How Can Investors Lower Risks by Finding the Most Fundable Startups?

Investors want to select the next unicorn that will hit a homerun, or at least a double. Those fortunate enough to invest in Google, Facebook, Nvidia, or several other successful firms made fortunes, but likely not before losing big on startups that failed. Most startups go out of business within a few years, and even those that succeed rarely make it to the proverbial Initial Public Offering (IPO). However, the few that have IPOs or are acquired for substantial sums can deliver high returns to investors. Finding the ones that might succeed, however, is a huge challenge. 

To this end, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School sponsors an annual program that evaluates thousands U.S. startups to find the best of the best for their Most Fundable Companies list. After a months-long diligence focused process completed by a team of experts across business, finance, technology, leadership, and more, Pepperdine selects a small handful as winners that are honored at an annual showcase event that includes national publication. Pepperdine uses a proprietary algorithm, proven across six years, to analyze and select the winners. By attending this special event, investors can discover:

• How Pepperdine selects a few startup winners from thousands that apply
• How the Pepperdine proprietary algorithm works, and why it’s effective
• What separates startup winners from those not selected
• How investors can benefit from Pepperdine’s proven and unique approach 
• How to avoid investing in startups that may not have the ingredients for success

Moderator: 

W. Craig Reed

Reed is the New York Times bestselling author of several business books including Gold Medal winner Start With Who that Ken Blanchard (One Minute Manager) says is “thought-provoking” and a Workday VP says is “the next gen beyond Start With Why.” Reed is also a former Navy Diver with a neuroscience certification from Harvard University. Reed is the co-founder of an Inc. 5000 consulting firm with blue chip clients and RemotelyMe, a 2023 Pepperdine Graziadio Most Fundable Companies List Silver Award winner.

Keynote Speakers:

Craig Everett

Professor of Finance, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

Director, Private Capital Markets Project & Most Fundable Companies

Craig Everett is a professor of finance and executive director of the Most Fundable Companies program at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. He has more than 20 years of business management experience in technology industries and has been involved with multiple startup ventures. Everett holds a PhD in finance from Purdue University, an MBA from George Mason University, and a BA in quantitative economics from Tufts University. He is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, Financial Executives International, the Association for Corporate Growth, and the National Association of Corporate Directors. Everett has been quoted in national financial media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and CNBC.

Amy Wood

Program Manager, Most Fundable Companies, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

Amy Wood is a staff member at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School and program manager of the Most Fundable Companies program. She manages all day-to-day operational aspects of the competition, as well as advises the Pepperdine student organization, Founders Inc. Wood previously held executive positions with Arbella Insurance and The Hanover Insurance Group, and has a background in grocery retail operations with Hannaford Brothers and former online delivery startup, HomeRuns.com. She holds degrees from Cornell University and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Wood also serves on the board of the Los Angeles Venture Association.

CLICK HERE to learn more RemotelyMe's RegulationCF opportunity to become a shareholder. RemotelyMe is a 2023 Pepperdine MFC Silver Award winner.