Skip Simms Promoted To Ann Arbor Spark's VP, Entrepreneur Business Development

ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Ann Arbor SPARK, the driving force of business attraction, retention and expansion in the region, recently promoted Skip Simms to the position of vice president, entrepreneur business development.  Simms, who joined Ann Arbor SPARK in 2006, previously served as the organization's director of business accelerator services as well as manager of the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund and the Michigan Microloan Fund Program.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100322/DE74228 )

As vice president, entrepreneur business development, Simms will continue connecting entrepreneurs with key resources that support business development and acceleration.  He will also continue to manage Ann Arbor SPARK's funding opportunities for start-up companies, including the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund and the Michigan Microloan Fund Program.

"Skip has played an important role in helping early stage start-up technology companies grow in Michigan, and, as a result, he's played a key role in helping Ann Arbor SPARK grow," said Michael A. Finney, chief executive officer, Ann Arbor SPARK.  "His work includes raising $8 million for the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, the largest of the state's 21st Century Jobs Fund programs.  Skip has had tremendous success in bringing together state, regional and local partners to help start-ups find capital and other business acceleration resources."

Simms has nearly 30 years experiencing in financing and investments.  Prior to joining Ann Arbor SPARK, Simms was the managing general partner at the Ralph Wilson Equity Fund, a $31 million fund-of-funds with investments in five venture capital funds and six side-by-side direct investments.  While with the Ralph Wilson Equity Fund, Simms reviewed all opportunities and performed due diligence on funds, including all Michigan based funds, and direct investments.  Following investments, he was engaged at board meetings and served on advisory committees. 

Simms was a charter member of the Michigan Venture Capital Association.

ABOUT ANN ARBOR SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location by identifying and meeting the needs of business at every stage, from startups to large organizations.  Ann Arbor SPARK represents all communities in the Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Michigan Works!/ETCS, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, the Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.  For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.

SOURCE Ann Arbor SPARK

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