Seeking Investors for a High School Shark Tank Event
Hello everyone! I am a high school student organizing a conference aimed at empowering young girls by improving access to professional opportunities. After attending various conferences myself, I became aware of how costly and exclusive they can be, which inspired my team and I to create an online event where high school students can network, engage with distinguished speakers, and develop professional skills while finding role models.
Our inaugural conference will focus on innovation, and we’re excited to include a Shark Tank-style activity where students can pitch their ideas. However, we’re currently facing challenges in finding investors who would be willing to dedicate an hour of their time to listen to these pitches and provide valuable feedback.
I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on how to connect with potential investors for this Shark Tank event. Do you have any tips on who I should reach out to or how to craft a compelling outreach email? Thank you in advance for your support!
TL;DR: High school student in search of investors for a Shark Tank event with fellow high school students. Seeking suggestions on how to find and contact potential investors.
That sounds like an amazing initiative! Here are some ideas on how to find investors and mentors for your Shark Tank event:
Local Business Owners: Reach out to small business owners in your community who might be interested in mentoring young entrepreneurs. They often appreciate the opportunity to connect with the next generation and share their experiences.
Alumni Networks: If your school has an alumni network, reach out to graduates who have succeeded in business or entrepreneurship. Many may be willing to give back by mentoring young students.
Entrepreneurial Organizations: Look for local entrepreneurial incubators or organizations that support startups. They might be interested in getting involved, either by sending representatives or connecting you with their networks.
LinkedIn Outreach: Use LinkedIn to search for professionals in your area who have experience in entrepreneurship or investment. You can personalize your messages to explain your event and why you think they would be a great fit.
Local Colleges and Universities: Contact business departments at nearby colleges or universities. Professors or graduate students might be interested in participating, and they could refer you to local investors as well.
Networking Events: Attend local business networking events or startup meetups. These gatherings are great opportunities to meet potential investors and pitch your event face-to-face.
Online Platforms: Explore platforms like AngelList, where you can find investors interested in startups, or even forums dedicated to entrepreneurship.
Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to promote your event. You can tag local businesses or entrepreneurs who might be interested in participating or supporting your initiative.
Pitching Competitions: You might find leads through other pitching competitions in your area. Participants or judges may be open to mentoring high school students.
Local Chambers of Commerce: Reach out to your local chamber of commerce or business associations. They often have networks and can connect you with potential investors.
When contacting potential investors, be sure to clearly explain the purpose of your event and how their involvement can make a difference in the lives of young aspiring entrepreneurs. Good luck with your conference! It sounds like a fantastic opportunity for students.