The University of Connecticut is seeking proposals from experienced and qualified consultants to provide specialized business advising services for high-growth, technology-focused entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners pursuing equity investment. The successful proposer will engage with earlystage companies and entrepreneurs that are candidates for angel, venture capital, or other qualified private investment. The primary objectives of each engagement are to: • Prepare clients for investor presentations and capital raises; • Facilitate introductions to angel investors, venture capital firms, and family offices; and, • Provide expert advice on financing strategies, business and product launches, and public or private funding opportunities. All services provided under the awarded contract must meet the standards and requirements outlined throughout this RFP and in a resulting contract. It is the University’s intent to make a single award as a result of this RFP. However, the University reserves the right to make multiple awards if it is deemed by the University to be in the University’s best interest to do so. The Proposer will articulate in the Proposal the relevant qualifications and experience to successfully serve as a consultant providing specialized business advising services. Relevant qualifications and experience may include: • Advisory and coaching experience: proven ability to provide direct advising to small businesses in business plan development, investor pitch decks, go-to-market strategy, investment readiness, and startup management; • Access to Capital Networks: Demonstrated connections with venture capital firms and family offices resulting in successful investments in client businesses; • Capital Raising Success: Demonstrated record of helping small business clients raise equity capital including multiple completed equity transactions; • Active Venture or Angel Investment Involvement: Membership in a Connecticut-based Angel Investor Group or equivalent access to an established network of venture or angel investors in the region; and, • Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Program Experience: Familiarity and experience with economic development, entrepreneurship, technology, or innovation entity or programming engagement and collaboration.
