Eight Roads and the importance of working with Venture Capitalists
Who knows?! Apps for Good students might be the very people pitching for early-stage funding from Eight Roads in the future. ”
Working with venture capitalists (VC’s) is an integral part of many entrepreneurs' journeys.
Days, months and years worth of work go into developing a product which then has to be packaged and sold in a few minutes of pressurised pitches. This is daunting for even the most seasoned public speakers. Because of this, it is vital we engage young people in the start-up process as early as possible.
Over the last 18 months, students in the UK have had an opportunity to work with Apps for Good and Eight Roads, a global venture capital firm. The students have been working on a tech solution to a community problem. A terrific example of this is AI Noise Sensor, an AI device that lets you measure, classify and assess noise pollution levels more easily and accurately in areas where noise could cause disruption. As part of the programme, we have offered tailored feedback on these products as well as support with pitching preparation, video feedback and an insight into future careers. Eight Roads’ support has helped them develop key skills in teamwork, ideation and design, plus life skills such as confidence building and communication.
At Eight Roads, we believe that technology and digital skills are crucial for solving some of the world’s most pressing problems.”
Student teams were also given the opportunity to visit the Eight Roads office in London. The teachers and students were both thrilled with the chance to see inside the offices, speak with the employees and understand more about the company culture.
Opportunities like this demonstrate the professional relevance of the skills students learn throughout their budding entrepreneurial journeys.
There is a strong correlation between empowering people when they are young and their future success in business.
The European Commission has reported that young people involved in creating a mini-company at school are up to four times more likely to start their own businesses. Therefore, exposure to VC’s at an early stage is invaluable for their career.
Students pitch to Eight Roads judges at the 2019 Apps for Good Awards
This sentiment was supported by Daniella Smith from Eight Roads who said:
‘At Eight Roads, we believe that technology and digital skills are crucial for solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. We’re proud to support Apps For Good which empowers young people to problem solve, using apps, Internet of Things and machine learning’
Who knows?! Apps for Good students might be the very people pitching for early-stage funding from Eight Roads in the future. By investing in young people today Eight Roads are taking positive strides in producing the changemakers of tomorrow.
If you are a teacher or potential partner who would like to get involved please contact us at contact@appsforgood.org for more information - we would love to hear from you!