Calling ICT SMEs, corporate, VC and other investors and coaches:The ICT Finance MarketPlace Venture Academy will take place on 27 October 2011 from 1400-1800hrs.  The Investment Forum will be held on 28 October from 0900-1330hrs.Both events are being run in conjunction with the Future Internet Week.Designed specifically for SMEs operating in the ICT sector, the Venture Academy consists of a one-day, coaching event where experienced coaches from relevant industry areas will help them pragmatically to develop their pitching skills towards potential investors.  It is a vital preparatory step for SMEs invited to attend the Investment Forum on 28th October where they will meet with and pitch to a selected group of ICT investors.The Venture Academy is highly beneficial for entrepreneurs seeking to access international markets.  Participants will be provided with information, tools and resources which will help them find investment partners and grow their business.The Investment Forum provides ICT SMEs with an ideal opportunity to showcase their business in front of an international network of venture capital, investment funds and other corporate investors, strategic partners and expert advisors.The focus is on how to approach meeting with strategic partners and on the expectations of potential investors from such meetings. Participants will receive guidance on how their presentations and business proposals compare with those of other participants, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses and advising on how these should be addressed to maximise the impact of their pitch.Experienced coaches from different backgrounds will enhance the value of the feedback provided:Independent Coaches able to provide personal advisory services and who are themselves: Former Venture Capital managersEntrepreneursFormer business advisorsAdvisory Coaches from established advisory practices who are: Consultants from larger or specialised consulting/ accounting firmsHead-hunters or interim managersM&A advisors or investment bankersThese events are sponsored and supported by the EU's 7th Framework Programme and are free of charge to all participants.  However, places are limited to about 25 SMEs and these will be selected from applicants following a selection process on the basis of their readiness to receive investment from venture capital and corporate investors.Registration: e-unlimited.com/events/register.aspx?events_id=402