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		In the Media & Press Releases    BRW Oct 16-22, 2008         8 May 2008 For immediate use INVESTOR FUNDING EXPERT FRONTING CONFERENCE WORKSHOP Small business investor specialist and Director of Investor Funding, Theo Afkoudias, will be one of the keynote workshop panellists to a 400-strong audience at the annual Ausmedtech08 conference from 12th May to 13th May. Theo will be sharing his investor funding knowledge, combining his expertise on how businesses are valued before and after they become a business and deliver a light-hearted, colourful and anecdotal approach to subjects that are more often considered clinical. Theo’s workshop will incorporate a case study drawn from various real bio medical businesses  where catastrophic mistakes were made. The panel’s job is to consider the alternatives that would have bolstered the chance of success. Theo will give audience members a true picture of the complex nature of investor funding and the maze behind the entrepreneur/investor matchmaking framework and process, including a clear explanation of the 20/12 clause in the Corporations Act and the importance of the business plan for future planning and capital raising. As Australia’s leading Medical Technology Conference, Ausmedtech08, in Sydney, provides an avenue to bring together industry players for learning, networking and sharing experiences to better facilitate commercial success in the Australian Medical Technology Industry. According to Theo, the key to making investor funding a successful facet in the  start up world of any industry is to be realistic about the value on offer to investors and understand investors have unlimited options as to where they place their money. “Whether you are an investor or entrepreneur, the key ingredient in stepping closer to a successful business partnership is not having a crystal ball but to have a crystal clear business plan that encapsulates all the necessary information to pursue the next step,” he said. “An entrepreneur, for instance, needs to shelve the psychics and have all his cash flow and firm assumptions in print before even considering pursuing real investors.” Established in 2006, Investor Funding is a leading provider of SME fund-raising intelligence and services in Australia. www.investorfunding.com.au Ends. For further information: Diane Falzon Publicity Queen 0430 59 66 99 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
		19th April 2008 For immediate use EXPERT HELPING SMEs TO BE INVESTOR SAVVY Small business investor specialist and Director of Investor Funding, Theo Afkoudias, has created an entrepreneur/investor matchmaking framework to educate aspiring entrepreneurs on how to turn their business into an ‘investor magnet.’ According to Theo Afkoudias, starting up a new business is like beginning a new relationship.  “Start out cautious, maintain your confidence, be street smart, but at the same time, inject a level of energy that creates a harmonious balance, then persevere,” he said.  His ‘Has It Got Legs 11?’ is a light-hearted adaptation of his 11 stringent small business investment rules: 1. Pick Me Pick Me – Investors can’t be sold or made to buy anything - the opportunity must compete on its own merits. 2. Subprime Who? – An opportunity must be considered in light of the current economic climate - it may no longer be 'that' compelling. 3. Cuggi Shoes – Put yourself in the investor’s shoes - if you had the money to buy cuggi shoes would you sink it into your business -  leave it in the bank or buy more shoes. 4. Could You Hold The Risk For A Second? – Are you personally risking anything in the venture? (But I’ve put in $000s – and that is the investors concern because?) 5.  Out To Lunch - Who's Running The Shop? - Are you and your mates the best people to be on the Board?  6.  Shares Are Your New Currency – Use it to attract the right people. 7.  Til Death Do Us Part? – Do you have a realistic exit strategy? 8.  It’s Going To Be Worth Millions... I Can Just Feel It – Shelve the psychics and have the projected cash flows and firm assumptions – show me the money. 9.  You Want How Much? – Provide a business valuation to justify the amount you’re asking for against the amount of equity you’re offering. 10. My Weakness Is l Like Chocolate – Know your weaknesses and address them with a strategy prior to approaching investors. 11. Only A Mother Could Love It – Get non-related third party opinions from prospective customers and partners on your business and product.   Established in 2006, www.investorfunding.com.au is a down to earth provider of SME fund-raising intelligence and services in Australia. A good analogy for what we do is turning beat up old bongo vans into the shiny new convertable mercedes that all investors can’t live without. Ends. For further information: Diane Falzon Publicity Queen www.publicityqueen.com.au Mb 0430 59 66 99 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------