Sign up for updates. Be part of our community.

Your Minimal Viable Deal Room

How One Week Can Prime Your Company for Investment

With investment capital more competitive than ever, it’s critical that startups be capital ready. To do so, founders must surround themselves with investment, legal, and commercialization experts and possess a willingness to decelerate, focus, work, and deliver.

Enter the Science Center’s Capital Readiness Program.

Erika Dillard, Founder and CEO of PopCheck Technologies and Capital Readiness Program participant

We ran the first cohort in February 2023, bringing together eight companies, five Investors-in-residence, and a dozen due diligence partners for five days of stress test scenarios, mock board meetings, and one-on-one feedback sessions.

Here’s what some of the program alumni had to say…

“The dedicated time and advice from so many high-quality mentors were truly remarkable,” reflects Therese Canares, Founder of CurieDx, clinical decision support system that incorporates an AI-based prediction of strep throat using a smartphone image. “I feel like a pro when I speak with investors, and the actionable skills I learned are leading to follow up meetings.”

For David Jansen, CEO of SAIL Fusion, an orthopedic medical device treating chronic lower back pain, the program opened his eyes to the depth and breadth of Philadelphia’s ecosystem.

“The Capital Readiness Program was a first-class ticket into the Philadelphia startup ecosystem,” he recalls. “I am amazed how much time the local professional service companies invested into the cohort. We received dozens of hours of insight from the top partners at specialty law firms, commercial real estate brokers, bankers, and accountants. Combined with the expert insights from seasoned entrepreneurs and investors, this program is invaluable.”

I feel like a pro when I speak with investors, and the actionable skills I learned are leading to follow up meetings.

Therese Canares, Founder of CurieDx
Capital Readiness Program February 2023 participants

“My participation in the Capital Readiness Program opened my eyes to everything I ‘didn't know’ about raising capital,” commented Liza Lutz, President of OptoVibronex, developer of a screening device which is based on a novel and noninvasive technique called Vibrational Optical Coherence Tomography. “This program very vividly educated me on all the potential pitfalls in the process. The guest speakers, with different areas of expertise, were very illuminating. And the benefits of getting to work directly one-on-one with actual representatives from various VC firms were immeasurable.”

“I have not participated in any program which has had as much of a direct impact on how we move forward as this program has,” says Lutz.

I am amazed how much time the local professional service companies invested into the cohort. We received dozens of hours of insight from the top partners at specialty law firms, commercial real estate brokers, bankers, and accountants.

David Jansen, CEO of SAIL Fusion

So, what happens during the five-day Capital Readiness Program? You can expect to roll up your sleeves and complete your work product, refine your deal documents, build relationships, and become investor ready. You'll do this alongside a room of 8-10 other startups, as well as advisors, investors, and startup experts assembled from around the country.

Content experts for our next cohort, running June 12-16, includes: Duane Morris, Morgan Lewis, Factor 7 Medical, The Santa Fe Group, Chisara Ventures, Coyote Ventures, Sana Capital, and more.

Sound like something your healthcare technology startup is ready for? Our Capital Readiness Program is accepting applications through May 12th.