Take a ‘dive’ at MIT Forum

Entrepreneurs hoping to capture the attention and financial support of investors often have only one chance, and a new format being added to the lineup of the New Hampshire High Tech Council’s MIT Enterprise Forums is help owners of high-tech businesses better prepare for this critical introduction — as well as their introduction to potential employees and customers.

“The Skydive Pitch” debuts at the next MIT Enterprise Forum, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 19 at FIRST Place, 200 Bedford St. in Manchester’s Millyard.

During the segment, two attending entrepreneurs will be invited to introduce their business to the group, attempting to convince both a panel and the audience of the viability of their corporate endeavor.

“Entrepreneurial success depends on inspiring you employees, investors and customers with a simple and compelling message. With this new segment, we will challenge ‘Skydive’ presenters to make their case, quickly and boldly,” said Tim Platt, Forum MIT marketing chairman. “This gives entrepreneurs the chance to test-drive their message, get informal feedback on their ideas and make great contacts in the process.”

Biosignetics Corporation of Exeter and Salem-based HireAbility.com, will be the two companies taking the first “Skydive Pitch” challenge.

Presenters from Biosignetics Corp., makers of a low-cost, non-invasive heart diagnosis device, will be seeking advice on securing growth capital to assist in acceleration of the business.

Representatives from HireAbility.Com, developer of software and custom solutions for the personnel recruiting industry, will be hoping to garner advice on effective marketing and find new strategies for strengthening their sales, support and technical teams.

Members of the MIT Forum are hopeful the introduction of “The Skydive Pitch” will attract more company executives to the forums and enhance the networking opportunities at upcoming events.

“This is a great opportunity for high-technology business entrepreneurs to make valuable contacts and to learn from the experience of other New Hampshire business professionals including venture capitalists,” said Fred Kocher, president of the New Hampshire High Tech Council and host of the “New Hampshire’s Business” television program on WMUR.

The Oct. 19 event will run from 5:30 until 8:30 and include networking opportunities and a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour in addition to the pitch event.

Registration price is $25 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Interested parties can register at www.nhhtc.org.

For more information about “The Skydive Pitch,” contact program chairman, Hollis McGuire at 897-8588. – TRACIE STONE