For entrepreneursThe VC4A Venture Showcase creates the platform for early-stage startups to rapidly progress into high-impact, expanding and scalable companies. We offer participants a unique networking opportunity and introduction to the main funds and investors in the region.
What we offerMentorship and technical support by partner VC investors;Being recognized as an up and coming startup in the 2023-2024 VC4A Venture Showcase;Inclusion in the VC4A Venture Showcase dealbook, shared with the VC4A early stage investors Network;Participation in the Venture Showcase deal room, engaging directly with interested investors, 45-minute deep-dive session with investors in a private room;Joining the alumni network and having exclusive access to partner events and fundraising opportunities;Access to VC4A partners, perks and credits.
CalendarApplication period – November 6 – December 17 2023Selection process / investor review / interviews – January – February 2024Selection of participants – February 2024Investor Readiness Program – March 2024-May 2024Technical sessions and one-one mentoring sessions with investors – March – May 2024Launch of the VC4A Venture Showcase – deal rooms with investors – June 2024
Eligibility criteriaYour company must:Offer a product or service that is tech-enabled.Be for-profit and registered as an independent legal entity;Have a product or service available on the market that is generating revenue, designed for scale, and clearly creating (measurable) impact;Have a very strong management team comprising at least 3 people, where at least one is a woman in a C-suite or executive team position;Be based in and targeting one or more countries in Latin America or the Caribbean;Be seeking to raise Seed or Series A rounds.Notes: Preference will be given to businesses generating social and/or environmental impact.The program will be 100% in Spanish– participants should be fluent in Spanish.While there will be exceptions, it is anticipated that most startups will have already received a round of external investment prior to the program and/or received grants from donor organizations.
Selection criteriaInnovativeness and Scalability (20%) – Company addresses a real problem in the market in a clearly innovative way. The product or service is different to others in the industry. The business model is new, disruptive and designed for scale.Social, economic and/or environmental impact (20%) – Company addresses a social, economic and/or environmental issue and is able to show the impact your product or service is making in the lives of people in Latin America.Strategy for Growth (20%) – There is potential to expand into new markets or expand at home. There is a clear strategy on how to grow impact and demonstrable progress in terms of customer acquisition plans, new contracts, and key partnerships.Management team (20%) – The team has the qualifications and experience needed to make the business successful.Market Traction & Financials (20%) – Market traction and the potential market size will be evaluated. The company’s business model, revenue streams, unit economics and previous funding rounds will come into consideration.
What we expect from youIf you are selected for the Venture Showcase, we expect that:You engage with the assigned mentors (venture capital allied investors) and the VC4A team to prepare your 3- and 20-minute pitch, as well as 2 pages with investment data as part of the dealbook.You are prepared to present and engage with venture capital investors in the March to May 2024 period and be part of the VC4A Venture Showcase.You assist to all the group technical support sessions and all your one-one mentoring sessions, delivered by the participant investorsYou share your experiences and actively participate in masterclasses, one-on-one mentor sessions and Dealrooms.Attend the Venture Showcase DemoDay, which can be virtual or in-person between March and May 2024. If in-person, VC4A will endeavor to provide financial assistance.You complete the closing and evaluation questionnaires at the end of the program.
Recent alumni fundingSince 2017 we have been instrumental in the success of hundreds of startups that participated in the Venture Showcase, resulting in over $800M being raised by portfolio companies. Below is a look at some of the most recent alumni funding raises:
FAQs Is there any cost of participation or exchange of equity in order to participate? No, the program is free, since no investment is promised, but rather the introductions, training and connections with the interested investors. Can teams with men participate? Yes, as long as there is at least one woman at the management level. Management level means any position at the C-level (CEO, CTO, COO, etc.) or high-level positions such as: President, Director, etc. My product is physical, can I apply? Yes, as long as your product uses or works with some type of innovative technology. I am not registered in any LatAm country but I have operations there, can I participate? Yes, as long as you have operations in any country in Latin America and the Caribbean and at least one person on your team, is based in one of the countries in the region. Do I have to have sales to apply? Yes, it is a requirement to already have a product or service launched on the market and generating sales. There is no minimum sales required, as each industry is different. You must have income from sales, but not necessarily profits. Can anyone on the team give the pitch or should it be the woman? Of course, anyone on the team can give the pitch, however we prefer that they be women. Is the program virtual? Yes, 100% virtual, there will probably be a physical event in March but travel expenses will be covered for one participant per team.
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