Dr. Steven Creek, an associate professor in the Department of Management at Appalachian State University, co‑authored research examining how the first ten seconds of entrepreneurial crowdfunding pitch videos shape funding outcomes.
The study finds that immediate, evolutionarily salient impressions—such as perceived aggressiveness and competence—significantly affect investor perceptions and success.
The research is "news you can use" for those at App State who participate in the entrepreneurial pitch competitions and venture coaching hosted through the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship. There, students regularly refine and present startup ideas in settings where first impressions and early pitch dynamics can meaningfully influence funding and feedback outcomes.
Dr. Steven Creek
Steven Creek