A3: Trades-Explorer

REVIEW: Hi Abraham, good job on the venture pitch. The website was easy to navigate, told a clear and compelling story and has not only a business focus but a social one. The invest in BC helped me understand this was more than just another business, but one with a focus on supporting the local economy. The plan and phases helped me understand the direction you wanted to go with the organization. The information you provided was grounded in research on what is coming and the opportunities that it holds. Two areas I would have liked to have seen more of was the ROI strategy for the investor. How would I be benefiting from this venture based on my 250K investment. The second is you, as the champion of this venture I would like to have seen more of you beyond the picture to get a sense of who I am investing and partnering with. In business, there is still that human element of who will I be working with and can I invest in them, not just the venture itself. Overall, well done

Hello Abraham, you did an excellent venture pitch. Your topic of interest regarding the need to address the growing demand of trades is a relevant discussion for today's climate. Your product provides a solution in addressing the opportunity to access and experience trades, but does not address how the education climate came to be - is it demographic? cultural? etc. If the issue is just exposure, then your product would be the very best fit. You bring a great mindset to your product. Well done.

Hi Abraham, your venture pitch is incredibly thorough and well researched. It is a logical and sensible implementation of currently available technology. It also addresses a pain point that is very and needs attention. I have no doubt this type of technology will be immersive and exciting for a lot of students. That being said, I still feel there is a disconnect between the paint point and the solution. What are the actual reasons that students aren’t going into the trades? Is it only because of exposure and interest? Or is there a systematic push towards getting students to go and get Bachelor degrees? I think the one analysis that could really improve this product is demonstrating that students who have hands on experience are x% more likely to pursue a career in the trades.

Hey Abraham, what a professional and well rounded venture pitch! I was very impressed with the quality and content that you presented, and I think your idea is a valuable one for the current work climate and key challenges that currently exist in trade related jobs in Canada. Some small feedback: I would have loved it if your elevator pitch included speaking of some kind, as the more powerpoint and backtrack based media made it a little bit less impactful. I also have a question: where and how do you see these solutions being implemented? Would they be services provided at university or pop-up VR salons or business offices that people can come to for consultations? Great work on this project!

Abraham, I found your entire pitch to be compelling and very professional. Your rationale is clear and sets up the perfect background for your product. Your venture pitch addressed the pain points (not enough people to fill the skill trades jobs opening up; lack of education in early education to expose students to these trades) and you’ve created a product to answer it. As a venture analyst, I see the value in creating a product that utilizes VR and can be used in the K-12 level; what really sells it to me, as an educator, is that your product can immerse students in a variety of trades skills in a safe way. Your proposed timeline shows a clear map of the future direction of your product. I wonder how your product will be received by current teachers teaching trade skills. My colleague teaches shop in high school, and everything she does is very hands on; how would she, hypothetically, use Trades-Explorer in her class? I would love to see your elevator pitch, when you get a chance to fix the link!

Hello Abraham. I thoroughly enjoyed your Venture plan. The idea you have is definitely relevant to BC current climate of employment and addresses a direct need in the province. Using mixed reality technology is an interesting way to enhance skills training. I understand the rationale that VR can provide a safer training alternative, but how does it compare to traditional skills teaching methods in terms of quality of education? As an EVA, the most attractive portion of your plan is the fact that the government eager to invest in training and development and can be a powerful partner which would only contribute to the overall health of this potential company. Furthermore, your step by step timeline breaks down the important milestones to success and gives investors a realistic sense of when to expect profitability. I agree with Sarah's comments that I would also like to see your presence in your presentation more. Other than that, this is a fantastic Venture pitch.

Hi Abraham, I enjoyed your venture plan. The link to your elevator pitch didn’t work for me, which is unfortunate because I am curious. Can you fix this? Your strength is definitely the venture idea itself because it offers a solution to a real problem that is current and ongoing in BC in addition to your expertise in this area and your solid plan. Since the BC government has already invested in skilled trades but still are not filling enough positions, I think your venture is just what they need and would make a perfect partnership. Despite your lack of business experience, as you expressed in your reflection, I thought you did a great job breaking down your plan: how the money will be used, what the timeframe is, the return and so. I just think the medium you chose for your presentation was a bit weak. From an EVA’s perspective, I would have liked to have felt your presence more, which is hard to convey with just text and images. You have a brilliant idea that could have a big impact; with a more effective presentation method such as video, I don’t think much could stop this venture from taking off.