Washington State University (WSU) alumna and space industry executive Iris Fujiura will host a workshop on October 8 to teach faculty and students the essentials of pitching ideas to investors. The event aims to equip university innovators with the skills needed to secure private funding for their research and projects.
Fujiura, who has over 30 years of experience in the space industry and as an angel investor, will lead two separate sessions on the Pullman campus. The workshops are designed to address the changing landscape of research funding, where private investment is becoming increasingly important for bringing new technologies and ideas to market.
Key Takeaways
- Event: A workshop titled “Could your pitch win over an angel investor in 3 minutes?” will be held at WSU's Pullman campus.
- Host: WSU alumna and former Lockheed Martin VP, Iris Fujiura, will lead the sessions.
- Date and Time: The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, with a faculty session from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and a student session at 3:30 p.m.
- Objective: To provide WSU faculty, researchers, and students with practical skills for securing private investment for their innovations.
Workshop Focuses on Securing Private Capital
As traditional sources of research funding become more competitive, universities are increasingly looking toward private capital to support innovation. This workshop directly addresses this shift by providing practical guidance on how to navigate the world of angel investing. Participants will learn how to communicate complex ideas in a concise and compelling manner.
The sessions are structured to be highly practical. Fujiura will focus on teaching attendees how to capture an investor's attention within the first few minutes of a presentation. This skill is critical in the fast-paced environment of venture capital and angel investing, where decision-makers often evaluate numerous proposals in a short amount of time.
Core Pitching Components
The workshop will deconstruct the elements of a successful investment pitch. Fujiura plans to cover several key areas to help participants refine their approach. These topics include:
- Crafting a Compelling Hook: Techniques to immediately engage investors and make a memorable first impression.
- Avoiding Common Mistakes: Identifying and steering clear of frequent pitfalls that cause pitches to fail.
- Effective Storytelling: How to build a narrative around an idea that resonates with investors and highlights its market potential.
- Presenting Financials: Guidance on showing budget numbers that are realistic, relevant, and demonstrate a clear path to profitability.
What is Angel Investing?
Angel investors are high-net-worth individuals who provide financial backing for small startups or entrepreneurs, typically in exchange for ownership equity. Unlike venture capitalists who manage pooled money from many investors, angel investors use their own funds. They often play a crucial role in the early stages of a company's development, providing the seed money needed to get an idea off the ground.
An Expert Perspective from Industry and Investment
Iris Fujiura brings a unique blend of experience to the workshop, combining a deep technical background with extensive corporate leadership and investment expertise. An engineering graduate from WSU, she spent three decades in the space industry, culminating in her role as a vice president with Lockheed Martin. Her career in a high-stakes, technology-driven field provides her with firsthand knowledge of what it takes to develop and scale complex innovations.
Beyond her corporate career, Fujiura is an active participant in the startup ecosystem. Her experience in Silicon Valley and as Chapter Chair Emeritus of Golden Seeds, an investment group focused on funding women-led startups, has given her a clear view of the investment process from the investor's side. She has evaluated hundreds of pitches and personally invested in startups across the nation.
Iris Fujiura's Background
- Education: Studied engineering at Washington State University.
- Industry Experience: 30 years in the space sector, including a vice presidency at Lockheed Martin.
- Investment Role: Chapter Chair Emeritus of Golden Seeds, an angel investor network.
- Focus: Actively invests in and mentors women-led startup companies.
WSU Encourages Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The university leadership views this workshop as a valuable opportunity for its community. It aligns with WSU's broader goal of fostering an environment where innovative ideas can thrive and transition from the laboratory to the real world. The event highlights the importance of alumni engagement in mentoring the next generation of innovators.
WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell commented on the significance of the event and the role of accomplished alumni like Fujiura.
“WSU is a place where people are encouraged to think big, share bold ideas, and pursue innovation. Our faculty and students excel at bringing forward creative solutions. We are so fortunate that amazing WSU alumni like Iris come back home to Pullman to help us explore these opportunities together.”
This sentiment underscores the university's commitment to providing its faculty and students with the resources they need to succeed. By connecting them with experienced professionals, WSU aims to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial success, ultimately contributing to economic development and technological advancement.
Event Logistics and Schedule
The investment pitching workshop is open to the WSU community and will take place on Wednesday, October 8, at the Pullman campus. To accommodate different audiences, two distinct sessions are planned.
The first session, intended for faculty, researchers, and innovators, will be held from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. in ETRL 101. This session will likely focus on strategies for commercializing university-developed research and technology.
Later in the afternoon, a second session for students will take place at 3:30 p.m. in ETRL 119. This meeting will offer students an early introduction to the principles of entrepreneurship and investment, providing valuable knowledge for their future careers, whether they choose to launch their own ventures or work in innovative industries.