Social investment pitching

Social investment pitching evenings offer a unique opportunity to connect with a large number of high net worth individuals.

You’ll have five to seven minutes to present your pitch before fielding questions from the audience. At the end of the evening, you can further develop your contacts and prospects over drinks and food.

Prior to the event we’ll do everything we can to make maximise your chances. First, we only select those companies we believe have a genuine prospect of attracting investment. Second, once we’ve accepted your application, we’ll put you through an intensive pitch preparation session with experts. We help you refine your approach, ask the tough questions and offer constructive criticism to make sure your pitch is in prime condition before the event.

These events have proved successful not only for raising capital, but also in providing access to successful individuals who have a wealth of experience, expertise and contacts to share. We always encourage investors to consider helping with their skills and "Rolodex" as well as their wallet, and this has proved extremely helpful.

Attending these events costs a fee which includes not only the ability to pitch, but help with your executive summary and pitch training. We also charge 3% on any investments raised.

To find out more about the latest upcoming social investment pitching event, head to our events section.

FAQs

Is it for my company?

Social Investment Events (SIE) are for social entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs, MDs, and FDs. If you are in a leading role of a social business or enterprise, and you are looking to meet investors, then this event is for you.

Is my social business or enterprise eligible?

SIE are open to all social businesses and enterprises (SBEs) operating in UK, at various stages of growth and development, and includes those seeking equity, debt, grant funding, and other forms of capital to scale their businesses. The best way to find out if SIE is right for your business is to apply.

I don’t have a business up and running yet, just a good idea, can I pitch?

We generally discourage social entrepreneurs who are just beginning to set up their ventures from taking part as they would be at a disadvantage, competing for interest from investors alongside businesses that are established, creating revenues and/or turning profit. If you’re seeking seed funding for your idea please email us and we will endeavour to help you and point you in the right direction.

How much does it cost?

It’s free for everyone to apply. Those that get through our approval process are asked to pay the advertised price to attend. All things being equal, full members (£200) on ClearlySo get priority placement, and a 10% discount on future events.  If you’re not a ClearlySo member, you can still apply to come and join our network.

If investment is secured, is there a fee?

If you do secure an investment as a result of an introduction at the SIE, we require a fee of 3% on the capital you raise.  Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully if and when you pay online to attend. For inquiries and more information please get in touch.

How do I apply for Full Membership on ClearlySo?

Click here and sign up to benefit from our discounted services and events.

How do I apply if I’m not a member?

Apply and register your company details, tell us what you’re looking for and we will let you know if your application has been successful within a week of the application deadline.  If we require more details, we’ll get in touch.

What’s the purpose of pitching?

• The purpose of the pitch is to entice an investor into asking questions—it does not need to answer all the questions about your business model.
• The investor does not need to understand the history of the organisation and the idea, unless there is something uniquely attractive and relevant about it that will get them to find the proposition attractive.
• The pitch does need to cover a few basics (see question below).

What do I need to convey in pitching to an investor?

• What does your company do? (This is sometimes unclear, even at the end of the pitch!)
• What makes your social business or enterprise special?
• Who are the team behind it and why are they particularly well suited to the task?
• What amount of investment is being sought?
• For what purpose is this investment sought?
• What will the investor get in return for that level of investment?

How much capital can I pitch for?

It is entirely at your discretion. The majority of SBEs pitch for between £10,000 and £500,000. However, a few businesses have sought over £1,000,000.

Who are the investors that come to SIEs?

They are a mixture of institutional investors (mainly social investment funds and foundations), angels (high net worth individuals and sophisticated investors), and IFAs (independent financial advisors whose clients are interested in social investment opportunities).

What will the investors ask for in return for the money?

That’s for you to negotiate with the investor. They are all different and look for different returns - both financial and demonstrable social and environmental returns too. They might be interested in being involved in other ways, such as becoming an advisor and mentoring your company. Often, investors are highly successful entrepreneurs and professionals who wish to use their skills and experience to help the company’s they invest in.

What if I’m not very good at pitching?

SIE is an ideal opportunity to practice!  It’s so important to pitch your business effectively - to be able to concisely and persuasively convey your business proposition to a discerning and critical audience. Our events allow social entrepreneurs to dive in at the deep end and get some great feedback.

Did I read about ClearlySo and your social investment speed dating at the Guardian Online?

Yes, you may well have done! Here’s the link.

You didn't answer my question!

Email them to simon.evill@clearlyso.com