BAN conducts 4 screening cycles each year, consolidated to two 5-week review periods per academic semester. This format yields quarterly presentation meetings usually held in September, November, February, and April. An overview of our standard quarterly screening cycle is included below.
Pre-Screening
Applications are submitted to Dealum and close mid-week. The application due date triggers the ~5-week review cycle. A pre-screening committee comprised of staff, students, and investors meet to determine the ~20 companies that will be reviewed. Prior to a company being selected for screening, founders are required to connect with BAN staff for an introductory call.
Screening Diligence
Students partner with network members to conduct screening. Entrepreneurs provide data room materials and schedule a screening call with BAN. After the analysts and investors connect with the companies, students conduct further internal analyses and prepare internal memos.
Screening Committee Meeting
The week before Presentation Day, committee members, deal mentors, students and staff meet to review the investment opportunities. Final decisions are made by the committee and communicated to the entrepreneurs. 4 companies with the most interest are invited to present to the full network.
Presentation Meeting
Selected companies are invited to present to the network in person in Waco, Texas each quarter. While in-person attendance is heavily encouraged, we are also prepared to accommodate virtual presentations. Following company presentations, entrepreneurs participate in a working session lunch with members to encourage deeper conversation. Presentations cannot be rescheduled or deferred.
Post-Presentation Meeting
Baylor University is no longer involved in the process after the presentation meeting. All ministerial and logistical support is provided by Affinity Link II, LLC. If BAN members express interest in additional due diligence, Affinity Link II will schedule due diligence meetings with the team and interested BAN members. Members aim to complete due diligence within 30 days of the presentation meeting.