On Friday November 9, I’ll be participating at as one of 20 VCs at Capital On Stage in NY, an unconventional startup conference about funding in which investors present themselves to a curated group of startups – instead of the reverse.
Ever since I became a VC, I find it a little odd to constantly be the one being sold to. As an entrepreneur, I spent 95% of my time selling. So I like this role reversal; I feel very at home being the salesman.
We’ll meet at Goodwin Procter on the top floor of the New York Times building. The other VCs and I will discuss our firms; our views on the market, our added value, and what we’re looking for. In addition, there will be Open Office hours in the morning, where Startups can book several meetings with the investors of their choice. Tickets aren’t expensive for Startups (starting at just $55), but you must apply and be selected.
Only founders of Internet companies may attend, so no employees. Besides that, you need to be working on a scalable product and be ready for (another round of) funding. Admission is based on invitation-only and there are only 175 seats available, so make sure to apply for an invitation today.
Arjen Strijker (the founder) is offering my readers an early bird rate of $55 (normally $115). To claim it you should enter my name in the reference field when you apply for an invite via the CapitalOnStage.com website.
They have previously successful events in Europe (Amsterdam and London with Balderton, Index, Fidelity Growth, DFJ, etc.). They’re now turning their attention to New York, where RTP Ventures, Comcast Ventures, Flybridge Capital, Safeguard, Amadeus Capital, Bain Capital, and Brooklyn Bridge Ventures are confirmed so far.
Nic Brisbourne, partner at DFJ esprit, wrote a laudatory post.