Startup Luncheon Series

Our Vision

Pioneering Accessible Investor Relations

Historically, investor relations and roadshows have been inaccessible for early-stage companies without substantial budgets. Anyone in the investment world understands the golden rule: you spend roughly 10% of what you are seeking to raise on fundraising and IR.

For firms raising $1M, this means expecting to spend $100K. This calculation—a golden rule of thumb in the industry—includes not just direct expenses on professionals who make introductions to investors, broker fees, and luncheons, but also food, travel costs, and crucially, the time of the CEO, which during a fundraise can exceed 70% of their total time.

American Pillar pioneered lower-cost options for startups and early-stage companies without large budgets to begin building longstanding relationships. We provide this service at cost to begin the relationship journey, with the plan to build credibility and eventually assist with later rounds and IPO.

2-Hour Presentation Format

Companies are given a platform for 2 hours to thoroughly present their company, demo their products/services, and engage in Q&A.

Curated Investors

Our associates personally qualify each investor and ensure that the room is filled with the absolute best. We guarantee 20-25 investors at each luncheon.

Top-Tier Companies

Our acceptance rate is only 16%. Working with the best companies allows us to attract the best investors.

The Process

How It Works

Our streamlined process ensures a successful luncheon experience for both companies and investors.

Introduction

We're introduced to you (a promising company) that is looking for investor relations support and to raise capital but don't want to work with expensive traditional IR firms that do not specialize in early-stage companies.

Due Diligence (2-3 days)

Our partners and associates thoroughly evaluate your company and whether we can help you. Only 1/6 companies make it through our evaluation process. We love companies that are early stage but are past the idea phase; you've proven that you can build something.

Mutual NDAs

Mutual NDAs are signed to protect our clients. Our clients prefer that we act as a silent partner and not advertise our involvement in their success, we've accepted this as part of our business.

Booking Fee & Formalization

The official invoice is sent for our "booking fee" that covers our costs (equipment rents, restaurant booking, curation, etc) and formalizes our relationship.

Venue Selection

Partnering restaurant is chosen based on availability and investor preference. The cost of the luncheon is paid directly to the restaurant partner on a per-investor basis. American Pillar does not take any commission on food and drink expenses.

Date Selection

Luncheon date is decided based on the company's preference and availability of investors.

Investor Curation (Minimum 15 days prior)

Each of our associates personally reaches out to each investor to gauge qualifications, interest, and availability. We guarantee 20-25 investors.

Preparation Call

Conference call with the company to make suggestions on the presentation, executive summary, and offering based on our evaluation of the company and feedback from investors.

Luncheon Presentation

Luncheon presentation commences. You have 2 hours to present, demo, and engage with investors in a curated environment.

Follow-Up & Introductions

The final attendee list is sent to company so that you may follow up with investors and continue building the relationship. Introductions are made to partnering angel syndicates and strategic partners based on need.

Additional Services

Beyond Startup Luncheons

Subscription Investor Relations Services

Ongoing IR support for companies needing consistent investor engagement and communications.

Poland Life Science Grant Application Services

Expert assistance with EU grant applications through our Warsaw partnerships.

Warsaw Stock Exchange IPO Placement

First U.S. Authorized Advisor on the WSE with proven listing track record.