Insights from Industry Experts: A Talk on Entrepreneurship, AI, and Pitching to Investors

The simulation itself gives students the chance to explore various facets of starting a business, from company organization and marketing to competitive analysis and market research. The culmination of this experience comes in January, with a pitch presentation to potential investors. In this context, Jonothan and Samuel’s talk focused on the core aspects of entrepreneurship, pitching, and how AI can amplify business models and drive innovation.

Key Takeaways from the Talk

1. What Makes an Entrepreneur?
Jonothan kicked off the session by discussing the essential traits of a successful entrepreneur. His advice? Entrepreneurs need focus, passion, and truth in their approach. They must be deeply committed to their vision, be prepared to navigate challenges, and, above all, remain authentic in their journey. Passion and truth help entrepreneurs stand out, both in their ideas and in their ability to connect with others.

2. How to Pitch: Telling a Compelling Story
A signifi cant portion of the talk was dedicated to the art of pitching to investors. Jonothan emphasized that a pitch should not be a detailed dive into every aspect of the business but rather a cohesive story. Entrepreneurs should focus on how they discovered a problem, the solution they off er, and their unique selling proposition (USP). Moreover, understanding market implications, competitors, and competitive advantage is key to creating a successful pitch.
Jonothan also advised the students to present the end-to-end process, from the inception of the idea to its implementation, without getting bogged down in small details. He shared insights from his own experience, having delivered over 1,000 pitches, and refl ected on both his worst and best pitches. His metaphor for the investment world also resonated strongly: "Vitamins vs. Painkillers."
● Vitamins: Businesses that address long-term, gradual problems.
● Painkillers: Businesses that provide immediate, pressing solutions.
Investors, Jonothan noted, are often more inclined to invest in painkillers, solutions with faster, more tangible returns.

3. The Role of AI in Entrepreneurship
Integrating AI into business models was a key topic of discussion. Jonothan highlighted how AI can challenge and refi ne a company’s business strategy, off ering new insights, optimizing processes, and helping businesses scale. AI isn’t just a tool for automation, it’s a strategic asset that can shape the future of work. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into industries, entrepreneurs who understand its potential will be at the forefront of innovation.

4. Grit and Determination: The Entrepreneurial Journey
Samuel Atiye, who recently completed an MSc in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, brought his own perspective to the talk by emphasizing the importance of grit. Entrepreneurship is rarely a straight path to success. Samuel shared how many entrepreneurs fail multiple times before fi nally achieving their goals. This is why resilience, perseverance, and the ability to keep pushing forward are crucial.
He also mentioned how valuable the class simulation is for students. Not only does it teach students the practicalities of running a business, but it also off ers a real-world framework for what entrepreneurs experience when launching their own ventures.

Student Reactions: Inspiration for the Future
Following the talk, students expressed how inspiring the session was. They appreciated the opportunity to learn about the role of accelerators like STARTAI and how they support AI-driven, human-centered businesses. Many students shared that the session provided clarity and focus for their fi nal pitch presentations in January. The speakers' insights into the startup world and the critical role of AI have sparked a renewed enthusiasm among students, with some even contemplating starting their own businesses in the future.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future of Entrepreneurship
The talk by Jonothan Birkett and Samuel Atiye was not only an invaluable learning experience but also a timely reminder of the dynamic intersection between entrepreneurship and technology. Their advice, rooted in focus, passion, and
authenticity, provided practical tools for students to hone their entrepreneurial skills. As the students continue their journey toward their fi nal presentations, the lessons learnt today will undoubtedly shape their approach to both business and pitching to investors.
As the world becomes increasingly driven by AI, understanding how to leverage this technology ethically and effi ciently will be a crucial skill for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.