Premier Midwest Venture Fair Seeks Early to Mid-Stage Companies to Participate in 36th Annual Event
Organizers of the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) are inviting early to mid-stage companies to present their pitches before an audience of potential investors at its 36th annual event, taking place May 16 & 17 at the Marriot Resort in Ann Arbor, Mich. In addition to providing a platform to pitch investors, the two-day joint conference will feature two keynote speakers, several panel discussions, a technology transfer pitch session and ample networking opportunities.
David Brophy, Director of the Zell Lurie Institute and founder of the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium delivers opening remarks.
The MGCS is the premier Midwest networking event that connects national leaders in venture capital with emerging growth companies actively searching for partners and funding. Since the Symposium’s inception, it has been successful in facilitating valuable relationships that help move companies forward and has played a critical role in fostering growth in the region’s startup community. More than 450 attendees are expected to attend this year’s Symposium with nearly 100 investment firms represented.
Autobooks, an integrated payment and accounting software for small businesses, presented to investors at the 2016 Symposium. “We saw the Symposium as an opportunity to build relationships in the local venture community and establish our company as a Midwest-based company,” said Steve Robert, the co-founder and CEO. “The reception we received was great. Fintech is an emerging market with tremendous revenue potential, so we drew a lot of interest from the investment community.” Autobooks is scheduled to close a $5 million seed round of funding with participation from both institutional and strategic investors. Robert anticipates Autobooks will be available to the public in the first quarter of 2017.
“Best of the Midwest” Companies Sought by March 7
Thirty-six companies will be showcased. In addition to the 10 minute presentation opportunity, companies selected to present will receive table top exhibit space, investor pitch/presentation coaching, pre-event promotion and a discounted event registration fee. New this year, selected companies will also receive a complimentary KeyStone Compact® analysis. The exercise, developed by University of Michigan Professor Peter Adriaens and his associates, is intended to help startup founders and CEOs understand the investment opportunities and market segment potential their company poses for venture capital investors.
Each applicant will be reviewed by a committee of qualified venture capitalists. Companies in all stages of funding and across a wide range of industries will be considered. The deadline to submit is March 7 and selected companies will be notified March 28. Companies can apply on online at www.MichiganGCS.com under the ‘Presenting Company’ tab.
Sponsorships Available
The 36th annual Michigan Growth Capital Symposium is presented by the University of Michigan’s Center for Venture Capital & Private Equity Finance at the Ross School of Business, with support from the Michigan Venture Capital Association. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. For more information, please contact Mary Nickson at (734) 615-4424 or [email protected].
About the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium
The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) is the original university-based venture investment fair, which was first held in 1981. This decades-old nationally attended event is the largest Midwest fair of its kind that brings together venture capital investors, business angels, start-up companies, university tech transfer officers and research faculty. MGCS provides an opportunity for participants from the venture capital community to connect with Midwest start-ups seeking funding and to learn about emerging innovations that span tech and the life sciences. MGCS is presented by the Center for Venture Capital & Private Equity Finance and the Zell Lurie Institute at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, with support from the Michigan Venture Capital Association.