MADISON – Companies in sectors are varied as biotechnology, “cleantech,” and information technology have been selected to present to potential investors at the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, to be held Nov. 14-15 at Madison’s Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.
The annual conference, which also includes a number of networking events, panel discussions and nationally known speakers, will feature three separate opportunities for investors to preview early-stage companies:
n The Wisconsin Angel Network investor presentation tracks on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 14, will feature nearly two-dozen companies from Wisconsin. About half are biomedical companies and the rest are engaged in software, Internet services, advanced manufacturing and “cleantech,” which includes alternative energy. Each of these companies is seeking between $500,000 and $5 million in private equity investment. Presentations will be limited to seven minutes each with up to three minutes of questions from investors from across the “I-Q Corridor” region of the Upper Midwest.
n The Elevator Pitch Olympics on Thursday, Nov. 15, will include about 20 Wisconsin companies – most of which will be seeking their first round of financing. The third annual EPO will allow entrepreneurs to make 90-second presentations to a panel of investors. The term describes a pitch that’s short enough to be given during an elevator ride. Just as in the real Olympics, investor judges hold up their scores and give points ranging from 1 to 5 in the categories of “quality of presentation” and “business fundability.” Immediately afterwards, presenters will get constructive feedback from the judges – all seasoned investors.
n The First Look Forum, hosted by the UW-Madison Office of Corporate Relations, will be held during the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 14. Investors may get a sneak peek at some of the best technologies under development on campus.
Participants in the angel and “Elevator Pitch” tracks will also be eligible to take part in “VentureQuest,” an instructional seminar conducted by veteran early-stage consultants Courtney Price and Mack Davis of Denver, Colo.
The conference also features an awards banquet for Wisconsin companies that have received federal Small Business Innovation Research grants, which help drive research ideas toward commercialization.
The conference is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and its partners and sponsors. Visit www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com/events/earlystage to register, review sponsorship opportunities or to learn more.
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