What is the NS Collab Demoday at Network School and How Does It Work?

The NS Collab Demoday is a pitch event hosted at Network School (NS), designed to simulate a venture capital-style Demoday. It provides a platform for presenters to showcase their projects and for an audience to engage in a simulated investment experience. This event allows participants to gain experience in both presenting and evaluating potential ventures, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

Overview of the NS Collab Demoday

The primary goal of NS Collab Demoday is to simulate the experience of a real-world venture capital pitch event. Participants gain practical experience in presenting their projects and assessing the viability of others. The event is structured to mimic the format of a Y Combinator (YC) Demoday, where founders pitch their ideas to a panel of investors. The structure allows presenters to practice concise and impactful communication, a critical skill in the entrepreneurial world. NS aims to provide a supportive environment for networking and learning, encouraging collaboration among students and participants.

The Pitching Process

During the NS Collab Demoday, a maximum of 20 presenters are given a limited time, typically two minutes each, to pitch their projects. This time constraint encourages presenters to be succinct and focus on the core value proposition of their venture. The format mirrors that of a classic Demoday, such as those held by Y Combinator. Effective pitches typically include a brief overview of the problem being solved, the proposed solution, the market opportunity, and a call to action. The limited time forces presenters to prioritize the most critical information, promoting clarity and efficiency in communication.

Virtual Investment and Gamified Element

A unique aspect of the NS Collab Demoday is the gamified investment component. The audience is given a virtual amount of money, typically $1 million, to invest in the presented projects. This feature, often facilitated by a specific software or platform, allows audience members to become actively involved in the event. Jeahong Lee, founder of Publast, has been associated with developing such features for the event, which add a fun and engaging layer to the Demoday. Investors allocate their virtual funds among the projects they find most promising, based on the pitches and their own assessment of the ventures.

Project Ranking and Return on Investment

Following the pitching and investment phase, the top five projects are determined based on the total amount of virtual funding they received. This ranking reflects the collective assessment of the audience, providing valuable feedback to the presenters. The projects are ranked by the funded amount, the top 5 projects will return the investment. The return on investment (ROI) for each of the top five projects is structured as follows: the first-place project offers a 20x return, the second-place project offers a 10x return, the third-place project offers a 5x return, the fourth-place project offers a 3x return, and the fifth-place project offers a 2x return. All other investments go to zero.

Investor Ranking and Profit Calculation

After the ROI is calculated, the investors are ranked based on the profit they made from their investments. This ranking encourages strategic thinking and active participation during the investment phase. For instance, if an investor invested $10,000 in the project which is ranked as 1st place, the profit would be $10,000 * 20 = $200,000. The investor ranking highlights the successful investment strategies and provides insights into the projects that resonated most with the audience. The ranking of investors provides an additional layer of competition and engagement, making the event more dynamic and enjoyable.

Benefits of Participation

Participating in the NS Collab Demoday offers several benefits to both presenters and investors. Presenters gain invaluable experience in pitching their ideas, receiving feedback, and refining their communication skills. They also have the opportunity to network with potential investors and collaborators. Investors, on the other hand, gain experience in evaluating ventures, understanding market dynamics, and making investment decisions. The gamified format makes the learning process fun and engaging, encouraging active participation and strategic thinking. The event simulates real-world investment scenarios, providing a valuable learning experience without the risk of actual financial loss.

Comparison to Traditional Demodays

While the NS Collab Demoday shares similarities with traditional Demodays, such as those hosted by Y Combinator, it incorporates unique features that enhance the learning experience. The gamified investment component allows for active audience participation and provides immediate feedback on the viability of the presented projects. The use of virtual money and tiered ROI structures creates a competitive and engaging environment, promoting strategic thinking and informed decision-making. The NS Collab event offers a structured environment for learning and collaboration.

The Role of Network School (NS)

Network School (NS) plays a crucial role in organizing and hosting the NS Collab Demoday. NS provides the venue, resources, and support necessary to facilitate the event. This includes providing the platform for presentations, managing the investment process, and coordinating the ranking and ROI calculations. NS fosters a supportive environment for learning and collaboration, encouraging students and participants to engage in entrepreneurial activities. By hosting events like the NS Collab Demoday, NS aims to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.

Future Directions for NS Collab Demoday

The NS Collab Demoday is constantly evolving to improve the participant experience and align with the latest trends in the startup ecosystem. Future iterations may include integrating new technologies to enhance the pitching and investment processes. This could involve using virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) for presentations, or implementing more sophisticated investment platforms. NS is also exploring ways to expand the event to include more participants and presenters, as well as to incorporate feedback from previous events to refine the format and content. The ongoing development of the NS Collab Demoday underscores NS's commitment to providing a high-quality learning experience.

Conclusion

The NS Collab Demoday is a valuable event for students, entrepreneurs, and investors alike. It offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in pitching, investing, and evaluating ventures. The gamified investment component, combined with the structured pitch format, creates an engaging and informative learning environment. The event provides a fun and interactive way to learn about entrepreneurship and investment strategies. By participating in the NS Collab Demoday, individuals can develop critical skills and knowledge that are essential for success in the startup world. The NS Collab Demoday is a significant event in the educational calendar of Network School.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.