How SeedInvest Won Big at the GREAT Tech Awards

SeedInvest is a leading equity crowdfunding platform that connects startups to investing opportunities. I got the chance to Interview Ryan Feit, CEO and Co-Founder of SeedInvest, and he explained how winning the GREAT Tech Awards was an invaluable resource to him and shares useful tips for startups looking to win.

Casey: What was your favorite moment from the GREAT Tech Awards? 

Ryan: “It has to be meeting Prince William. He ended up handing us the award; I can’t think of a more flattering compliment than getting an award from him.”

C: How would you describe the overall feeling of the award show?

R: “The award show had the pomp and circumstance of the Oscars. It was a mix of theatre and a big dinner; they had over 100 people attending all at different round tables. We were the winners of the finance category, but they had 5 or 6 different categories. They announced each of the winners and then invited us each to the podium for photos and an acceptance speech. It was a riveting experience to be honored that way and called up on stage.”

C: What kind of useful connections were you able to make?

R: “Through the GREAT Tech Awards the UK welcomed us with open arms  and as a result I can say that we’re better connected in London than we are in New York. We had the opportunity to meet with heads of finance and innovation. We got to meet a number of the venture capitalists in the UK and check out a lot of the accelerators and successful entrepreneurs. Also, we had successful interactions with top legal, investment and accounting firms. Part of winning included offering companies free work, as you’re thinking of expanding to UK you get free legal advice free and recruiting advice. I think for any company that is thinking about expanding internationally, applying to GREAT Tech Awards is a no brainer.”

C: What was something that stood out to you at the show?

R: “The show was certainly unique, there were Burlesque dancers, a cirque soleil guy rolling around the middle of the stage, and a pig roast on our individual table.  It’s going to be hard to top it this year. The organisers wanted to make it feel special and unique and didn’t want to cut any corners. He had a vision to make it something memorable and he certainly accomplished that.”

C: What would you say to people considering applying to the GREAT Tech Awards in the future? What tips would you give these people? 

R: “I would say that this is simply a must for any startup who is considering expanding internationally. As a startup, the thought of expanding overseas it can be quite daunting- by winning you get a team and a bunch of connections that will guide you through the process.”

C: What tips would you give these people?

R: "First of all, don’t hesitate just because you’re still very early in the thought process of going international. Getting involved overseas can’t happen soon enough. Tips for winning? I would recommend involving your entire team in the process of applying. The team photos and video is an opportunity to be creative and to tell your story.  Investing in a well done video which expresses what your company is about and why expanding is important to you is particularly important." 

C: What did you do in your video?

R: “We talked about SeedInvest and our mission. One unique thing we did is we created SeedInvest tee shirts that had a British flag on it. As a surprise, we exposed the tee-shirt at the end of video to show just how important the award was to us.”

International expansion is a growing pain that any successful company must conquer. It’s an exciting move, but one that is fraught with questions and challenges. Where shall we expand do? How do you hire the best talent? Who do you network with to build strategic relationships? What do you need to get up and running?

The 2015 GREAT Tech Awards are here. Six innovative companies from the US Northeast, selected by a panel of esteemed judges and advisors, will win a prestigious business development trip to the UK. In addition to flights courtesy of British Airways and accommodation at at the Corinthia Hotel London, winners will benefit from valuable professional services, high-level meetings with mentors and government officials, entry to the unBound Digital conference in London, and business development services provided by sector specialists.

How will the GREAT Tech Awards help your company?

Apply today and find out! Applications close on 31 July 2015.