How to give your elevator pitch to a king

Pitching your startup to a king can be a nerve-wracking experience. London-based Magic AI, which creates a smart mirror that provides training tips, recently won the King's Award for Enterprise in the innovation category. CEO Varun Bhanot attended the event at St James’s Palace to receive the prize. He admits he was very nervous, especially in formal attire, surrounded by a crowd of tech enthusiasts.

Bhanot found the encounter challenging, particularly when the king asked him to explain their AI technology. He cleverly mentioned that the mirror helped users become fitter, a subject the king was familiar with. Bhanot also shared that he had recently completed the London marathon in a costume made from their mirror. To survive such high-pressure encounters, Bhanot suggests keeping pitches brief, focusing on what interests the king, bringing a wingman to help break the ice, strategically positioning oneself, and considering collaboration opportunities.

Magic AI collaborates with celebrity instructors, including ex-Olympian Asha Philip and former cricketer Alastair Cook. The company's success at the King's Awards ceremony may have secured them an ambassador status from the king.