Anatomy of a VC Deal: How One Seattle Startup Raised $12.5 Million We'll take you through the entire process, from pitch decks to cut checks.

Kristen Hamilton knew she needed to raise capital to get her Seattle-based startup off the ground. She and co-founder Josh Jarrett spent half of 2013 developing Koru, an immersive business program that gives recent college grads real-world job skills and positions them for rewarding entry-level work.

That fall, the pair enlisted a handful of Whitman College graduates to participate in a weeklong pilot program at REI's corporate offices. The goal: develop a presentation for senior REI executives detailing how the retailer of outdoor gear and clothing could appeal to young consumers.

The week was a success. Besides nailing the presentation, the budding professionals gained tangible workplace experience and newfound confidence.