations and Terms About the Speaker Gary Fowler, President, CEO and Founder, GSD Venture Studios https://www.linkedin.com/in/fowlerinternational/ Award-winning serial entrepreneur and investor with 17 companies and two Unicorns and a successful IPO. Gary was on the original management team of ClickSoftware that was recently sold to SalesForce for 1.35 billion and was the co-founder at the award winning AI company, Yva.ai that was recently acquired by Visier. He has over 30 years of experience and is the CEO, President of GSD Venture Studios. GSD is a Silicon Valley based venture studio located in Silicon Valley. GSD takes operational roles in companies and uses their vast global network and experience to help companies maximize their opportunities. Gary was recently named one of the top 10 Global AI executives and is an international speaker and the author of over 180 articles.

1. Presented By
Gary Fowler

2. What is pre-seed and seed
investment?
What is its significance in the startup
ecosystem?
UNDERSTANDING
PRE-SEED & SEED
INVESTMENT
Develop products
Validate ideas
Achieve key milestones

3. Preseed Funding: Initial stage of
funding for new startups, often used to
develop a business plan, conduct
market research, or develop a
prototype. It typically comes from the
founders' personal savings, friends,
family, or angel investors.
Seed Funding: The next stage, where a
startup seeks external funding to
prove its business model, develop
products, and attract early customers.
Seed investors are usually angel
investors, early-stage venture
capitalists, and incubators.
WHAT IS SEED
AND PRE-SEED
FUNDING?

4. PREPARING
FOR
INVESTMENT
Emphasize the importance of thorough
preparation before seeking seed or pre-seed
investment:
Develop a compelling business plan
and pitch deck.
Identify your target market and
articulate your value proposition.
Conduct market research to
demonstrate market opportunity.
Build a strong founding team with
relevant skills and expertise.
Develop an MVP (Minimum Viable
Product) to showcase your concept
or solution.

5. Attend industry events and startup
meetups.
Leverage your network for introductions to
investors.
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
WITH INVESTORS
Research and identify investors who focus
on seed or pre-seed investments in your
industry or sector.
Engage with investors through online
platforms and pitch competitions.

6. Articulate the market opportunity
and potential for growth.
Showcase your competitive
advantage.
Explain your revenue model and
monetization strategy.
Highlight key milestones achieved
and future milestones.
Present a realistic financial forecast
and use of funds.
Clearly communicate the problem
you're solving and your unique
solution.
CRAFTING
YOUR PITCH
Tips for creating a compelling pitch:

7. PITCH DECK ESSENTIALS
The key components of a comprehensive pitch deck:
Problem statement and value proposition.
Market analysis and target audience.
Product or solution overview.
Business model and monetization
strategy.
Competitive landscape and differentiation.
Traction and milestones achieved.
Team and key personnel.
Financial projections and funding
requirements.

8. FINDING SEED AND
PRE-SEED INVESTORS
An overview of different sources for seed and
pre-seed investment:
Angel investors: High-net-worth
individuals who invest their own capital.
Venture capital firms: Professional
investment firms that focus on early-stage
startups.
Startup accelerators and incubators:
Programs that provide funding,
mentorship, and resources.
Government grants or programs:
Opportunities for startups in certain
industries or regions.
Crowdfunding platforms: Online
platforms where individuals can
contribute to startup funding.

9. NAVIGATING THE
INVESTMENT
PROCESS
The typical steps involved in securing seed or
pre-seed investment:
Submitting an application or pitch deck.
Initial screening and due diligence.
In-person or virtual pitch meetings.
Negotiating terms and conditions.
Conducting legal and financial due
diligence.
Closing the investment round.

10. Convertible Notes
ESSENTIAL AGREEMENTS
AND TERMS TO
UNDERSTAND
SAFE Agreements (Simple Agreement
for Future Equity)
- A form of short-term debt that
converts into equity, typically in
conjunction with a future financing
round.
- An agreement between an investor
and a company that provides rights
to the investor for future equity in
the company.

11. Acquire early customers or users
DEMONSTRATING TRACTION
AND PROOF OF CONCEPT
The importance of demonstrating
traction and proof of concept to attract
seed and pre-seed investors:
Secure pilot projects or partnerships
Show revenue or growth potential
Highlight positive user feedback or
testimonials

12. The key investment considerations and
terms that entrepreneurs should be aware
of:
INVESTMENT
CONSIDERATIONS
AND TERMS
Equity stake and ownership
percentage.
Valuation of the startup.
Investment amount and funding
milestones.
Investor rights and board
representation.

13. Q & A

14. THANK YOU
Connect with us:
hello@gsdvs.com
www.gsdvs.com
GaryFowler
CEO & Founder of GSD Venture Studios