Leading Technology and Health Care IT Investors to Headline Annual Michigan Growth Capital Symposium
Panel Discussions, Keynote Addresses and Company Presentations to Shine Spotlight on the Extraordinary Innovation and Investment Opportunities in the Midwest
ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Underscoring enthusiasm the investment community has for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Midwest, organizers of the 29th Annual Michigan Growth Capital Symposium today announced two venture capital luminaries who will serve as the event's featured presenters. Opening the event on May 11 will be Kate Mitchell, co-founder and managing director of west-coast based Scale Venture Partners, followed by David J. Brailer, MD, PhD and Chairman of Health Evolution Partners on May 12.
The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium is the premier equity 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. The Symposium, which will be held at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti, Mich., will host over 400 attendees and 65 investment firms. The robust agenda features six world-class panel discussions and presentations from 32 top Midwestern companies actively seeking funding, in addition to Mitchell and Brailer's keynote addresses.
Chairman-Elect of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and a member of its Executive Committee, Mitchell will offer Symposium attendees a unique perspective on the current climate for venture capital and private equity. She is actively involved with regulatory and economic policy impacting the venture industry and the companies that are funded by venture capital in the areas of technology, clean tech and health care.
Mitchell, a seasoned investor, has been instrumental in building Scale Venture Partners' team and providing strategic direction. She leads investments in software and business services, and brings more than 25 years' experience in technology, finance and management to her portfolio teams.
Tying into the Symposium's key themes and shining a spotlight on the health care innovation coming out of the Midwest's research-rich University environment. Bailer will offer Symposium attendees a unique perspective on the current regulatory environment and dynamic market for health care innovation.
Dr. Brailer has sought to drive positive change in health care in his work as a physician, researcher, teacher, entrepreneur and policymaker. He is committed to improving health care by discovering and funding health technologies and health service companies to the industry. In 2004, he was appointed by President George W. Bush as the first National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. In this role, Dr. Brailer developed and led the nation's strategy for ushering health care into the digital era.
Michigan Growth Capital Symposium Founder David J. Brophy, Director and Professor of Finance at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business notes that in addition to investment dollars, a key piece of maintaining innovation and producing high potential, high growth start-ups is the region's ability to attract and retain entrepreneurial and business talent.
"HandyLab, Health Media and other recent start-up success stories prove that Michigan has the talent and the investment resources to produce winning businesses," said Brophy. "As small tech-based startups spring up throughout the state, we have the investment infrastructure, research capabilities and a growing stable of young, talented business professionals to lead and grow these new companies which will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in our region."
One example of a regional company that has struck the right balance of talented leadership, innovation and investment support is 2008 Michigan Growth Capital Symposium presenter Advanced Battery Concepts of Midland, Michigan. With its GreenSeal technology, founding partner and technology inventor Ed Shaffer, has created a game-changing development for the energy storage industry.
Working with Midland's BlueWater Angels Group, Advanced Battery Concepts recently closed a $250,000 round of financing, which it will use to set up a pilot production facility and start field testing pilot-scale prototypes.
Shaffer said Michigan holds great opportunities for technology startups that can play the game. "You've got to be smart with what you're going to do with the money, but if you work hard and you have a good story, there is money available in Michigan," he said.
The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium is hosted by the Zell Lurie Institute at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in partnership with the Michigan Venture Capital Association and with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please visit www.michigangcs.com. For sponsorship information or questions regarding presenting company details, please contact Mary Nickson, the symposium manager, at 734-615-4424 or [email protected].
About the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium
Michigan Growth Capital Symposium 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, the Symposium continues to draw top investors from coast to coast. The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium 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
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