1. Just in Time Mentors
F5 AV

2. What is F5://JITM?
•A cadre of experts, enthusiasts and
interested parties
•A tool for entrepreneurs to validate and
refine their new start-up
•A way to foster innovation in the Valley
•Think “community sourced Dragon’s Den”

3. The JITM Model
•Creators pitch, refine and adjust
•Mentors lend their expertise/experience
•Attendees observe and learn
•Everyone benefits
•Innovation in the Valley grows

4. Who can participate?
Anyone!

5. Mentors
•Experience is cool but not required
•Participate, watch, learn it’s all good!
•Pick and choose the sessions that fit
•Lend your skills to boost innovation
•Grow as a community leader!

6. Creators
•Have an idea or business plan to validate?
•Dry-run your pitch in a safe environment
•Obtain free, valuable input on your idea
•Refine, evolve, spin again

7. Attendees
•“Everyone else”
•Observe & learn
•Freedom to attend without expectations
•Provides pitch audience
•Allows Mentors to “sit out” some sessions

8. Some Examples…
•A new service
•Innovative use of a physical space
•An novel approach to an old problem
•Repurpose an existing product or idea
…and just about anything you can imagine!

9. …and some bad examples
•An emerging or not fully-developed idea
•Extending the reach/market of an
existing product/service
•“Selling” to the group

10. Session Format
•Creator gives pitch (10-20 mins)
•Mentors review & feed back
•Open format/discussion

11. Post Session
•Mentors may provide afterthoughts
•Creators can keep group informed of
progress
•Can re-pitch if significant changes

12. What next?
•We need mentors and creators!
•Got an idea to pitch?
•Want to participate?
•Let us know!
•Your feedback will help improve this process

13. Questions?
F5://JITM

14. Mentor Guidelines
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Goal is 3-8 mentors
Be Positive
Be Realistic
Share your knowledge/experience
Advise & guide vs. direct
Build on the ideas of others
Think outside the box
Some “homework” may be required
Remember, it’s their idea!

15. Creator Guidelines
• Come prepared with a 10-20 minute pitch
• Pitch like you mean it
• Include all facets of your pitch
• Printed materials
• Websites
• Business plans
• Can be mock-ups
• Be open to all feedback

16. Tips for a Good Pitch
•Keep it simple
•Keep it interesting
•Find your focus
•Deliver with enthusiasm
•Be ready for tough questions

17. Creating a Session
•Creator contacts F5 AV
•Creator sends out short abstract
•Mentors review and confirm participation
•A date is set!
•Attendees are always welcome