Watch CBS News

UM Venture Fest Presenting Firms Top $1B Raised Since 2001

ANN ARBOR -- Companies that presented at the annual Michigan Growth Capital Symposium have now raised more than $1 billion since 2001, event organizers announced Thursday.

They said the milestone underscores the event's integral role in the region's burgeoning start-up and venture capital community. The money was spread among nearly 400 presenting companies.

The leading Midwest equity event attracts "Best of the Midwest" companies seeking $500,000 to tens of millions in funding, as well as representatives from nearly 100 regional and top national venture capital firms.

The 32nd annual Symposium is being held May 21-22 at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti. More than 400 entrepreneurs, researchers, investment professionals and business executives are expected to attend to hear presentations and panels from luminary speakers, as well as a showcase of the most promising of early to later stage Midwest, high-growth companies seeking institutional investment within the next 12 months. Nearly half of presenting companies go on to receive funding after presenting.

"The results from the MGCS speak for themselves," said Michigan Economic Development Corp. vice president of business acceleration Michael Psarouthakis. "We have great companies in the state that have an incredibly high success rate if they make the cut to present at MGCS, and the Symposium provides the best exposure for many Michigan companies to get in front of venture capitalists."

Approximately 40 companies will be invited to deliver a ten minute pitch on their companies at the Symposium and will have the opportunity to participate in the company showcase with dedicated exhibit space throughout both days of the event. In addition, a dedicated team of coaches from the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center as well the greater Michigan community of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs will provide coaching and assist companies with their presentations.

The early deadline for application submissions is Tuesday, Feb. 26 and the final deadline is Thursday, March 7. Selected companies will be notified by early April. For more information or to submit an application, visit www.MichiganGCS.com and follow conversations about the Symposium by tracking #MGCS on Twitter.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.