Demo Day highlights the vital part that members play in innovation
19.02.2024
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20.02.2024NexGen Demo Day: showcasing successes
The success of Demo Day 2024 can be recognized by the fact that the local innovation ecosystem welcomes NexGen activities and notes an increase in the quality of the participating startups compared to previous events.
Compared to last year, the high standard of the teams participating in the NexGen 2023-24 program was one of the points that stood out at Demo Day 2024, where eight of the best startups took part. In June 2023, 108 startups applied to take part in the NexGen program. After an initial screening, 51 teams were qualified for participation. After a series of workshops, evaluation sessions, and individual consultations, eight startups were given the opportunity to present themselves to investors on Demo Day.
Katayoon Sepehri, a member of the NexGen Steering Committee, gives this year’s teams high marks for their quantity and quality, as well as their caliber and enthusiasm.
“This year, the new ideas were at a good level both in terms of quantity and quality. The selected teams, whose stage ranged from early stage to Series B, actively participated in workshops and mentoring sessions, honed their presentations till the last minute before presenting them to the investor, and worked diligently to raise funds,” Sepehri said optimistically.
“They indicated that by participating in joint sessions, they were able to benefit from the expertise and successful experiences of others.” She added.
Hessam Maghsoodlou also believes that NexGen Demo Day was in a different class this year.
“I think that Demo Day 2024, NexGen has well defined its place in the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” he said.
According to Maghsoodlou, it is the startups that should make important decisions for their future: “The teams will continue to be supported and NexGen will be there to advise the teams.”
“However, the teams should know that we are not an accelerator or startup mentoring institute and the final decision and responsibility lies with them during negotiations with potential investors.” He added.
Amirhossein Mohammadi emphasizes the wider impact of NexGen beyond a normal Demo Day: “NexGen helps to create a vibrant community where startups receive the necessary guidance and support to progress.”
“During this year’s NexGen program, our goal was to support teams from the basics of entrepreneurship to presenting to investors, through various pieces of training, consulting sessions and mentoring, our goal is to create an environment where startups can grow” the member of the NexGen Steering Committee insisted.
