Thematic Session: How to Validate a Business Concept in Front of an Investor?

On Friday, May 23, 2025, a thematic session was held as part of the UB Student i-Lab, dedicated to Module 10: Validating a Business Concept with a VC (Venture Capitalist). The event focused on helping early-stage entrepreneurs understand how to approach a venture capital fund and how to validate their ideas in front of potential investors.

The guest speakers were Cristina Cismas Florea and Morgan Slain, experts in entrepreneurial education and venture capital investment, both affiliated with Santa Clara University. Cristina is the founder of an international educational program for high school startups, while Morgan is a general partner in investment funds focused on university-based and sustainability-oriented startups. With over 25 years of experience, Morgan’s areas of expertise include blockchain, data analytics, machine learning, biotechnology, and consumer goods. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in International Studies from Stanford University, earned with honors.

Students had the opportunity to engage directly with the two speakers, learn what VCs look for in a startup, how to structure a compelling pitch, and what common mistakes to avoid in the early stages of launching a business.