The process began months ago when we first submitted our application to become part of next Wayra cohort. Wayra, part of Telefonica, invests in up to 20 UK technology startups each year. It provides 9 months of mentoring, funding and office space in return for a small percentage equity in each company. 3,444 companies applied to be considered and through a series of interviews and written applications they had whittled it down to a final 30 (of which Eventstagram was one) to be invited to Wayra Week.
The first major realisation was that Wayra Week was actually only 3 days. As much as this was a relief to some, this only intensified the process. The three days were jam packed with inspirational talks, educational workshop and of course the grilling dragons den style pitch.
Wayra Week In Instagram (by Eventstagram):
Bright and early on Tuesday 26th March, we arrived at the fantastic O2 offices, where we were to be hosted for the next few days.
However the skies didn't reflect our high spirits. And even without the Instagram filter, Slough and the UK lived up to it's continued, and thus far valid, reputation of constantly grey and dreary.
@dmdstrang
The rules were not yet written,
@eventstagr_am
Most of the first morning was spent going through this schedule, being officially welcomed by Simon Devonshire (Head of Wayra Europe), Charmaine Eggberry (Wayra UK Academy Director) and Feilim Mackle (Head Judge/O2 Sales and Service Director), as well as the nerve racking selection of the pitch times.
@dmdstrang
@eventstagr_am
We were fully prepped for the pitch so the earlier the better. But, alas we were given the graveyard slot of 4pm on Wednesday, 7 hours into the judges marathon session.
'Talks'
Across the three days there were some incredible workshops, and the first afternoon started with a bang. There were two pitching classes where we learnt to stand up straight like a royal guard, present like a kids TV presenter and whisper about our brand and idea!
Whilst we weren't polishing our pitch, we also had some talks from WAYN founder Pete Ward, Carrie Green from Female Entrepreneur Association and Oli Barrett from Start Up Britain, learning vital tips from those in the know.
@eventstagr_am
@eventstagr_am
We launched ourselves head first into these sessions, wanting to make sure even if we didn't get the investment we could learn as much as possible to progress Eventstagram, and it worked wonders.
We not only got a very quick guide to the community, we even formed some relationships which will no doubt help Eventstagram up that starting ladder.
'Pitching'
But, our 15 minutes to really prove ourselves came in the form of a 10 minute pitch to 7 top tech investors, entrepreneurs and analysts, with 5 more minutes of questioning.
And so after practicing to family, friends, mentors, 'Wayra buddies' (thanks @mat_ankers), dogs, cats and anyone who would listen, we were finally up.
The judges sat in huge Dragons Den style chairs waiting for us to set up. Not willing to engage in small talk, I quickly began:
The pitch went perfectly; there were some tough questions, but we had anticipated most of them, so we were satisfied with a day (months) job well done.
All to do now was to wait the evening out, or to go and see our potential new offices, drink some free beer, eat some tasty burritos and watch 'Don't Pitch Me Bro'. So we choose the latter, met some great people, and saw some awesome new products.
@dmdstrang
The culmination of the three days was an agonising wait to see which of the 30 start ups would be selected to receive the seed investment and relocate to the fantastic Wayra offices. And it was hell. As each name was read out our hearts sank further and further into the chairs, and the pressure mounted more and more.
But after what seemed like hours, the 14th name was read. With a huge cheer, and outstretched arms we bounced onto the stage to collect the trophy.
@eventstagr_am
I can't really remember what I said when I got the trophy but this is what I wanted to say:
'Spending three days with the Wayra team, in the O2 offices and meeting what seems like only a tiny proportion of the Wayra family we have already gained a huge injection into the knowledge and contact base of the Eventstagram business.
Imagine what we are going to learn in 9 months.'
@eventstagr_am
We can't wait to take our place in the Wayra offices on April 29th. We know there is a huge market out there for live Instagram feeds at events and we know Wayra are the right partners to help accelerate us.
It's going to be a fun 9 months - we hope you enjoy it with us!
On another note we have already been incredibly resourceful with our trophy - it seconds as a great dummy:
@eventstagr_am
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