Pitch Like a Pro: Business Idea Crash Test for Ukrainian Startups

Module 2 of the EXCELLENT Project
🗓 Date: July 7, 2025
🕒 Time: 15:30 – 18:00 (Kyiv time)
📍 Format: Online (Zoom)
🎯 Participants: 10–15 Ukrainian early-stage startups

🎯 Objective

To improve the quality, clarity, and impact of startup pitches through hands-on guidance, live feedback, and expert mentorship. This crash test session is designed to support Ukrainian startups in refining their business ideas, validating their pitch structure, and preparing for future fundraising and demo events.

📝 Event Description

As part of the EXCELLENT Project’s support for early-stage Ukrainian startups, the “Pitch Like a Pro: Business Idea Crash Test” workshop will be held on July 7, 2025, bringing together a curated group of 10–15 startup teams for an intensive online training focused on improving pitch quality and investor readiness.

The session is designed to help founders refine the structure, content, and delivery of their pitch decks, while receiving expert feedback on how to clearly communicate business value and traction. Emphasis will be placed on preparing startups for funding conversations, demo days, and international exposure opportunities.

The workshop will feature three experienced ecosystem leaders:

• David Beckett, an international pitch coach who has trained over 2,900 startups and helped raise more than €490 million in funding, will deliver a dynamic masterclass on pitch delivery. His session will focus on storytelling, presence, and audience connection, offering participants practical techniques to strengthen both verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Jane Klepa, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at SET University, will lead a structured walkthrough of core pitch deck elements, including value proposition, market size, revenue model, and go-to-market strategy. Drawing on her experience supporting over 500 startups, she will provide targeted feedback and practical frameworks that founders can immediately apply.
• Dmytro Kuzmenko, CEO of the Ukrainian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (UVCA), will provide insights into current investment trends in Ukraine and internationally, helping participants understand what investors prioritize at different stages of startup growth.

The workshop will combine strategic input with live, hands-on coaching, offering participants an opportunity to test their business ideas and receive actionable insights to improve performance. Follow-up resources, including pitch templates and recommended tools, will be shared with all participants. Select teams may also be invited for further mentorship and exposure through upcoming EXCELLENT Project activities.

🧭 Agenda

15:30 – 15:45 | Opening Remarks

Nataly Veremeeva – Director, TechUkraine

15:45 – 16:00 | Framing the Investment Landscape

Dmytro Kuzmenko – CEO, Ukrainian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association
Dmytro will provide a brief overview of current investor expectations, typical pitch weaknesses, and the importance of clarity and structure in early-stage fundraising.

16:00 – 17:00 | Structuring a Winning Pitch Deck

Trainer: Jane Klepa – Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, SET University
An in-depth, practical walkthrough of the core elements every investor-ready pitch deck should include. Participants will explore:

•       Business Overview & Value Proposition
•       Market Analysis
•       Revenue Model
•       Competitive Advantage
•       Go-to-Market Strategy
•       Financial Projections

17:00 – 18:00 | Masterclass: Pitch Like a Pro

Speaker: David Beckett – International Pitch Coach
In this energetic and practical session, David will help participants transform their pitch delivery — from first sentence to final slide — with guidance on structure, storytelling, and performance.

👤 Speaker Bios

David Beckett
International Pitch Coach
David has trained over 2,900 startups and scaleups that went on to raise €490+ million in investment. He’s coached over 38,000 professionals at companies including Vodafone, Netflix, PwC, and Tommy Hilfiger, and worked with 30+ TEDx speakers worldwide. Creator of The Pitch Canvas©️ and author of Pitch to Win and Blue Moon Pitch.
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 best3minutes.com

Jane Klepa
Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, SET University
Member of the Innovation Development Council at Ukraine’s Ministry of Education & Science, and expert at Brave1 and USF, Jane is a seasoned ecosystem architect and innovation strategist. With 12+ years of experience in startup development, accelerator design, and venture mentoring, she has supported over 500 startups that collectively raised $30M+. Former Executive Director of 1991 Accelerator, she has led programs with UNDP, GIZ, and the Eurasia Foundation, and regularly facilitates innovation sprints for public and private sector teams.

Dmytro Kuzmenko
CEO, Ukrainian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (UVCA)
With over a decade of experience in venture capital, syndicate investing, and startup acceleration, Dmytro plays a leading role in shaping Ukraine’s early-stage investment landscape. At UVCA, he connects founders with local and international investors, tracks ecosystem trends, and supports the growth of high-tech ventures.

Only 10 – 15 teams will be selected.
Apply now and get your pitch where it needs to be.

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