Application Process and Sponsorship Opportunities Open for 29th Annual Michigan Growth Capital Symposium

Midwest Companies Vie for 30 Open Slots to be Profiled at Midwest's Premier Equity Event in May 2010

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium today announced the call for presenting companies at its 29th annual Midwest equity event which will be held May 11-12, 2010 at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti, Mich.  The Symposium is the premier networking event for leaders in the venture capital investment world to connect with the entrepreneurs, startups and emerging growth companies that are actively searching for partners and funding.  In addition to accepting applications for presenting companies, the event is also enlisting new sponsors for its 2010 event.  Initial sponsors include leading media, venture capital and economic development organizations.

Excitement for the 29th annual event is building as leading entrepreneurial business and investment experts point optimistically to increased momentum in key growth areas including clean technology, high tech and biopharmaceuticals.  Noting "green shoots" of entrepreneurial growth and economic recovery in Michigan, symposium Founder David J. Brophy, Director and Professor of Finance at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, pointed to this event and leading local universities as important vehicles to foster organic growth and generate entrepreneurial excitement.  

The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium acts as a conduit for introducing these new business leaders to regional and national investors.  Companies that present at the event are offered a valuable opportunity to pitch their business to hundreds of VCs and early-stage investors in one place.  In addition to the formal pitch, presenting companies also gain access to expert coaching and preparation assistance from experts at the Small Business and Technology Development Center of Michigan (SBTDC) and the New Enterprise Forum (NEF).  Coaches look for an engaging presentation with a strong focus on business plans and operations, including milestones, marketing goals, existing management, growth and exit plans and strategic partnerships in development.  

"The Growth Capital Symposium is Michigan's premier venture capital event.  It brings together more venture capitalists, angel investors and venture-worthy companies than any other event in Michigan," said SBTDC Tech Team Coordinator Phil Tepley. "We see venture capitalists come in from around the country. This is an enormous opportunity for entrepreneurs."

Commenting on the value of presenting at the Symposium, Carson Conant, CEO of Mediafly, an Internet broadcast company and 2009 presenter, said "After spending several months traveling to both coasts to meet with angel investors and VCs, I found the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium to be one of the most beneficial events we attended.  The format of the symposium, coupled with the caliber of attendees, allowed us to showcase our company and connect one-on-one with a number of influential Midwest and coastal VCs with whom we continue to cultivate relationships."

Call for Presenting Company Applications

The final deadline for application submissions is Tues., March 11.  To submit an application, please visit: www.MichiganGCS.com. Selected companies will be notified by April 3.

Call for Sponsors

Initial 2010 sponsors include Amherst Fund, Automation Alley, Apjohn Ventures, Arboretum Ventures, bank of Ann Arbor, Beringea, BioStar Ventures, Bodman Attorneys and Counselors, Bowne, Canadian Venture Capital Association, Cendrowski, Credit Suisse, Chrysalis Ventures, Crains, DFJ Mercury, DTE Energy, Dykema, Grand Rapids Business Journal, Honigman, Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Venture Capital Association, Miller Canfield, New Enterprise Forum, Pepper Hamilton, RPM Ventures, Spark and Venture Investors.  Sponsorships range from $1,000-$10,000.  

For more information on the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium or to become a sponsor of the 29^th Annual symposium, please visit 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 financiers 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.  Entering its 29th year, MGCS continues to draw top investors from coast to coast.  MGCS is presented by the Center for Venture Capital & Private Equity Finance at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan with support from the Michigan Venture Capital Association and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

SOURCE The Zell Lurie Institute