Plans Unveiled for 2010 Michigan Growth Capital Symposium

Continuing to Foster Innovation and Investment, Midwest’s Premier Equity Event to be Held May 11-12, 2010
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ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ – The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) today unveiled preliminary details for its 29th annual Midwest equity event. The MGCS is the premier networking event for leaders in the venture capital investment world to connect with entrepreneurs, startups, and emerging growth companies that are actively searching for partners and funding. The event, which fuels economic development and growth, will be held May 11-12, 2010 at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti, Mich.

MGCS serves as an important catalyst for innovation and a champion of entrepreneurial investment opportunities in the region. For nearly three decades, the symposium has amassed credibility that draws participants from across the nation. By bringing together entrepreneurs, universities, and venture capitalists, MGCS has paved the way for growth industries such as technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and alternative energy.

“The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium is one of the best conferences for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs in the Midwest. It attracts not only attendees from Michigan, the Midwest, but also the coasts,” said Mina Sooch, Founder and General Partner of Apjohn Ventures and President of the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA). “The conference showcases the best of what’s going on. We get deals from all over that we review and select.”

Recent successful company exits, including MGCS presenters Health Media and HandyLab, as well as a unique concentration of world-class research universities combined with R&D and manufacturing expertise, have helped the Midwest become attractive geography for early-stage companies and funders alike. MGCS plays a key role in trumpeting these capabilities and successes of the Midwest.

“The Midwest has arguably taken the biggest hit in this ongoing recession, and many may wonder what is drawing investment to the region,” said David J. Brophy, Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) Founder and Director and Professor of Finance at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. “We have now seen two companies in Health Media and Handy Lab that are based on the model that we have been trumpeting? take technology out of the universities, combine it with entrepreneurs from the local community, have early-stage investments from Michigan-based VCs, and take it on to the M&A buyout market and strategic investors buy it.”

MGCS is actively enlisting sponsors for its 2010 event. Initial sponsors include leading media, venture capital and economic development organizations. Sponsorships range from $1,000-$10,000. For more information on MGCS or to become a sponsor of the 29th Annual symposium, please visit www.michigangcs.com.

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: Michigan Growth Capital Symposium

CONTACT: Jean Serra, Version 2.0 Communications, +1-617-426-2222 ext.111, jserra@v2comms.com;
or Mary Nickson, Samuel Zell and Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, +1-734-615-4424, mnickson@umich.edu

Web Site: http://www.michigangcs.com