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11 Years, 22 Forum Programs for High Growth Women-Led Companies
*LATEST UPDATE: Media & Tech applications are OPEN! Apply now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Springboard: 2012 Venture Forum?
The Springboard: 2012 Venture Forum is Springboard’s 23rd forum program, a community-driven accelerator designed exclusively for women-led companies seeking equity investments or strategic partnerships. We engage our vast expert network to recruit the most promising investment-ready companies and assist them in their quest to connect with investors and business development opportunities. Companies selected to participate in the program are inducted into the Springboard Expert network, receive a team to work with them on their investor presentation and business challenges, and depending on stage may be provided opportunities to meet and pitch to angel, venture, and corporate investors, trusted advisors and strategic partners.
2. What are the important dates?
Life Science Cycle
- April 3: Priority Deadline to apply
- April 11-19: regional in-person interview sessions
- Chicago, April 11
- NYC, April 18
- San Francisco, April 19
- May 9-10: Bootcamp workshop - Cambridge, MA
- June 6-7: Springboard Bi-Annual Alumnae and Advisor Caucus - Washington, DC
- June-July: Coaching - virtual and in-person
- August 2: Final Assessment with Life Science Angels - Palo Alto, CA
- Fall: Additional presentation opportunities
- Ongoing: ongoing support as a member of the Springboard Trust
Media and Technology Cycle
- May 2: Application Launch
- June 5: Priority Deadline to Apply
- June - July: Regional in-person interview sessions
- New York City, June 27
- Chicago, July 11
- San Francisco and Boston TBD
- July 25-26: Bootcamp workshop at Bloomberg - NYC
- July 25 - Evening reception TBD
- July 26 - Full-day 8am-6pm workshop and reception
- Aug-Sept: Coaching - virtual and in-person
- Late Sept: Final Assessment Session
- October 23-24: Pitch Session at the SUNY Levin Institute and Springboard Annual Dinner - NYC
- Oct 23 - Evening reception TBD
- Oct 24 - Full-day 8am-4pm pitch session; Dinner 6-9:30pm
- Fall: Additional presentation opportunities
- Ongoing: ongoing support as a member of the Springboard Trust
In 10 years of doing this program, we've learned a few things. And one thing we've learned while working with over 400 women-led companies is that it's all about relationships. Unlike other venture forums, the Springboard: 2012 Venture Forum is not a single concluding event. Instead, we focus on getting you exposure to the right investors in our network by organizing multiple smaller, more personalized presentation opportunities in various locations throughout the Fall.
4. What are the criteria for applying?
Our "sweet spot" is any company that is or will be seeking institutional investments within the next 12-18 months. Companies should:
- A woman in a key management position with a significant equity stake.
- A qualified and profitable market opportunity with competitive advantage
- A track record of milestone achievement, which may include: grants, beta clients, revenue, partners, etc.
- A credible core management team (or the ability to attract one).
5. What stage of company are you looking for?
We accept applications from companies at all stages, from seed to early stage (series A) to late stage (series B and beyond). We target companies that are looking for their first round of institutional investment, but many of our companies each year are seeking later rounds of capital. And if you haven't raised your seed round but have a killer team, please apply anyway.
6. Do you have a geographic focus?
Our main focus is finding the most promising companies, not where they are located. We've worked with companies in over 30 states and more than 10 countries. We're okay with virtual teams, too.
7. I'm not sure if I'm a good fit for your program. Should I apply?
The short answer: Yes. It's difficult without reviewing your information and seeing your application to properly determine whether or not you're a fit. But if you're not, we'll still point you in the direction of the right resources for you - whether it's a seed accelerator, angel group, or some other group. Completing the application is also a great exercise in understanding what information about your company is important to investors.
We absolutely do NOT require a % equity stake in your company to participate in our program. There are two fees associated with the program:
- $100 application fee
- $2,000 program fee (only if selected)
In our previous 22 venture forums, 480+ women-led businesses have achieved remarkable results: 80% have raised capital, $5.5B total capital raised, 10 IPOs, tens of thousands of jobs created and $4B annual revenue. We understand what it takes to help build great women-led businesses. By joining Springboard, you become part of an expert network and are able to build strong business relationships with individuals and institutions that have deep sector expertise and high level connections. And after the program ends, Springboard and the other alumnae will continue to be your biggest advocates.
10. When is the deadline to apply?
The priority deadline to apply to Springboard: Life Science is April 3, 2012 at 11:59pm ET. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed for a period of time following the priority deadline however the application fee will be increased in order to accommodate a more rapid review.
The priority deadline to apply to Springboard: Media/Tech is June 5, 2012 at 11:59pm ET. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed for a period of time following the priority deadline however the application fee will be increased in order to accommodate a more rapid review.
11. Who’s involved in the program?
- Leading venture capitalists, angels and corporate investors
- 2012 Forum Committee members and sponsors
- Corporate Strategic Partners
- Business, media and financial press
- Service providers, such as law firms, accounting firms and business consultants who participate in the recruitment, screening and coaching processes
12. What is recruitment and screening?
Following the launch events, women entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply online. A screening committee of investors and service providers will conduct a multi-step selection process resulting in the selection of no more than10 women-led, emerging-growth companies in each industry to participate in the Springboard: 2012 Forum program.
13. What is coaching and bootcamp?
Companies selected for the 2012 Venture Forum will participate in our coaching program which includes an orientation Bootcamp, and subsequent work with a dedicated team of coaches from the venture capital and entrepreneurial communities who assist selected companies with their presentations. The Bootcamp is a one day educational program that launches the coaching process for the entrepreneurs participating in the venture forum. The workshop will provide information about the key elements of a venture capital presentation and effective delivery techniques. The coaching process will include in-person and virtual meetings throughout the summer.
14. What makes Springboard different from other venture forums?
- Springboard is About Building Relationships, Not Just Raising Capital Our Venture Forums are 4-month relationship building and business development accelerators that emphasize the right connections to investors and other industry experts that can open doors for your company to grow.
- Our Rigorous Review Process is Highly Selective All applicants are screened in a multi-step review process by a committee of leading angel, venture and corporate investors to qualify the most promising investment opportunities across the country.
- We Surround You with the Right Investors and Experts with the Expertise You Need We learn exactly what your company needs and connect you directly with industry experts, investors, and seasoned entrepreneurs in our vast network to serve as coaches and advisors, to help perfect your pitch and more.
- You’re Joining an Expert Network, a Source of Ongoing Connections for Life We don’t stop working with you when the program ends. We continue to be an advocate for you and your company and provide support to you as a new member of the Springboard Trust community.
For information on becoming a sponsor and other partnership opportunities, or for more information about 2012 Venture Forum, please call 202.242.6282 or contact:
Joshua Henderson, Director of Programming
joshua@springboardenterprises.org
Katie Gage, Manager of Programming
kgage@springboardenterprises.org
