Objective

Develop and launch Pitchway, an innovative digital marketplace designed to connect founders with investors, in a rapid 60-day timeline. The app sought to revolutionize the fundraising landscape by providing an accessible platform for founders to pitch directly to investors through AI-powered matchmaking, video presentations, and streamlined communication. This initiative aimed to address inefficiencies in traditional fundraising processes, enabling faster connections and decision-making for both parties.

Role

• Project Manager: Led the project from ideation to launch, overseeing all aspects of business operations, product development coordination, and marketing execution.

• Acted as the bridge between technical developers, stakeholders, and operational teams to ensure the app was delivered on time and met user expectations.

• Partnered with The One Technologies for app development, providing guidance on features, user flows, and overall functionality.

• Spearheaded business setup, including financial tools with Brex for expense management and Carta for equity management, ensuring operational readiness from day one.

• Designed and executed social media and marketing campaigns to build pre-launch momentum and attract both founders and investors to the platform.

Approach

1. Conceptualization & Strategic Planning:

   • Developed the app’s core concept, focusing on solving the pain points of traditional fundraising by incorporating AI-driven matchmaking and video-based pitches.

   • Defined the target audience (early-stage founders and venture capital investors) and outlined user journeys to create a seamless and intuitive experience.

   • Established clear project goals, deliverables, and a 60-day timeline for development and launch.

2. Collaboration with Development Teams:

   • Worked closely with The One Technologies to transform the app concept into a functional product.

   • Provided detailed product requirements, ensuring key features like AI matchmaking, live video pitch functionality, and secure profile creation were prioritized and optimized.

   • Actively participated in iterative testing to refine the user experience and identify potential improvements before launch.

3. Operational Readiness:

   • Registered the business entity and implemented operational systems, including financial tracking via Brex and equity management through Carta, to prepare the company for growth.

   • Designed a scalable business framework to support future iterations of the app and expanded user engagement strategies.

4. Marketing & User Acquisition:

   • Created targeted marketing campaigns across social media platforms, building excitement and attracting early adopters.

   • Developed messaging to highlight the app’s unique features, such as direct access to investors, AI-powered matchmaking, and video pitches, positioning Pitchway as a game-changer in the startup ecosystem.

   • Engaged with potential users pre-launch, gathering over 100 expressions of interest and incorporating early feedback into the launch strategy.

5. Launch Execution:

   • Coordinated the app’s launch across multiple platforms, ensuring operational readiness and user accessibility.

   • Delivered a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that included foundational features for matchmaking, pitching, and communication, setting the stage for future updates and improvements.

Outcome

• Successfully launched Pitchway within the targeted 60-day timeline, delivering a functional app that served as a marketplace for founders and investors.

• Created a robust foundation for Pitchway’s operations, including well-structured financial management systems, equity frameworks, and marketing infrastructure.

• Delivered a comprehensive investor pitch deck and market analysis to guide strategic decision-making and articulate the app’s value proposition.

• Generated significant interest from founders and investors, validating the app’s potential to disrupt the traditional fundraising process.

• Positioned Pitchway as an innovative tool in the venture capital space, providing a model for future iterations and scaling opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• Demonstrated the ability to lead a high-pressure project from concept to market launch within a tight timeframe.

• Strengthened expertise in project management, business operations, and strategic marketing, ensuring a holistic approach to digital product development.

• Showcased a strong capacity for collaboration with technical teams and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the app’s vision and user needs.

• Gained invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the founder-investor ecosystem, enhancing my understanding of digital marketplaces and their impact.