Assignment 3 – GradHat

Feedback: Hi Kendra, this is certainly a good idea and a very pragmatic concept given today's times. As an EVA I would have appreciated some more information on competitors other than Coursera. It would also be interesting to note how open MOOCs that provide free online courses and certifications would compete. Thank you!

This is a very detailed and well thought out pitch. It comes at a pertinent time in global history. The problem was clearly stated, and I agree that bridging the skills gap is now more important than ever as we shift into a new way of working and learning which is inevitably coming when things get back up and running after this crisis subsides. I like the holistic aspect of the platform and how it engages everyone – learners, teachers, trainers, employers and curriculum developers. It seems quite ambitious, but I feel like it will be highly beneficial going forward. There is a clear target market and plan for implementation. It’s also reassuring to know that GradHat is working in conjunction with WhiteHat so we know that this venture has met with success in another country and through the alliance, it would make sense, that those running GradHat would have help with navigating challenges and establishing themselves because they can learn from the experience that White Hat had. There is a clear ask and return for this venture. It’s a strong pitch and confidently presented venture. As an EVA, I would recommend investing in this venture.

FEEDBACK: Thank you, Kendra, for your pitch of GradHat. I love that the venture provides access and affordability to those in need of upskilling in a difficult job market. Though I like the idea of the elevator pitch in theory, I didn't understand what was going on at first, and it felt weird to stare at the doors without any other visual such as text. It detracted a bit from the overall quality of your message, but I like what you said, so I did look at the venture pitch. Your design skills are strong, but I definitely would have liked to see this in the elevator pitch. Thank you again.

Hi Kendra. Love the elevator pitch, and although it was informative and a funny idea, as an educational venture analyst I would have liked to have seen more of who you are; I'm not only interested in what the idea is but who is steering the ship. The idea itself is a good one, and a perfect niche response to a quickly-changing employment and training landscape. Things will shift very quickly, especially for those that are considering upskilling or a lateral career pivot. The ability to connect employees, employers, trainers, and even certification bodies is great and stands to benefit a lot of people. Your valuation of $3.5 million seems about right based on your numbers provided, and I would certainly consider investing in your company provided two things: I had the chance to meet the leadership team or at least get a better sense of why I should invest in the leadership team (unless you're willing to sell the idea and brand wholesale), and secondly if there was a proof-of-concept of the application. Seeing the app mock up, how it might navigate and look for different user groups, any narrow AI incorporation, or otherwise would be helpful to gauge its future success.

Hi Kendra, Great pitch! I like how right at the beginning you gave an idea of the size of the market that Gradhat is targeting. The problem is clear and the solution is amazingly stated. You should also think of saying something about you that would give an idea of your skills and possibly the reason for your interest in solving this problem. It sends a signal to potential investors that you know your topic and you have what it gets to lead the venture. As a potential investor, I looked in the venture for information such as the proportion, or the number of people that would need the service offered by GradHat to have an estimate of what could be the revenue. It is clear that the problem that Gradhat is solving exist and would change how people learn and develop professionally, however, information that would give an idea in terms of the revenue that GradHat would regenerate would facilitate a decision to invest. I enjoy reading your work.

FEEDBACK: Hi Kendra, I think you did a great job with this pitch, venture proposal and the idea itself. I am a slight be sceptical as I know there are many companies who then get "absorbed by larger ones"LinkedIn Learning is an American website offering video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. It is a subsidiary of LinkedIn. It was founded in 1995 by Lynda Weinman as Lynda.com before being acquired by LinkedIn in 2015. Microsoft acquired LinkedIn in December 2016" So your company has potential, however I think you need to enter a certain niche and a need, so you can start with a real b2b assignment and then penetrate it through individual users; as i think if you start this as a b2c solution it will be difficult to gain quick market share and there is not enough "work" or potential for any partner to participate. If the service is driven by an individual who wants to get better employability chance, then who is paying for his/her course, if its for free, who is paying the designer, if the designers get paid or as you write "on demand" by the companies, what is the guarantee for the company? Do you see what I mean maybe? I think the starting point should not be an individual who seeks work (although I understand this noble and need especially in this time), but it should come from the business or from governmental funding as that's were the money sits. Overall i think very well done; as I do share that we never seem to close the loop with education (academic). Schools recruit students, students study and graduate, try to get a job and need to get re skilled at the job, are made redundant / need to up skill or re skill,- this cycle is already making a big shift as we see in the developments of education. But we still need the market to adjust and offer "apprenticeship" Work& Study options, for all levels and functions. My 2 cents ... as I think that is were we should be going.

(Review) Hi Kendra, I love the home page (GradHat) of your site I felt that clearly articulated the many services you wished to offer. I would like to know more about your competition and the phases of development that you predict you would need for this company to grow. Though I liked your literal take on the elevator pitch, it comes over a little flat especially without any images or personality to dramatize the pitch. If you could give more details about the courses and style of instruction that would help me decide if I would invest.

FEEDBACK: Love the actual elevator too! Funny. I was a little confused at first, but then I got it. :-) This idea sounds pretty awesome and your website looks really well developed. I didn't read through everything, but from what I saw, it looks like you've got a good handle on what you're doing. Just a thought - a little more excitement/interest in the elevator pitch video (some images...or anything) would help keep people focussed and interested.

Hi Kendra! Thanks for sharing your company with us. I have to start by saying I really got a kick out of the elevator use for your actual elevator pitch, what a clever idea! I think your company is solid and will be a great benefit to many people who will and are affected by the COVID crisis. Is there any other competition out there for companies like yours with products like this? How long will each professional development course take a person? These were the only questions I had. I like that you informed everyone what the main issue the world was going to face and how this company would help people out. Thanks for sharing.