On February 8th, 2016, Serious Simulations of Orlando Florida was notified that it had been selected as one of 16 Veteran Owned Small Businesses out of a field of over 130 applicants to attend a special investment opportunity in Houston Texas. The event was organized by EO Houston (Entrepreneurs Organization – Houston chapter) and was sponsored by Rice University, who also hosted the event for two days on campus in McNair Hall. The event provided business owners three chances to “pitch” their company’s ideas and investment opportunities to a large group of investors which included individuals, Venture Capitalists, and others. The pitches were given as two minute “elevator” pitches, a 15 minute more detailed presentation, and a one minute summary pitch at the event’s dinner gala. Some businesses were given commitments on the spot (pending due diligence), and many others which had more complex products and capital structure, including Serious Simulations, are following up with investors in detail after the event. Nearly $1 million dollars of investment was generated by meetings during and after the 2015 event, and organizers were expecting the amount to grow for the companies in the 2016 event. Chris Chambers, Co-Founder and CEO of Serious Simulations, was invited to attend the event as one of the 16 finalist presenters from around the United States.
