Upcoming 29th Annual Michigan Growth Capital Symposium to Showcase the Best New Businesses and Emerging Technologies for National Investors

Deadline for Presenting Company Applications Fast Approaching as Midwest Companies Vie for 32 Open Slots at the Region's Best Valued VC Event

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The "crown jewel" of equity events for innovation-based entrepreneurial companies, the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium is the premier equity event for leaders in the venture capital investment world to connect with the entrepreneurs, startups and emerging growth companies that are actively searching for partners and funding.  The Symposium, which will be held May 11-12, 2010 at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti, Mich., will host over 400 attendees and 65 investment firms.  The robust agenda features two keynote addresses from industry luminaries and six world-class panel discussions, as well as presentations from 32 top Midwestern companies actively seeking funding.

The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium is the core event in the growth of the innovation-based entrepreneurial community in Michigan and the Midwest.  By enriching the entrepreneurial environment, this productive interaction of communities, universities and investors has advanced the diversification of the Midwest economy.   The symposium is hosted by the Zell Lurie Institute at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in partnership with the Michigan Venture Capital Association and with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

A catalyst for investment and relationship building, the Symposium is now accepting applications from entrepreneurial companies interested in presenting to leading venture capitalists, angel and institutional investors who flock to the event each year.  The early deadline for submissions is Feb. 25 and final deadline is March 9.  

Companies selected to present will receive:

• Investor pitch and presentation coaching
• 15 minute presentation slot showcasing the business opportunity
• Table-top exhibit space
• A four-page company executive summary in the conference binder
• Listing of company name and link on the 2010 event web site
• Allowance for extensive networking time in the table-top exhibit area

Ann Arbor, Michigan-based HistoSonics is one example of a company that can trace its recent fundraising success to its participation in the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium.  The company, which spun off of licensed non-invasive surgical technology from the University of Michigan, was a presenter at the 2009 Symposium and recently announced an increase of $11 million in secured funding last month.

"To raise that kind of money in this economy is absolutely spectacular," said HistoSonics CEO Thomas Davison. "I've been involved in a half-dozen or so startup companies, and this is by far the largest first financing for a company that I've ever been involved with."

Davison credits the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium for sparking some of HistoSonics most vital VC and management relationships. "Some very important contacts were made last year at the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium, which ultimately led to this financing," he said. "It's very important that these forums are available to entrepreneurs who are looking for financing and community support to move their projects forward."

Commenting on the opportunities for venture capital investment and innovation in the Midwest, Symposium Founder and Director and Professor of Finance at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business David J. Brophy, said "The crown jewel of the Midwest -- its network of world-class universities -- anchors an intellectual capital goldmine bolstered by endowment funds and institutional investment groups. Those assets, along with sizeable pension funds, make the Midwest incredibly valuable for production and talent.  The Midwest has what it takes to win investment; it just needs to keep building momentum and keep working with the industry's heavy hitters. "

For more information on the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium, please visit www.michigangcs.com. For sponsorship information or questions regarding presenting company details, please contact Mary Nickson, the symposium manager, at 734-615-4424 or [email protected].

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 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 29th 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 The Zell Lurie Institute

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