In conjunction with the NT Government’s Innovation Territory, Darwin Innovation Hub has been running a series of workshops for Territory startups to further refine their ideas, community their value and prepare to pitch to funding bodies and investors.
The cohort of Ignite Program participants have progressed through three stages in the lead up to presenting their ideas as a pitch on October 1 in a closed feedback format where investors, advisors and peers will help them to provide final touches to the products and services they are planning to go to market with.
The founder pitch training process runs over 6–8 weeks, moving from preparation to practical pitching and targeted coaching.
- Program design and onboarding
Develop the training plan and participant materials, and onboard founders. - Build the pitch foundation
Introduce how investors assess opportunities. Founders develop their pitch structure and practise a 90-second opening. - Clarify the business proposition
Refine the value proposition, assess competitors and complete a SWOT analysis. Each founder produces a one-page market position document. - Connect the numbers to the story
Work through financial metrics, market sizing and pitch deck development. Explore how investors assess financials and approach deal terms. - Test the pitch under pressure
Deliver a five-minute pitch followed by five minutes of investor questions. Receive coaching, peer feedback and individual written feedback within five business days. - Provide targeted pitch coaching
The option to take up free one-on-one support to founders approaching investor meetings, competitions or funding opportunities. Sessions address pitch decks, delivery, financials or deal structure as needed. - Review progress and recommend next steps
Prepare a final report summarising participant progress, remaining capability gaps and recommendations for further support for those who attended all sessions.
Darwin Innovation Hub will run the series again in 2027 over three series to assist with investment and pitch readiness for Territory startups.
For more information, email dante.stjames@darwininnovationhub.com.au
