The Ag-West Bio / Mink Learning “Investment Readiness Program” made its return to Saskatoon, Canada, throughout May and June 2025. Led by Steve Balaban, CFA, of Mink Learning, the program guided a select group of ag-tech companies and associations through a complete, four-day program that dove deep into a comprehensive understanding of the investor’s perspective in a direct investment.
The program was structured to build a compelling external pitch, align the internal business strategy to support it, then to build systems and processes to support its strategy. The first two days focused on crafting the message and buiding the strategy, while the final two days focused on strategic execution.
Key takeaways from the complete four-day program included:
- The initial bootcamp and one-on-one sessions equipped participants to clearly and concisely communicate their company’s value proposition, tailoring their message for the investment community.
- Moving from pitch to plan, the program guided companies in establishing clear strategic goals and the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) processes needed to track progress and prove traction.
- Participants learned how to prepare for investor scrutiny by effectively organizing materials and anticipating the key questions and metrics that define a successful due diligence review.
By combining pitch development with deep-dive strategic planning, the complete four-day program provided an end-to-end roadmap for these innovative companies, empowering them with the confidence and tools needed to successfully engage with the investment community.