Early and seed-stage start-ups looking for venture capital (VC) should check this one out. The third chapter of TiE-ISB Connect, an annual networking event for entrepreneurs organized by TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) Hyderabad chapter and the ISB (Indian School of Business), will be held 14-16 November this year.

The event is two months away, but the organizers have called for submissions for the Business Plan Showcase, in which a number of selected start-ups will present their plans to venture capitalists. The last date for registration has been extended from 31 August to 25 September.

Kumar Shiralagi, MD, NEA-IndoUS Ventures

Start-ups can submit an executive summary in one of two categories—Start Connect, for early stage firms less than three years old with revenues less than $500,000 (Rs2.05 crore), and Growth Connect, for firms less than seven years old with revenues more than $1 million.

Selection for the actual event is a two-step process. A panel comprising venture capitalists, analysts and industry experts from TiE and ISB review the summaries and shortlist a number of companies. The shortlisted companies have to then submit a detailed business plan, based on which they will be selected to pitch their plans to VCs at the event.

Last year, TiE-ISB received 200 initial entries and 100 full business plans. Of these, 20 were shortlisted to make presentations to the VC panel and 15 more were selected to make an elevator pitch—you describe your product or service in six minutes.

“Four of them received investments, while eight others received business leads,” says J.A. Chowdary, president, TiE Chapter, Hyderabad.

This year, it has received close to 100 submissions in sectors such as IT, media and entertainment, so far. To register, go to www.tie-isbconnect.com