Michigan Growth Capital Symposium Call for Presenting Company Applications

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Organizers of the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium today opened the application process for companies interested in presenting on May 19 and 20 at the 34^th annual event, being held at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti, Mich. Companies in search of seed, early-stage, late-stage and pre-IPO funding of up to $20 million are encouraged to apply. Approximately 40 companies will be selected to present to the more than 450 people in attendance, including regional and national venture capitalists, angel investors, and institutional investors.

The MGCS 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. The Symposium has been successful in facilitating valuable relationships that often lead to funding, and as such, the event has played a critical role in fostering growth in the region's startup community.

Dean Koch, a founder of medical device company CerviLenz, presented at the 2014 event. He said the MGCS played a role in helping the company connect with Arboretum Ventures and lay the groundwork for the firm's initial venture-capital investment. "Arboretum is an experienced investor in medical devices and early-stage companies, which is a market segment where it's tough to find capital," Koch said. "The team has an outstanding track record and has been very helpful to us."

"Best of the Midwest" Companies Sought by March 10
Companies that wish to submit an application should be privately held, actively seeking $500,000 to $20 million in funding now or within six months of the May event, and projecting $20 million in revenue within five years. Companies in all stages of funding and representing a wide range of industries will be considered, with preference given to those with a Midwest connection. Each application will be evaluated by a committee of qualified venture capitalists based on criteria including the market opportunity, intellectual property, competitive advantages and the quality and experience of the management team.

The deadline to submit is Tuesday, March 10 and selected companies will be notified by Thursday, April 2. 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.

The 34^th 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 also available. 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 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 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.

SOURCE Michigan Growth Capital Symposium

Related Links

http://www.michigan-gcs.com