Day 75 - Last Pitch Test

The Pitch
The day started off with our final pitch rehearsal for Venato before the upcoming Investment Committee presentation. While the pitch went smoothly, there's always room for improvement. I aim to trim my segment by about 30 seconds to allow Kendal more time to delve into the business aspects. Despite seeming like a minor adjustment, finding this extra time is challenging, especially after incorporating additional slides explaining the API integrations. Refining this will be a priority next week, since the pitch is our best tool for securing our investment and enabling us to execute our laid-out plan.
Last Town Hall
Attending the last town hall was a bittersweet moment. It was heartening to see the others join from the office, creating a sense of nostalgia as we went over the journey we've shared at Antler. Just 11 weeks ago, we were strangers, and now it feels like saying farewell to a family. Witnessing those not invited to pitch at the IC hand in their keys was a reminder of the stakes involved. Their dedication and effort serve as fuel for my own motivation. I'm determined to be among the teams that make it to the finish line, that secure investment, and that capitalize on the work we've put in.
KU Lighthouse
In the evening, I had the opportunity to visit KU Lighthouse, a startup hub closely connected to the university. It was interesting to see a diverse range of startups, from student-run ventures to more established companies collaborating with researchers. I seized the chance to network with fellow participants who offered their assistance in connecting with student-workers if needed. This potential collaboration could prove valuable after securing investment from Antler.
Personal Milestone: Half-Marathon
On a personal note, today marked a significant achievement as I completed a half-marathon! Since taking up running during the pandemic, I've continually pushed my limits. It took a year to get to 5k and another to double to 10k. Today, again a year later, I felt ready to tackle the next milestone. Although I didn't quite hit my target of finishing under two hours, completing 20k within that timeframe is still an archivement I am proud of. I am looking forward to the upcoming Bestseller half-marathon later this summer.