Investment Bootcamp with Steve Balaban a sound investment for startups

Gaining access to capital is a typical challenge for startups. In the agriculture sector, where businesses have to navigate complex regulatory requirements and more capital-intensive business models, it can be even more of a challenge. Teaching entrepreneurs the best ways to approach and secure capital is the goal of Ag-West Bio’s Investment Readiness Bootcamp – and Steve Balaban’s specialty.

In November, Steve Balaban of Mink Learning facilitated the bootcamp at Innovation Place in Saskatoon.

Kyle Adams, Ag-West Bio’s Director of Investment and Commercialization organized the event and says local entrepreneurs should consider themselves lucky to receive training from Balaban.

“Steve is a true expert in investing with a unique talent and passion for teaching. His enthusiasm is contagious and his bootcamps are hands-on. Attendees are applying the information to their businesses and getting feedback in real time, so the information sticks.”

Balaban has more than 15 years of experience in private equity as an investor and advisor, and is an award-winning lecturer at the University of Waterloo. He is globally recognized for his expertise as an investment educator and shares his knowledge around the world through in-person training workshops as well as his one-of-a-kind Private Equity YouTube Channel.

The bootcamp format included engaging, in-person training with mock negotiations, investment structuring, and personalized pitch practice. Leading up to the bootcamp, students received training materials and videos; after the bootcamp, they had access to one-on-one sessions with Balaban.

Adams recognizes that training of this quality is often beyond the budgets of early-stage companies, despite them needing it the most. “Thanks to funding from the Agricultural Bioscience Innovation Centre (ABIC) the fees are heavily subsidized and entrepreneurs will be able to access extremely valuable training at a huge cost saving.”

“Taking this bootcamp is a great investment by any agriculture company looking to raise capital, from startup to scale-up. They may not even realize how valuable this training is, but I can say with confidence that quality training of this nature will directly improve a company’s ability to raise capital and also remove any naivety, so they can avoid being taken advantage of. The companies who took the training last year can attest to that.”

Tayab Soomro, entrepreneur and founder of PathoScan Technologies, a Saskatchewan startup, was a happy customer. He says, “The Investment Bootcamp was a total eye-opener for me. I had no experience with high stakes financial negotiations. The hands-on exercises gave me a clear understanding of the process. I walked away with a ton of valuable knowledge and practical experience that I get to apply at PathoScan.”

Natasha Vandenhurk, CEO of Three Farmers Foods, appreciated the other companies who attended the bootcamp. “I think there’s always value when you have the opportunity to network with other business owners, learn alongside – and from – others. If you can be more prepared it just increases your chances of being successful.”

For more testimonials, visit Steve Balaban’s website.

Top photo: Ag-West Bio