Investor Week
Rock Forward Flagship Event
A curated, multi-day gathering where screened founders meet aligned investors, pitch on stage, build relationships, and secure follow-on conversations.
Not just a pitch competition — a relationship-building engine
of startups in structured demo/investor events secure follow-on funding
Investor Week is designed to maximize post-event outcomes: warm introductions, aligned capital, and long-term partnerships that extend far beyond a single pitch.
Five days of founder-investor connection
Each day is designed to build on the last — from preparation to pitch to relationship.
| Day | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Founder Bootcamp | Pitch coaching, deck review, investor Q&A prep |
| Day 2 | Investor Fireside Chats | Panels with angel investors, fund managers, impact investors |
| Day 3 | Demo Stage | 3–5 minute pitches to a live investor audience |
| Day 4 | Speed-Dating Rounds | 1:1 investor-founder meetings (20 mins each), pre-matched by sector and stage |
| Day 5 | Closing Showcase | Networking reception, partner announcements, alumni spotlights, grant awards |
3–5 minutes, seven sections, zero filler
Every founder follows a structured pitch framework. Investors know what to expect. Founders know what to deliver.
Define the pain point
Your product or service
TAM/SAM/SOM
Revenue, users, partnerships
How you make money
Why you can execute
What you need
Total pitch time: 3–5 minutes • Followed by 2–3 minutes of investor Q&A
A curated room of founders and capital
Bootcamp Graduates
Founders who completed the 12-week Rock Forward Bootcamp and are pitch-ready.
Camp Alumni
Returning alumni with operating businesses seeking growth capital or strategic partnerships.
External Applicants
Pre-screened founders from outside the Rock Forward network who meet stage and sector criteria.
Pre-Screened Investors
Angel investors, fund managers, and impact investors aligned with Rock Forward's mission and sectors.
Corporate Partners
Companies exploring supplier diversity, sponsorship, or strategic investment in diaspora-led ventures.
Media & Ecosystem
Journalists, ecosystem builders, and nonprofit partners documenting and amplifying founder stories.
What happens after the final day
Investor Week doesn't end on Day 5. Every founder and investor relationship is tracked, supported, and measured for 90 days post-event.
- Post-event tracking of all follow-up meetings between founders and investors
- Funding secured within 90 days is documented and reported
- Partnerships formed (supplier agreements, mentorship pairings, corporate pilots)
- Founders receive a structured follow-up playbook with warm intro templates and investor communication guides
- 90-day outcomes report shared with investors, partners, and participating founders