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 35th annual event. The symposium will take place on May 17 & 18 at the Marriott Resort in Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti. In addition to providing a platform to pitch investors, the two-day conference will feature two keynote speakers, several panel discussions, a technology transfer pitch session and ample networking opportunities.
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 this year with nearly 100 investment firms represented.
David Esposito is the president and CEO of Apifiny, an innovative technology for detecting prostate cancer. The company presented to investors at the 2015 symposium in an effort to raise visibility and attract additional financing. “The symposium is a great forum to drive awareness of our business and to begin to forge relationships,” Esposito said. “We still have an ongoing dialog with some of the venture capitalists who saw us present, and we did secure angel investment as a result of our appearance and subsequent follow-up.”
“Best of the Midwest” Companies Sought by March 10
Thirty-five companies will be showcased and companies that wish to submit an application must be privately held. Each application 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 Thursday, March 10 and selected companies will be notified the first week of April. In addition to the 15-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.
Sponsorships Still Available
The 35th annual Michigan Growth Capital Symposium is presented by the University of Michigan’s Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and 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 about applying to present or for sponsorship information, please contact Mary Nickson at (734) 615-4424 or visit the website at www.MichiganGCS.com.
About the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS)
MGCS is the original university-based venture fair, which was first held in 1979. This nationally attended two-day event provides an opportunity for investors to connect with up-and-coming Midwest businesses and learn about emerging technologies. The Symposium offers the opportunity to build relationships with an unparalleled business network of distinguished private equity industry leaders, leading university research faculty, and entrepreneurial business professionals. MGCS is presented by the Center for Venture Capital & Private Equity Finance at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business with support from the Michigan Venture Capital Association.
About Michigan Ross
The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a vibrant and distinctive learning community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary vehicle for positive change in today’s dynamic global economy. The Ross mission is to develop leaders who make a positive difference in the world. Through thought and action, members of the Ross community drive change and innovation that improves business and society.
Ross is consistently ranked among the world’s leading business schools. Academic degree programs include the BBA, MBA, Part-time MBA (Evening and Weekend formats), Executive MBA, Global MBA, Master of Accounting, Master of Supply Chain Management, Master of Management, and PhD. In addition, the school delivers open-enrollment and custom executive education programs targeting general management, leadership development, and strategic human resource management.