International Dolphin Tank at Connect2Capital 2017

Springboard Enterprises' Dolphin Tank will be stopping in Gothenburg, Sweden as a part of an international series in partnership with Dell, Guggenheim and Women Investing in Women Digital.

We have asked Anna Consani, Springboard, some questions about Dolphin Tank.

What was the inspiration behind Dolphin Tank?

The Dolphin Tank was inspired by Springboard's philosophy of "we swim with you." Springboard has been successful at running programs for women-led tech and healthcare companies for the past 15 years by serving as a resource hub of influencers, investors and innovators engaged in helping women build big businesses. Springboard sources, coaches, showcases and supports women-led growth companies seeking investment of financial and human capital for product development and expansion.

The human capital aspect was key, and so we wanted to create a similar opportunity for all types of entrepreneurs to pitch and receive "friendly-feedback" for their companies from experts and resources in their community. A place where no sharks were allowed (referring to the popular show "Shark Tank"). We "swim alongside" these entrepreneurs as they are building their business, rather than tearing them down.

What do you wish to accomplish from Dolphin Tank?

We wish to accomplish engagement from the community and the sharing of resources between the audience and the entrepreneurs. While there is always an "expert panel" to kick off the advice, the entire audience are "dolphins" in their own way and each has an area of expertise that can benefit the presenters. We encourage relationship building between the community in order to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem wherever the Dolphin Tank takes place.

What value do you hope this provides for the participants?

The entrepreneurs pitching get the practice of presenting their business case to a large audience and benefit from the immediate feedback from the panel and audience. A business can be a great idea, have a great product or service, and be built by a great team, but if the business case cannot be explained well, it is limited in the types of opportunities it will receive including access to capital and important partnerships. Entrepreneurs walk away with connections, invaluable feedback and tangible action items, all within a friendly environment, and audience members get access to emerging companies and benefit from contributing to and learning from the feedback given.

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The Dolphin Tank is a "friendly-feedback" pitch session for entrepreneurs to pitch their company and receive constructive feedback and beneficial connections. We are looking for women-led companies innovating to improve women's health or environmental sustainability to pitch in front of an expert panel and audience within the Connect2Capital Conference, Feb 8. Read more about the panelists and program here.

From Washington to Singapore to Gothenburg. Springboard Enterprises Dolphin Tank is setting up shop at C2C. The series is sponsored by Dell, Guggenheim and Women Investing in Women Digital. Female entrepreneurs with a social impact element to their business are welcome to apply!

When: February 8 9:00am - 10:30 am

How: Apply before January 12th, 2017 - Apply to Pitch HERE

What:

• "Friendly-feedback" pitch session. Presenters will be given 5 minutes to pitch and then receive feedback, connections and advice from an expert panel as well as from the audience.
• The theme is social impact, with an emphasis on companies solving challenges in women's health and environmental sustainability. The company should have some traction and looking for advice to scale. 5 women-led companies will be selected to pitch.
• It is free to apply to pitch and free to present in the session, if selected.