Michigan Growth Capital Symposium Opens Application Process for Presenting Companies and Call for Sponsors

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Organizers of the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium today announced the call for companies interested in applying to present at the 33^rd annual Midwest equity event, taking place June 17-18, 2014 at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti, Mich. The two-day event will showcase approximately 40 "Best of the Midwest" companies actively seeking funding to an audience of regional and national investors. Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and pre-IPO companies that are privately held are encouraged to apply. The event is presented by the Center for Venture Capital & Private Equity Finance at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

As one of the longest running university-hosted programs of its kind, the Symposium is the premier Midwest networking event for national leaders in venture capital investment to connect with emerging growth companies actively searching for partners and funding. More than 450 attendees are expected to attend. Since its inception in 1980, the event has been very successful from a funding perspective and  has forged countless valuable relationships that continue to foster growth in the region's startup community.

Madison, Wisconsin-based NeuWave Medical presented at the Symposium when it was seeking its Series B round of funding. "It's really important to network with a larger audience and it's a great fundraising climate. At the Symposium, you have the opportunity to speak with parent CEOs and connect with universities and state programs, all ways you can maximize opportunities for your shareholders," said NeuWave President and CEO Laura King. Many of the companies that have presented think events such as the MGCS are critical for exposure to a larger pool of investors.

Companies that wish to submit an application should be seeking $500,000 to $20 million in funding within six months of the Symposium. The application deadline is Tuesday, April 1 and selected companies will be notified on Thursday, April 24. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee of qualified venture capitalists.

Selected companies will be invited to deliver a 10-minute pitch at the Symposium and will receive dedicated exhibit space throughout both days of the event. In addition,a dedicated team of industry experts from the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) and the New Enterprise Forum, as well the greater Michigan community of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, will providing coaching.

Sponsorship opportunities range from Bronze level at $1,000 to Diamond level at $10,000. Sponsors receive a tremendous range of benefits and view sponsorship levels on the MGCS website or contact the event directly.

For more 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 or the Zell Lurie Institute at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business with support from the Michigan Venture Capital Association and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

About the Stephen M. Ross School of Business
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 School of Business 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 MBA, Part-time MBA (Evening and Weekend formats), Executive MBA, Global MBA, Master of Accounting, Master of Supply Chain Management, Master of Entrepreneurship, Master of Management, BBA, and PhD. In addition, the school delivers open-enrollment and custom executive education programs targeting general management, leadership development, and strategic human resource management.

SOURCE Michigan Growth Capital Symposium