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About this Talk

Pitching a new business idea or strategy is one of the most stressful parts of an entrepreneur’s journey. Successful pitches help secure financing or land partners. Part I of this session will cover the different types of pitches (elevator, short-form, long-form) and what funders look for in a pitch. In Part II, attendees will practice their pitches in small groups that include a venture capital facilitator providing individual feedback.

  • Discussion:
  • Moderator: Colleen McAluney, Director, Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership
  • Facilitators:
  • Meli James, Co-Founder, Mana Up
  • Chenoa Farnsworth, Managing Partner, Blue Startups
  • Darien Siguenza, Program Director, FoundHer 
  • Donavan Kealoha, Managing Director, Startup Capital Ventures x SBI
  • Keoni Lee, CEO, Hawaii Investment Ready
  • Pia Chock, Food Systems Investment Fund Manager, Kamehameha Schools


May 11, 2023, 12:45 AM

12:45 AM - 01:45 AM

About The Speakers

Meli James

Meli James

Co-Founder, Mana Up


Chenoa Farnsworth

Chenoa Farnsworth

Managing Partner and Managing Director, Blue Startups and Hawaii Angels


Darien Siguenza

Darien Siguenza

Program Director, FoundHer


Donavan Kealoha

Donavan Kealoha

Managing Director, Startup Capital Ventures x SBI


Keoni Lee

Keoni Lee

CEO, Hawaii Investment Ready


Pia Chock

Pia Chock

Food Systems Investment Fund Manager, Kamehameha Schools


Colleen McAluney

Colleen McAluney

Director, Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership