Assignment 3: I Am Here Learning

I think this is a really great product, and the personal story behind it is one that shows your passion for the project. However, I think with such a focus on the charitable aspect so early on, many investors may be turned on of this, with a fear of low profits and wide spread use. If I was investing, I would most likely pass on this project during the early stages. However, this is something that I would support as a charitable donation without expect much in return for it.

Hi Sarah, What a great venture! Like people have said below I love that you have a story and built a product based on that. I also really love the pay it forward mentality behind the concept - it is very powerful. I think you elevator/venture pitch were well done. They were clear and easy to follow. However, I didn't notice the pricing structure for the product. Do individual teachers pay or an institution at large? And how does the investor make money? Is it off the profits of the product? As an investor I think I would need to know a bit more about the coaching packages being purchased and how they differ from competitors. I would need more information to invest in this venture but I think it is a great idea with a lot of potential.

Thanks for sharing your passion, Sarah! I thought your presentations were well done and I think it is great you are wanting to "pay it forward" and looking at social capital. I am concerned about competitors in the market and the ability to expand beyond Ipads and towards other technologies. I love these kind of business plans and think the opportunity to expand into "technology training" is great. We just need to make sure that the infrastructure is in place to do so. Again, thanks for sharing this idea!

Hi Sarah! Yes, I would invest in this venture! I love how you built your venture based on your previous personal experience, interest, passion and clear vision.Your video pitch is engaging and explains this great cause clearly. Your venture pitch on the website is visually appealing and credible (with amazing images). I was impressed by the knowledgeable team you have to help you turn the idea into reality. You have considered the competition and explained your growth plan well. Similar to other reviewers, I have a question about the package price and whether you are planning to offer your services to other countries. Good luck with turning this idea into reality!

FEEDBACK

An interesting presentation. I am not looking to invest in this kind of venture at this time, however, so I will only offer some feedback on your presentation.

I agree with the other reviewers, you have an amazing story and it comes through in your presentation. I was not completely clear on how the product would be marketed / distributed to the schools. I would also like to see your plans for scaling this venture beyond the two markets you mentioned in detail in your presentation. Thanks!

Hi Sarah, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring and listening to your excellent pitches! As an EVA, I would love to give to this great cause. I think the pay-it-forward model is great and I believe that education should be a human right. I like your very clear expansion plans. I do have some questions as an EVA. Not sure if I missed it somehow, but how much would it cost for a coaching package? Is this package per teacher or per school? How would you address any potential subscribers who may prefer to use this pay-it-forward action to assist another developing country closer to their heart rather than Rwanda? I sincerely hope you will take this project into a real project should you have not already considered it. I would love to see this actualized and would be eager to help in this great cause.

Yes - I would give money to this organization as a charitable venture. I think you have an amazing story and vision, and it seems like an extremely viable project. From a philanthropic standpoint, it is a home run. From a business standpoint, it strikes me as something that could develop into a lifestyle business, but would have trouble scaling. As an investor, my main question would be, "what is your unfair advantage"? As first to market in the UAE, you definitely have an leg up, but if the company is centred around training teachers to effectively use tools like iPads, it would be easy for another company to step into that space and compete without much trouble - and if they were not dedicated 30% of profits to charitable efforts, it could threaten I Am Learning Here. I hope this is something that you continue to develop and that you continue to make positive change in the world!