Michigan Growth Capital Symposium Announces Presenting Companies for 34th Annual Midwest Venture Capital Conference

ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, organizers of the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) announced the 32 companies that will be presenting at the 34^th annual Symposium. Representatives from each of this year's tracks, including medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutics, healthcare IT, business IT and technology, will represent the "Best of the Midwest's" early stage and growth companies seeking funding. Additionally, in its second year, the University Research "Pitch" Track session will feature five Technology Transfer units of Midwest research universities, which will profile several of their emerging companies.

Hosted by the Ross School of Business' Center for Venture Capital & Private Equity Finance and the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies with support from the Michigan Venture Capital Association, this year's Symposium will be held May 19-20, 2015 at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti, Mich.

The Symposium is known for attracting high-quality investors from around the country. Since its inception in 1980, the event has helped more than 800 companies secure funding totaling more than $1 billion in capital and has forged countless valuable relationships that continue to foster growth in the region's startup community. More than 400 entrepreneurs, researchers, investment professionals and business executives are expected to attend, and nearly 100 regional and top national venture capital firms will be represented.

The two-day event will host dozens of industry speakers, including keynote addresses from Bill Coughlin, president and CEO of Ford Global Technologies, and Brad Keywell, CEO and co-founder of Uptake and co-founder of Groupon.

The 32 companies selected to present represent a broad range of industries. Following is a partial list of companies. The full list of presenting companies is on the agenda at www.MichiganGCS.com.

• ONL Therapeutics – a biopharmaceutical company pioneering research with the intent of treating retinal diseases and other eye conditions that may lead to vision impairment.
• Venture Med Group – develops and markets catheters that allow interventionalists to treat peripheral artery disease with a single device and without having to resort to more traditional methods, such as balloon inflation.
• Epsilon Imaging – EchoInsight, the software suite from Epsilon Imaging, provides cardiologists with enhanced visualization through strain imaging to assist in interpreting and analyzing their images.
• Stratos – consolidates credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, gift cards and membership cards into one physical card, and their Dual Stripe technology works wherever a traditional card would. Stratos uses bank-level encryption and can be locked down if the card is lost or stolen.
• Neuvokas – manufactures GatorBar, a construction material that is three times stronger than steel, lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
• PiSquared Therapeutics – performs research into different methods of disruptive therapeutics to treat cancer.
• Socrates – stores hospital data in the cloud in a highly organized and visible manner so that providers can manage financial risk and see achievable clinical process improvements.
• Seat Side Service – a cloud-based mobile app that allows users to purchase concessions directly from their phone.
• Varsity News Network – offers a suite of products - Sportshub, Pressbox and VNN Alerts - for scholastic athletic teams.

"The sense of enthusiasm and devotion coming out of this year's presenting companies is palpable, and serves as a true testament to the talent and increased entreprenuerial spirit continuing to heat up throughout the Midwest," said David Brophy, founder of the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium and professor of finance at the Ross School of Business. "This type of synergy and collaboration is what the region needs to keep the wheels of the entrepreneurial economy turning."

To register to attend MGCS 2015, and to see the full list of presenting companies, visit www.MichiganGCS.com. Follow conversations about the symposium by tracking #MGCS2015 on Twitter.

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 and 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 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.

SOURCE Michigan Growth Capital Symposium

Related Links

http://www.MichiganGCS.com