How To…

Ask for Capital
(& Actually Get It)

WITH EMILY SMILEY

You’ve got the vision. You’ve got the traction. But when it comes time to make the Ask — the moment investors lean in — too many founders stumble.

Whether you’re pitching on stage or over coffee, your “Ask” is what turns interest into action. This session will teach you how to craft a clear, confident, and compelling closing statement, one that aligns with your traction, vision, and funding goals.

In this session:

  • Clarity Wins. Learn how to replace vague statements with a confident, specific Ask that investors can say yes to.

  • Think Like an Investor. Understand exactly what they want to hear, what raises red flags, and how to position yourself as an opportunity, not a risk.

  • Build Urgency. Craft an Ask that makes investors lean in now, not six months from now.

Register Now

November 12, 2025
12:00PM MST / 2:00PM EST

Sign Up

Too many founders lose investor interest at the most critical moment: when they finally ask for capital. This workshop will help you change that.

Learn how to craft an Ask that’s clear, specific, and compelling. Learn how to map funding requests directly to milestones that matter. No fluff. No vague “we’re raising to grow.” Just confidence, clarity, and a framework investors can say yes to.

In this session, you’ll walk away with:

  • A framework for a strong Ask: amount, use of funds, stage alignment, fit, and urgency.

  • Before-and-after examples that show the difference between “weak” and “investable.”

  • A practical checklist to test your Ask before you ever step on stage.

  • The confidence to make the Ask with clarity, conviction, and credibility.

Your pitch tells the story. Your Ask seals the deal.

About the Speaker

Emily Smiley

Executive Director, Movement51

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn.

Emily is a strategic leader and passionate advocate for inclusive finance, with a background spanning high-growth startups, corporate innovation, and the public sector. As Executive Director of Movement51, she leads the organization’s mission to equip women and gender-diverse individuals with the tools to thrive as founders and investors—driving strategic growth, building powerful partnerships, and expanding national reach.

Prior to Movement51, Emily was Director of Partnerships & Investor Relations at DMZ, where she developed and executed partnership and venture strategies, supported early-stage founders with fundraising, and helped corporates embed innovation into their organizations.

With a career rooted in scaling ventures and strengthening ecosystems, Emily brings a unique blend of strategic vision, cross-sector experience, and a deep commitment to shaping a more equitable financial future.

PREVIOUS

A Founder's Guide to Non-Dilutive Funding

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…more coming soon