Contact Information: Contact: Margaret Plett Vice President Marketing & Communications Illinois Technology Association +1.312.924.1044 mplett@illinoistech.org
Catalyzing Tech Transfer and Start-Up Financing for New Technologies Program to Be Held October 29 in Chicago
Four Midwest Organizations Join Forces to Connect and Inform Technology Community
| Source: Illinois Technology Association (ITA)
CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - October 19, 2009) - The Midwest
Research University Network (MRUN), Illinois Business & Investors Forum
(ILBIF), Midwest Co-Investment Network and the Illinois Technology Association
(ITA) are joining forces to host a program designed to stimulate
investment in technology companies.
CAT TEC II: Catalyzing Tech Transfer and Startup Financing, to be held on
October 29, 2009, is a full-day seminar focused on bringing technology
transfer professionals together with early stage investors while exploring
one of the most difficult aspects of investing -- due diligence.
"There are some amazing technologies coming out of the Midwest," said
Dennis Serio, President, ILBIF, "We are excited to partner with
organizations who support the community to connect the dots and educate a
new class of individuals on what it takes to be a supporter of an
early-stage company."
Part one of this dynamic interactive workshop will feature a presentation
on university trends and practices in creating startups by Bob Okabe, an
angel investor and co-founder of RPX Group. Part two of the day will be an
advanced, hands-on workshop on due diligence with John May, Chairman
Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association and known as the 'father of angel
networks.' The day will end with a fast pitch session including selected
early stage companies from around the Midwest.
"Another great opportunity we've been able to wrap into the agenda is an
hour of Fast Pitch presentations which will give attendees an immediate
opportunity to apply what they have learned while meeting some exciting new
emerging companies," added Allen Dines, MRUN President. "We've selected
early stage CEOs who will present highlights of their companies and
technologies."
More information and registration is available online at:
http://www.illinoistech.org/calendar.aspx/1980
About MRUN
MRUN was established in 2002 as an alliance of university business
development professionals dedicated to facilitating growth of technology
spinout companies through start-up formation. MRUN is built around the idea
that regional cooperation in new business formation can foster
commercialization of university research. As a region, the Midwest accounts
for about 25% of total U.S. academic R&D. Many Midwest universities are
among the leading research institutions nationally. MRUN members include
research institutions and medical centers from eight Midwest states:
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.
About the ILBIF
The Illinois Business & Investor Forum (ILBIF) acts an umbrella group for
angel investors throughout the Midwest. Its purpose is to create an
interactive meeting showcasing early stage companies, entrepreneurs, and
intellectual property from universities and corporations in the Midwest.
The presenters are seeking early stage investment capital. ILBIF's goal is
to provide a forum that connects great technologies with significant
commercial potential with active investors and/or investment groups. The
Forum is a virtual meeting with multiple venues, which is made possible
through collaborative communication systems.
About the Midwest Co-Investment Network
The Midwest Co-Investment Network (MIN) was created by the Wisconsin Angel
Network and the Illinois Business and Investors Forum to provide an easy
way for investors to co-invest in deals together. By establishing and
enhancing relationships between investors and providing the infrastructure,
the MIN is an impetus for deal sharing.
About the ITA
The Illinois Technology Association
(ITA) represents the interests of a diverse membership of
more than 650 companies in Illinois that create, deploy and utilize
information technology as a core part of their organization. By connecting
members with industry peers and participants, providing the latest
strategic information, market research and critical market insight and by
promoting key thought leaders to raise visibility and gain a greater market
awareness and presence, ITA is focused on building and developing the
Illinois technology community through collaboration. Additional information
is available at www.illinoistech.org.