Expert Coaching and Pilot Opportunities Help Start-Ups Perfect Their Business Pitch
The Institute for Education Innovation (IEI), a national school superintendent think tank that serves as the bridge between district leaders and the K-12 industry to develop solutions to the greatest challenges in public education, is excited to announce the launch of Start-Up Track, a multi-tiered program designed and priced for emerging EdTech start-ups. The Start-Up Track program will help entrepreneurs refine their messaging for both customers and investors through exclusive expert coaching and pilot opportunities with US K-12 districts. This is the only K-12 startup incubator hosted by and featuring coaching from sitting US superintendents.
Start-Up Track builds on IEI’s renowned long-running “Superintendent’s Coaching CEO Workshop” series, which has helped entrepreneurs successfully build partnerships with school districts across the country. The three-pronged approach of Start-Up Track, led by IEI and K-12 decision makers, prepares start-ups for pitch competitions and investor meetings as well as connects them with schools ready to test new solutions.
K-12 solutions providers are welcome to participate in free online group coaching sessions with district leaders who will share their insights on engaging with superintendents, embracing the entrepreneurial mindset, and developing strategies to identify and target district profiles. In addition, the Summer Summit Success Lab provides start-up leaders a unique opportunity to refine their pitches and business plans with direct input from K-12 decision makers through workshops and 1:1 coaching sessions. The Start-Up Track concludes with the Supe Tank Start-Up Competition where participants can present their solutions to a Shark Tank-style panel of superintendents. Supe Tank allows vendors and districts to quickly identify the best opportunities for deeper conversations and potential partnerships, and each year 5 startups are awarded the Supes’ Choice “Best In Show” Recognition.
“At IEI, we’re committed to finding new ways to connect innovators with investors and educators to provide our schools with the resources they need to thrive at price points that startups can afford,” said Doug Roberts, CEO and founder of IEI. “Helping start-ups tailor their value proposition and early-stage pitch with the support of the very audience to which they are marketing best positions them to deliver products that serve students in the most meaningful way.”
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