OpenSesame
No, I would not invest in this venture based on this pitch alone. Would I be interested in selling courses through this site? Yes – the dollar signs are flashing.
- Pain Point: Kelly states that her company makes it easier to sell courses worldwide but is it a huge problem? How much easier? What are the current difficulties?
- Solution: This Company connects e-Learning buyers and sellers directly but are there other companies doing the same
- Differentiation: It is unclear whether there are competitors. If not, this should be clearly stated. If so, a clear distinction should be made of how this company is better/different
- Marketing: This Company brings “my” courses to customers in a “transparent, social marketplace”? Customers get to access the course catalogue complete with reviews of courses and sellers get access to customers world-wide and the “ease of use” of the site.
- Championship: There was no mention of the team players other than Kelly the Community Manager.
- Competition, The Ask & The Return were not discussed.
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Danielle 4:57 pm on May 27, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Ronna,
I agree, I would not invest in OpenSesame based on this pitch.
Nice find! I think this is a good example if how one could be taken in by a professional looking site. I think the concept is great as it is feasible, though it is not original. I think the most important point to be made from a venture capitalist point of view is how exactly OpenSesame will actively pursue potential buyers. A course designer or those who want to market eLearning opportunities will only come to OpenSesame if they are not able to do this on their own. Thus, their competitive edge is seriously lacking.
Danielle
David Vogt 9:59 pm on May 27, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi again, Ronna –
Once again, this video is much more of a commercial than an elevator pitch, but thanks for bringing it forward!
David
mariefrancehetu 3:37 pm on May 28, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Ronna,
I find that this elevator pitch provides a great venture concept – but is there something out there of similar value? It is not clear if this venture is providing something new or better. As a potential investor I would want to invest in a venture I know will make money . . . it can only make money if customers will use it. This elevator pitch does not convince me this product/service would thrill users.