Michigan Growth Capital Symposium Unveils Program Details, Speakers
ANN ARBOR -- Organizers of the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium Thursday unveiled initial program details for the 32nd annual event.
The symposium, which serves as a conduit for introducing early stage and emerging growth companies seeking funding to U.S. investors prospecting deals, is known for attracting high-quality investors from around the country to discuss top issues in venture capital and institutional investment.
This year's program will feature a keynote address from Credit Suisse's Kelly Williams and five panel discussions, as well as a showcase of 36 of the most promising early to later stage Midwest, high-growth companies seeking institutional investment within the next 12 months.
Presented by the University of Michigan Zell Lurie Institute's Center for Venture Capital & Private Equity Finance at the Ross School of Business, this year's Symposium will be held May 21-22 at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti. More than 400 entrepreneurs, researchers, investment professionals and business executives are expected to attend.
Key panel topics covered at this year's event include:
* Venture Capital Fund Investment Strategies
* Investing in Healthcare IT
* The Impact of The Affordable Care Act
* Financing Emerging Growth Opportunities in Education
* Transforming Michigan's Entrepreneurial Landscape
The program will kick off with a keynote address from Kelly Williams, managing director and head of the Customized Fund Investment Group at the international financial services group Credit Suisse. Under Williams' oversight, CFIG manages or co-manages more than $625 million of capital dedicated to investing in Michigan, including the Invest Michigan Growth Capital Fund, Invest Michigan Mezzanine Fund, Venture Michigan Fund and Michigan 21st Century Investment Fund.
Most recently, CFIG joined global private equity firm and Invest Michigan co-manager Beringea to launch Michigan Growth Capital Partners II, L.P., a $180 million fund dedicated to providing growth equity to Michigan companies, in February.
At the symposium, Williams will address how Michigan compares against a national backdrop for venture capital, what some other venture hotspots are doing and some of the trending themes she is seeing in the private equity and venture capital industry.
In addition to Williams, the program will feature high-caliber speakers representing entrepreneurs, researchers, investment professionals and business executives who will lead informative discussions on pivotal industry issues. Confirmed speakers include:
Jim Adox, Managing Director, Venture Investors
Thomas Bremner, Principal, Adams Street Partners LLC
Bob Buderi, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Editor in Chief, Xconomy
Mark Carroll, Managing Partner, Superior Capital Partners
Alar Elken, Chief Executive Officer, XanEdu Publishing
Jan Garfinkle, Founder & Managing Director, Arboretum Ventures
Mark Horne, Managing Partner, Plymouth Venture Partners
David Jones, Jr., Chairman, Chrysalis Ventures
Jim Pavlik, Partner, Baird Capital
John Popovich, Jr. M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Henry Ford Health System
Peter Roth, Partner, Varnum LLP
Charles Rothstein, Senior Managing Director; Co-Founder, Beringea LLC
Michael Staebler, Partner, Pepper Hamilton LLP
Marianne Udow-Phillips, Director, Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation, University of Michigan and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Additional panelists, presenters and presenting companies will be unveiled in the coming weeks. To learn more or register, visit www.MichiganGCS.com and follow conversations about the Symposium by tracking #MGCS on Twitter.
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 32nd 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 Corp.
More at www.MichiganGCS.com
