Fireside Chat Explores Raising Capital for Entrepreneurs

For students just starting out or seasoned entrepreneurs – and everything in between – raising capital is an incredibly important matter. That’s why we teamed up with Startup Exchange, GTXR, Hex Labs, and Entrepreneur First (a leading global talent investor) to host a Fireside Chat regarding the hot topic.

The Fireside Chat: How to Raise Capital as a Student Builder, hosted at The Clubhouse, offered attendees a unique opportunity to connect with seasoned investors, delve into their insights on the startup landscape, and gain valuable perspectives on the world of venture capital.

Accompanied by Will Parker (U.S. DoD Apex Accelerators Procurement Counselor, Georgia Tech) and moderated by Teddy Feldmann (Student, Georgia Tech), renowned speakers Joe Ros (Partner, Entrepreneur First) and Simon Pastor (Associate, Entrepreneur First) took the stage to cover topics such as finding and pursuing interesting ideas and going after venture-scale outcomes. Joe also talked about Entrepreneur First's (which boasts a portfolio of over $10B) investment thesis and its prudent belief in the founders that it backs, regardless of the practicality of the idea that they're pursuing. 

Additional learnings followed:

1. EXPOSURE IS KEY

Exposing students from diverse backgrounds in and around Georgia Tech to the venture landscape and to investors that believe in their capabilities is a huge impetus to student entrepreneurship. 

2. BEING TECHNICAL IS A HUGE ADVANTAGE

For founders, being technical is vital. Part of Entrepreneur First's investment thesis is that a very technical founding team has the ability to deliver progress and pivot fast. 

3. YOUR IDEA IS JUST THE START

Most founders pivot many times before landing on something that has the potential to truly disrupt global markets. Entrepreneur First strongly believes in this and their investment thesis reflects this. 

The evening was a rare occasion to interact directly with key players in the investment ecosystem and expand networks in the startup community, especially for newcomers and those with less experience.