Michigan Growth Capital Symposium Presenting Companies Surpass $1 Billion in Total Capital Raised since 2001

Final Call for Presenting Companies at 2013 Event Closes March 7

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Underscoring the event's integral role in the region's burgeoning start up and venture capital community, organizers of the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) today announced a significant milestone: since 2001, the Symposium has provided nearly 400 companies with the opportunity to present to investors and those companies have gone on to raise in excess of $1 billion in capital.  The leading Midwest equity event attracts "Best of the Midwest" companies seeking $500,000 to tens of millions in funding, as well as representatives from nearly 100 regional and top national venture capital firms.

The 32^nd annual Symposium is being held May 21-22, 2013 at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti, Mich. More than 400 entrepreneurs, researchers, investment professionals and business executives are expected to attend to hear presentations and panels from luminary speakers, as well as a showcase of the most promising of early to later stage Midwest, high-growth companies seeking institutional investment within the next 12 months. Nearly half of presenting companies go on to receive funding after presenting.

"The results from the MGCS speak for themselves," said Stony Creek Ventures Partner and Managing Director Michael Psarouthakis. "We have great companies in the state that have an incredibly high success rate if they make the cut to present at MGCS, and the Symposium provides the best exposure for many Michigan companies to get in front of venture capitalists."

Last Call for Presenting Companies
Approximately 40 companies will be invited to deliver a ten minute pitch on their companies at the Symposium and will have the opportunity to participate in the company showcase with dedicated exhibit space throughout both days of the event. In addition, a dedicated team of coaches from the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) as well the greater Michigan community of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs will provide coaching and assist companies with their presentations.

Companies seeking institutional investment within the next 12 months of $500,000 to tens of millions in funding are invited to apply. The early deadline for application submissions is Tuesday, February 26 and the final deadline is Thursday, March 7. Selected companies will be notified by early April. For more information or to submit an application, visit www.MichiganGCS.com and follow conversations about the Symposium by tracking #MGCS on Twitter.
 

About the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS)
MGCS is the original university-based venture fair.  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 32^nd 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 Michigan Growth Capital Symposium