The 100 Demo Day
Reflections from The 100 Demo Day at Start Garden
The Nerve-Wracking Drive
The drive to Start Garden’s The 100 Demo Day was nerve-wracking. My mind was racing as I thought about presenting CyberBuddy to a room full of strangers—potential investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. I knew this was a huge opportunity for my startup, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty. I was excited but also a little intimidated.
Setting Up and Sharing CyberBuddy’s Vision
Setting Up and Sharing CyberBuddy’s Vision
When I finally arrived and set up my stall, I was ready. I had slides prepped, showcasing all the features of CyberBuddy and the real problems we’re trying to solve. The issues are serious—cyberbullying, online predators, and digital privacy risks. I wanted to make sure people understood that we’re not just about monitoring; we’re about creating a safer, more responsible digital world for kids. I felt proud, but the stakes were high, and I couldn’t help but feel a little pressure.
Connecting with a Diverse Group of People
As the day went on, I met all sorts of people. Some were other entrepreneurs, others potential investors, and a few mentors who had tons of experience. The questions started coming in—questions about my business model, the software we use, the programming languages behind CyberBuddy. Some of the questions threw me off guard, and I won’t lie, I didn’t understand all of them at first. But instead of getting discouraged, I realized that these were opportunities to learn and grow. The day made me realize how much I still have to learn, but it also gave me the motivation to dive deeper into these areas.
Learning and Growing from the Experience
I didn’t win the competition that night, and that’s okay. The real value came from the conversations and connections I made. I met people who are genuinely interested in what CyberBuddy is doing and offered resources that could help us grow. The exposure alone was incredible—people were engaged, and CyberBuddy was on their radar. That, in itself, was a win.
Looking Forward
At the end of the day, the 100 Demo Day wasn’t just about the pitch or winning. It was about learning, meeting new people, and getting CyberBuddy out there for more people to see. The experience has left me feeling more confident and inspired, with a clearer vision of where I want to take CyberBuddy next.
