April 29, 2015 marked the very first "Speed Investing & Lessons Learned" event, hosted by Venture Hacked.

"Here are three reasons why you need to join this speed dating sensation!" — *"Here are three reasons why you need to join this speed dating sensation!"*

Venture Hacked, founded by Tracy Lee (pictured above), and Paiman Vahdati focuses on "articles related to entrepreneurship, startups, and investors." Their "speed dating for startups" events are held at the Perkins Coie office in Palo Alto, CA on a quarterly basis and offer entrepreneurs a chance to deliver their elevator pitches to over 20 potential investors. In addition, guest speakers are invited to share their entrepreneurship and investment stories as well as provide insight into navigating the unknown path of entrepreneurship and how to deal with its trials and tribulations and ultimately reach success.

With this being the very first iteration of the speed investing format, it was a flurry of madness. While the day drew many comparisons with that of the New York Stock Exchange floor, it was pitches, presentations and personalities galore.

Budding entrepreneurs had mere minutes to explain their business model and other relevant information without glossing over the most important and minute details of the business. Investors sat wide-eyed and amused at the non-stop flow of entrepreneur after entrepreneur hoping to tell their story.

*"So what I'm trying to say is, I will be the next Facebook."*

There were more entrepreneurs than investors so many people had to "patiently" wait their turn. This gave antsy entrepreneurs the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and refine their pitch so they did not waste an opportunity. After all, time is an investment and neither side wants to have their time wasted.

Click here to learn more about Venture Hacked

Overall it was a really fun event and it seems like entrepreneurs and investors alike were able to score some deals. Overhearing some of the conversations, entrepreneurs were able to learn from the investors themselves and were given tips on how to refine the business model, the pitch. Many of the entrepreneurs were grilled with tough questions about their startup but I am sure everyone came away with a positive experience from this.

If you'd like to know more about Venture Hacked, click the link above. Otherwise, click here to see the rest of the event photos!

Interested in getting your next event photographed? Shoot over an e-mail to ryan@sharplitemedia.com for a FREE consultation.

Events