Michigan Growth Capital Symposium Announces Speaker Lineup

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Organizers of the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) and Coulter Investment Forum – which have joined together this year to present a venture capital event – today announced that the conference will feature keynote addresses from Clay Thorp, general partner of Hatteras Venture Partners, and Markus Lampinen, CEO of Crowd Valley.

The conference will also include panel discussions covering topics and trends in entrepreneurship and venture capital led by industry experts.

During the 39th annual event, Lampien will offer an inside look at the current state of funding, his viewpoint on market disrupters, and what it means for the venture capital community regarding opportunity and growth.

Thorp, meanwhile, will pull from his extensive experience in the venture capital and startup industries to speak on the current state of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and what early-stage organizations – specifically in the life sciences industry – can do to ensure success.

The program will also feature panel discussions regarding pivotal industry issues and how to develop a solid team, as well as selecting the right accelerator, incubator, or foundry for specific needs. Confirmed speakers include:

— Jim Adox, managing director, Venture Investors
— Sundu Brahmasandra, president, NeuMoDx Molecular
— Mike Blue, President and CEO, Histosonics
— Larry Berlin, senior vice president, First Analysis Corp.
— Don Layden, venture partner, Baird Capital
— Jonathan Murray, managing director, Draper Triangle Ventures
— Steve Robert, CEO, Autobooks
— Joan Susie, chairman, Bank Director,
— Justin Field, vice president of government affairs, National Venture Capital Association
— Anna Haghgooie, managing director of healthcare, Sandbox Industries
— David Kereiakes, principal, River Cities Capital Funds
— Dan Kidle, principal, Arboretum Ventures, Ann Arbor
— Ibraheem Badejo, director of new ventures, J&J Innovation Center
— Sandra Cochrane, director of WMed Innovation Center, Western Michigan University
— Bill Mayer, vice president of entrepreneurial services, Ann Arbor SPARK
— Karen Spilizewski, vice president of business development, RiverVest Venture Partners.

This year’s symposium will be held May 16-17 at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti, and is expected to draw more than 500 entrepreneurs, researchers, investment professionals, and business executives for networking, company presentations, and panel discussions. More information can be found here.