Judge & Jury: The Startup Pitch Trial!

27 Feb 2025

16:00 -18:30

Times are shown in local time.

• Pitches: 16:00-17:00
• Networking drinks: 17:00-18:30

Fadi Boustany Lecture Theatre (Cambridge Judge Business School)

Trumpington St

Cambridge

CB2 1AG

United Kingdom

See details

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Overview

Four ventures will present their business ideas as if in a courtroom, while a panel of coaches and mentors will act as the Prosecution.

You, as part of the audience, will serve as the Judge & Jury, determining the winners based on the presentations and responses.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of an engaging event that highlights innovative ideas and the resilience of entrepreneurs. We hope you can join us for insightful pitches, lively discussions and valuable networking.

Why attend?

• Critical feedback: listen to critical feedback from industry experts to refine business strategies, business models and pitches.
• Defending ideas: Observe Ventures defending their ideas under pressure, simulating real-world investor scrutiny.
• Visibility: gain visibility and network with potential investors and mentors.
• Prizes for:
  • Best Pitch
  • Most Innovative Solution
  • Best Defence Under Pressure

This is a fantastic opportunity for Ventures to showcase their potential, sharpen their pitching skills and gain insights from a diverse panel of experts and a live audience.

Roles

1. Accelerate Cambridge Ventures (Defendants)
   • Present and defend the validity, growth potential, and viability of their business ideas.
   • Showcase their concept, value proposition, and market opportunity while addressing challenges and answering tough questions.

2. Accelerate Cambridge Coaches and Mentors (Prosecution)
   • Critically evaluate and cross-examine each Venture.
   • Focus on areas like business strategy, financials, scalability and market fit.
   • Highlight weaknesses and test the Venture’s ability to respond under pressure.

3. Audience (Judge & Jury)
   • Participate by voting after the presentations and cross-examinations.
   • Decide winners in categories such as ‘Best Pitch’, ‘Most Innovative Solution’ and ‘Best Defence Under Pressure’.

Agenda

1. The case (5 minutes per Venture)
   • Each Venture presents its business idea, highlighting the problem, solution, market opportunity and competitive advantage.
   • The pitch should serve as a compelling opening statement, building a strong case for their startup.

2. Cross-examination by the Prosecution (10 minutes per Venture)
   • The Prosecution challenges each Venture on critical areas like business model, financials, scalability, risks and market readiness.
   • Ventures must defend their ideas confidently with data, evidence and clear responses.

3. Supporting testimony and closing statements (2 minutes per Venture)
   • Ventures summarise why their startup is a strong investment opportunity.
   • Address objections raised during the cross-examination and reinforce the strengths of their business.

4. Deliberation and audience vote (2 minutes)
   • The audience casts votes in the following categories:
     • Best Pitch
     • Most Innovative Solution
     • Best Defence Under Pressure

Outcome

Participating in the Judge & Jury event provides Ventures with:

• invaluable experience defending their business ideas under real-world scrutiny
• actionable feedback from seasoned Coaches, Mentors, Investors, and Industry Experts
• opportunities to improve business models, strategies, and presentations
• increased visibility through exposure to a live audience, potential investors and networking
• recognition in these categories: Best Pitch, Most Innovative Solution, and Best Defence Under Pressure which can lead to new opportunities and connections

We would love for your Venture to be part of this exciting experience!

Register

Please confirm your participation by registering via the form below. Please note, the registration deadline is Friday 14 February 2025.

Register for this event

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