The last 4 months for Faarms has been intense. We’ve been working on raising funds, due diligence on our Roadmap, Research, and Development Project Plans, presenting at Conferences, and attending the MEGA Entrepreneurial Masterclass Program.
MEGA is an 18 week program, where individuals or teams (or individuals making new teams) are mentored in the art and science of starting a new venture. Rather than being led by an educational program, although universities and vocational providers are involved, MEGA is mentored by industry experts. Those who’ve started, enabled, or funded, new tech ventures themselves.
It’s the “rough and dirty street smarts”, meets the “bright-eyed, bushy tailed stargazers.” Hard work? Absolutely. Fun? For sure. Valuable? Inestimably!
But in this last 4 months of work, Faarms has come a long way. You’ll remember we were invited to host an “Innovation Island” stand at Tech23. That experience opened doors, introduced us to invaluable contacts, and allowed us to learn from other successful start-ups the fine art of pitching. Both how to do it right, and how to get it wrong.
At MEGA we were split across two states. In Victoria we decided not to enter the main competition, to ensure that we didn’t have an unfair advantage, two picks at the cherry, so to speak. Nevertheless, we got an “Honourable Mention.”
It was in NSW where we really did well: We received an “honourable mention” in the Judges Awards, i.e. in the Top 3, however, we also won the “Audience Award”, and the “Peer Award.” Both of these last awards are cash prizes totalling $5,000. But they meant so much more than that.
The “Audience Award” was special, especially considering we presented last, at 5pm on a Friday, after 12 other teams, at the end of a 3hr30 session. Besides the cash 
it shows we met the audience needs, which ultimately, is the purpose of any presentation.
The “Peer Award” was equally special. To be voted as the best, by your Peers, is a real validation of the Team’s efforts over the last couple of months. Sweet!
I’ve uploaded our winning presentation, along with the Audio, to Slideshare. Check it out and please feel free to send your feedback.
I’m personally overwhelmed by the team. There were sleepless nights, committed devotion, and personal sacrifice. And all this for no pay, just the promise that we’re building a valuable technology. A world changing company!
Save water, save the world…
Many of our clients, mentors, partners and supporters came along for an evening of feasting. As per our value of “working together,” or, in web 2.0 speak, “crowd sourcing” everyone enjoyed cooking for themselves on the Mongolian BBQ, followed by 3 of the largest Pavlova’s I’ve seen.