FAQs for Participants
1. I have a really great idea and I’m sure it will succeed. I’d like to present it to the VCs.
That’s great to know; but the potential behind the plan has to be presented to investors in a manner that is convincing. proto.in is not a business plan competition. You’d probably need to have some kind of a prototype or work-in-progress product to show it off at proto.in. If that is you, rush to file your nominations.
2. I’m neither a VC nor an entrepreneur. But I’m a technology enthusiast and want to network with the VCs and entrepreneurs. Can I attend and if so, what are the formalities?
You’re welcome; head straight to the registration page for filing registrations.
3. What is the selection criteria for selecting the startups?
The startups will be evaluated by a team that understands technology and is a proven trend spotter. They are likely to look for things like the originality or innovation in your product, the executional excellence that your product delivers, your go-to-market strategy, the competitive scenario in your respective space etc, before they make a decision. And remember, in case you are not shortlisted, this does not mean you didn’t deserve it. Its possible that there were others who had a more compelling case than yours.
4. When will I get to know which are the companies that has made the final cut of 30 companies?
The startups that are shortlisted will be informed in advance but that information will not be made public. This is to maintain continued interest and ensure that nobody gets to steal the thunder from the startups, when they are demo their stuff on the D-day.
5. I’ve been selected to present - what facilities will be available to me? Do I need to bring a laptop? Can I access the internet?
We will provide you a LCD projector, access to the internet and 8 minutes to show to the world what you have. You are free to bring along anything else you may need to make a compelling case.
6. Can I take some time before the start of the presentation/event/previous day to setup the stuff that I need - install and setup servers/programs etc.
Contact the organizers; we’ll try to help you to the best of what we can.
7. What about accommodation and travel arrangements for outstation participants?
Outstation participants have to make their own arrangements for accommodation and travel. In case you need help in knowing about good hotels, please write to us; we will help you to the best of what we can.
8. Will the actual demonstration be video taped and made available publicly after the event?
Yes, we will put up recorded videos on the proto.in website for public consumption.
9. Do I have to pay any money towards registration fees?
Yes, you have to pay a nominal fee to attend the event, depending on your profile. Please check the registration page for more details.
FAQs for Selected Startups
1. Is it true that the selected companies must necessarily demo the product and not just show a PowerPoint presentation?
‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ – that’s what we have learnt while organizing other similar events. So its preferable to show or demonstrate what you have built or what you are building. It could be a completed product or work-in-progress, no issues with that. PowerPoints can be an accompaniment if you so need, but just a PowerPoint would probably go against the spirit of the event. At the end, its you call.
2. Our startup is in a very tight startup mode. Can you please waive the registration charge?
Unfortunately we can’t. We are not professional event organizers. We are a non-profit organization and there is no financial benefit for any of us. The registration fees will pay for the cost of running the show. We are doing this because we want to give startups a pedestal to stand on, in an environment that is not geared towards creating innovative products. At Proto, you are likely to get counted amongst India’s most promising tech startups. You will be exposed to investors, technologists, professionals et al, besides getting coverage from mainstream/online media. That’s more than a reasonable ‘bang for your buck’.
3. 8-10 minutes is way too short. I need more time to demo my exhaustive product.Not really; remember the story behind the elevator pitch? If you have something compelling, 8 minutes is enough to get your message across. We wished we could give more time per slot but unfortunately that’s the best we can allocate. Off course, you would have to rehearse beforehand and make sure that you can tell your story in the given time.
4. I’m confused about my presentation for proto.in because the marketing positioning of the product is different from the investor positioning for our venture. I cannot decide how to frame my presentation.
The proto audience will comprise entrepreneurs, investors, technologists, media etc. The pitch you make will probably depend on what your objectives are. We suggest that you make that pitch, which maximizes mindshare and gets interest to follow-up. Given the format of the event, it makes best sense to demonstrate your product (finished or work-in-progress) and explain the potential behind the idea. At the end its your call. Also, you are free to distribute any material to the audience, to explain your product better.
5. Can I have a copy of my initial submission/ nomination. It was a direct form on the web and I did not keep a copy.
Contact the organizers; you will be forwarded a soft copy of your nomination form.
6. Can you help us with our presentation for Proto.in?
We suggest you should check out the Demo website (www.demo.com). The idea behind Proto is inspired by Demo. You should check out those startups or technologies that have won the DEMO God Award. You will get numerous tips about how to make an impactful product demonstration in 8-10 minutes. We plan to have a rehearsal for all the selected startups on the 20th, but you’ll have to do the preliminary work yourself.
7. My presentation requires specialized hardware - how do I present a demo?
You are free to bring along anything you require for your demo as long as it doesn’t break the stage or crack the building. You should check with the organizers beforehand.
8. Am I allowed to bring along material (brochures/CDs/demo copies) that I can distribute to the attendees before the event?
You are free to do that, no worries.
9. What about the Q&A following the presentation? Is that included in our presentation time or some extra minutes are allocated for that?
No extra time is allotted for the Q&A session; it has to be within your 8-10 min slot. In all likelihood, you will not be able to take Q&As there; so you are encouraged to take it offline, as part of the general networking.
10. In case some participating startup gets funded by investors post proto.in, would the organizers get involved in that process?
No; if that happens, we would be happy for you, but we shall have no role to play in any ensuing developments.
11. What about IPR implications of showing of my product at proto.in? Will you guarantee that my intellectual property rights will not get violated?
We do not take any responsibility for maintaining your product’s IPR. That’s your responsibility. Please take your own precautions and ensure that what you show/share at the Proto is meant for public consumption only.
12. Are there any awards or prizes to be won at proto.in for the best product/technology or for the most compelling demonstration etc?
No, there are no winners or losers at proto.in; this is just a platform to showcase exciting technologies and products.
If you have any other question to ask, please feel free to use the contact form.
