How To Pitch VCs Remotely

by Mark Peter Davis

It is usually appropriate (and helpful) for entrepreneurs to share slides with investors during an introductory phone call.  In the past, Webex and GoToMeeting have been the most effective way to do this.  As of last week, however, it appears that times have changed.

Drop.io (one of DFJ Gotham's portfolio companies) released a beta version of a new service called Present.io.  Present.io allows the owner of a drop to share their screen with anyone else viewing the same drop.  While screen-sharing the drop owner can expose the drop visitors to the media (both graphical and audio) that the drop owner sees on their screen.  In practice, this means that drop owners can now play movies and music, show pictures or give presentations to an audience via their drop. 

In case, you didn't catch that last part you can now show presentations on other people's computers via a drop.  This is a pretty disruptive innovation that should change the way entrepreneurs pitch investors.  Here's why this is a much better option that what is offered by Webex of GoToMeeting:

• No Download:  To access the presentation you just need the url and password of the drop.
• No Account:  You don't have to create an account to access the drop, meaning the process is easier for investors.
• Access To Files:  The drop owners can enable the investors to access the files in the drop - they don't have to be sent in a separate email (all you need is one link and a password).
• Lots of Media:  You can show more than presentations.  Pictures and movies that might help make your case are also streamed real-time to the investor's screen.