[Online] AppWorks Fundraising Bootcamp I: Understanding VCs, Terms, Instruments, and Due Diligence

​This mentoring event is exclusive to founders from the AppWorks Community, Wistron Accelerator, and TINC Accelerator.

​Get ready to demystify the fundraising process! This bootcamp will walk you through the essentials of venture capital, from understanding VC structures and decision-making to key terms and fundraising instruments. 

​Whether you’re new to fundraising or looking to sharpen your skills, this is the perfect chance to ask questions and learn how to position your startup for success. Don’t miss this foundational session!

​Rundown

​10:00-10:40 Understanding Venture Capital

​Ever wonder how VCs decide which startups to fund? Gain insider knowledge on the types of investors—VCs, CVCs, and angels—and learn the mechanics behind a VC firm. From decision-making processes to investment criteria, this session will arm you with the knowledge to understand how VCs think and what they look for when writing that check. 

• ​Types of Investors: Clarify the differences between VC, CVC, and Angel investors.

• ​Roles within a VC Firm: Explain the functions of key players in a VC (e.g., Analysts, Partners).

• ​Decision-Making Process: How do VCs evaluate and choose which startups to invest in?

• ​VC Fund Structure: Introduction to LPs, GPs, fund vintage, and their role in generating returns.

• ​Investment Criteria: What metrics and factors VCs typically look for in early-stage startups.

​Speaker: Jun Wakabayashi

​Jun is a Principal leading the Beacon Funds Arm, that is in charge of meeting, helping, collaborating with, and investing in emerging venture capital GPs to grow the startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia and web3. By immersing himself in local markets and engaging with both founder and investor communities across SEA, Jun has been able to establish an extensive network that keeps AppWorks top of mind for startups seeking funding, community, and support. Prior to AppWorks, Jun attended NYU Stern where he received a B.S. in Finance, and spent the following years conducting sector-based market research at Focus Reports. Outside of work, Jun is an avid meditator and invests an inordinate amount of time maintaining both his physical and spiritual wellness.

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​10:45-11:15 Due Diligence & Data Room Preparation

​Founder’s prep work: Data room folder, or a checklist of Data room

​You’ve captured investor interest—now it’s time to pass due diligence. Learn exactly what investors will be scrutinizing and how to prepare your data room to avoid delays and build trust. From financials to legal documents, we will break down best practices for organizing your materials like a pro. 

• ​Due Diligence Overview: What investors look for during the due diligence process.

• ​Essential Documents: Key materials to have in your data room (e.g., financials, legal documents, traction data).

• ​Best Practices: Tips for organizing and presenting your data room to streamline investor reviews.

​Speaker: Warren Hu

​Warren joined AppWorks in 2023 as an Analyst under the Beacon Funds arm. Prior to AppWorks, he was a Hong Kong-based investment banking analyst in the Asia Healthcare Team at Goldman Sachs, where he worked on high-profile corporate M&As, sponsored buyouts, and IPOs for companies across various healthcare verticals. Warren holds a master’s degree in financial analysis from London Business School and a bachelor’s degree in finance from National Taiwan University. Beyond indulging in the world of finance, Warren enjoys golf and binge-watching comedy series.

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​11:20-12:10 Understanding the Terms + Different Instruments

​Founder’s prep work: prepare a Term Sheet

​Term sheets, SAFEs, tokens—what does it all mean? Knowing the right financial instrument for your situation is key to a successful round. Join Sophie Chiu and Ching Tseng as they demystify the most common fundraising terms and help you navigate your options for founders’ best interests. Breakout rooms for web3 and non-web3 founders will ensure you get the focused advice you need.

• ​Explaining the common terms

• ​Non-web3 Financial Instruments:

  • ​Equity vs Convertible Bonds vs SAFEs.

  • ​Key considerations for founders in choosing between these instruments.

• ​Web3 Financial Instruments:

  • ​Equity, Tokens, and hybrid structures like SAFE + Token Warrant, SAFT, and token vesting schedules.

  • ​Token allocation strategies and their impact on fundraising.

​Speaker: Sophie Chiu

​Sophie is a Principal leading the Southeast Asia Arm, that is responsible for meeting, helping and investing in great founders in the region. She joined AppWorks as an Associate in 2020 and was subsequently promoted as a Principal in 2023. Prior to AppWorks, Sophie had 10 years of public equity experience. She was part of the portfolio management team at Neuberger Berman, focusing on emerging market opportunities. Prior to that she served as a research analyst at Credit Suisse, JPMorgan, and London-based Autonomous Research. Sophie holds a Master of Finance with distinction from Warwick Business School and BS Finance from National Taiwan University. Her passion and expertise, however, extend far beyond just researching companies and industries. She is also an author of two published poetry books and holds a keen interest in human psychology and human behavior.

​Speaker: Ching Tseng

​Ching is a Principal leading the Web3 Arm at AppWorks. Ching interned at AppWorks when she was in college and returned as an Analyst after earning her B.B.A from National Chengchi University in 2015. Her keystone achievement as an Analyst was helping CHOCO TV’s journey from Series A to an eventual acquisition by LINE. Ching became our Associate in 2019, spearheading our foray into the blockchain industry by recruiting founders active in the space and effectively jumpstarting our web3 ecosystem, which has since grown into a thriving community. She’s also helped AppWorks participate in several prominent investments, including Dapper Labs / Flow, Animoca Brands, and Blocto. Ching was promoted to Principal in 2022.