Cheers to Speed MI Up

On Thursday afternoon, during working hours, I drank a glass of sparkling white wine, a shot of vodka and a shot of gin in less than two minutes. After that, I was predictably euphoric, but not for their alcoholic content – rather for the sensation of having drank something alcoholic, while the drinks were those created by Diferente, the startup hosted by the Speed MI Up incubator that presented its alcohol-free products during Speed MI Up's Pitch Day.

The Pitch Day was the final moment of the first, educational stage for the entrepreneurs that entered the incubator last February. Now, building on what they have learnt from tutors and during the meetings organized for them by the incubator of Università Bocconi, Municipality and Chamber of Commerce of Milan, the startuppers have been called to craft a better business plan and pitch it in front of the Speed MI Up staff, a group of IAG (Italian Angels for Growth) business angels and a representative of PwC, one of the partner firms.

"The toast with Diferente", Speed MI Up Director, Fausto Pasotti, said, "was the best seal to a good day".

In 15 minutes of exposition and 15 minutes of discussion, entrepreneurs could refine their pitches and better understand how potential investors judge them.

On 16 April the last tender for business ideas to be incubated in Speed MI Up closed. The commission is analyzing dozens of business plans and the selection will close on 21 May. The new startups will enter Speed MI Up on 1 June.