UH VENTURE COMPETITION

COMPETITION VOLUNTEER

The UH Venture Competition would not be possible without the generous contribution of volunteers. Each year, more than 50 professionals serve as volunteer judges, coaches, and instructors. The volunteers’ expertise, time, and introductions to their network are core to the success and impact of the competition. If you are interested in volunteering, please see below for details.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

PACE seeks individuals who have at least five years of experience in industry, investment, and/or work history in the entrepreneurship arena. Thank you for understanding that preference for coach and semifinal judge roles will be given to volunteers who have prior experience as a PACE competition mentor, coach or judge.

VOLUNTEER ROLES:

Please note that a volunteer may serve as a judge in the first and second rounds, but coaches may not serve as a semifinal (round 2) judge.

COACH:

• Coaches are an integral part of the competitors’ experience and have direct impact on the team’s success. Coaches are paired with one semifinal team, and provide vital mentorship and help to:
  • Open their networks and make introductions so that the team can conduct targeted customer interviews;
  • Focus the team to develop product-market fit; and
  • Provide feedback on the team’s business plan and pitch.
• Coaches must attend a briefing from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (tentative) on Saturday, March 8 in person (or via Zoom only if you are off-island).
• Time Commitment: One hour per week from March 2 to May 1. Duration depends on the success of the team in the competition.

ROUND 1: SLIDE DECK AND BUSINESS SUMMARY JUDGE

• Judges in this round review, score, and provide feedback on not more than 5 slide decks & business summaries. Scores are due by 9 AM on Wednesday, March 5.
• Time Commitment: A few hours from February 26 to March 5 to score summaries.

ROUND 2: SEMIFINAL JUDGE

• Judges in this round review, score, and provide feedback on not more than five business plans, AND judge oral presentations for the same plans.
• Written plan scores are due by 9 AM on Thursday, April 10. Round 2 judges must attend the semifinal event in person from 8:45 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturday, April 12.
• Time Commitment: A few hours from March 31 to April 10 to read and score the written plans, and 4.5 hours on April 12.

WAIVER FORM:

All volunteers will be required to sign the UH Media Release Form.