Scale-Up! Sessions

Jun. 25, 2025
CRAFTING A COMPELLING PITCH DECK

Learn how to craft a clear and persuasive pitch deck that resonates with investors, partners, and potential buyers. This session will cover how to communicate your value proposition, highlight traction and market opportunity, and tailor your messaging to different audiences to improve your chances of success.

PRESENTER: Kim Gamez (MSU Research Foundation)

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Jul. 30, 2025
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO CUSOMER DISCOVERY

Understand the critical role of customer discovery in validating market need. This session will cover the purpose, core methodology, and best practices for gathering meaningful insights, plus when to conduct discovery during the innovation process and where to find resources to support your efforts.

PRESENTER: Brad Fingland (MSU Research Foundation)

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Aug. 27, 2025
FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES FOR EARLY-STAGE STARTUPS

Learn how to communicate with investors and position your startup for early fundraising success. This session covers how to craft a compelling story around your team, product, and business model, why bold ideas often get funded, and common pitfalls to avoid. You’ll also explore strategies for raising a pre-seed round and why Michigan is a great place to do it.

PRESENTER: John Tran (MSU Research Foundation)

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Sept. 24, 2025
TBD

PRESENTER: (CFO Group)

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Scale-Up! Sessions is a monthly series for startup and growth companies covering key topics like branding, customer discovery, fundraising, marketing, and more, hosted by the MSU Research Foundation. Sessions are a mix of formats, from hands-on workshops and presentations to casual networking events. Whether you're refining your pitch deck, learning about SBIR/STTR grants, or exploring sales strategies, these sessions offer practical tools and insights to help your business scale.

Mark your calendar and join us at Newlab @ Michigan Central in Detroit!

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ORGANIZER:

The MSU Research Foundation supports the Michigan State University ecosystem with resources that increase the impact of research and innovation. The Foundation achieves its mission through grant programs that contribute over $15 million annually to the University, entrepreneurial programming and early-stage investments that accelerate technology transfer and startup growth throughout Michigan, and environments where startup businesses and collaborators can thrive. The Foundation's work is made possible through its stewardship of a flexible and sustainable endowment, nourished by over 50 years of licensing revenues and investment returns. Learn more about the MSU Research Foundation and its impact at msufoundation.org