2026 Investment Readiness Program

Gain the knowledge and practical tools to successfully raise capital, build investor-ready startups, and confidently navigate the startup investment ecosystem—from fundraising to angel investing.

This 2-part educational series equips entrepreneurs, founders, and aspiring investors with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the startup funding landscape and build successful ventures. Led by Anthony Presley and colleagues, the program covers the full investment lifecycle - from understanding types of startup capital, investor expectations, and dilution, to developing investor-ready business models, preparing for due diligence, and delivering compelling investor pitches. Participants will also gain practical insight into financial planning, tax strategies, and building strong long-term investor relationships. The series introduces angel investing and the role community investors play in strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, empowering attendees to engage more effectively in both fundraising and early-stage investing.

Agenda

Friday, September 4
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Learn the fundamentals of startup funding, including capital options, investor expectations, and how equity and dilution work throughout the fundraising process.
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Prepare your business for investment by strengthening your business model, organizing due diligence materials, and identifying milestones that attract investors.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Develop a compelling investor pitch by refining your startup story, creating an effective pitch deck, and confidently answering investor questions.
Friday, September 11
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Build a strong financial foundation by learning essential startup finance, tax strategies, and planning techniques that support sustainable growth and fundraising.
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Learn how to build lasting investor relationships through effective communication, strong governance, and founder accountability.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Discover the fundamentals of angel investing and learn how community investors help fuel startup growth and regional innovation.
4:00 PM
4:00 PM

Speakers

Anthony Presley

Entrepreneur, Investor, and Startup Mentor

Eli Chmouni

Serial Entrepreneur, Technology Executive, and Entrepreneurship Professor

David Matthews

Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist Focused on Early-Stage Retail Technology and AI

David Evans

AI Investor, Entrepreneur, and Managing Partner at Sentiero Ventures

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