The Midwest Research University Network (MRUN), the Illinois Business & Investor Forum (ILBIF), the Illinois Technology Association (ITA), and the Midwest Co-Investment Network will host this program designed to bring technology transfer professionals together with early stage investors while exploring one of the most difficult aspects of investing, due diligence.
Commercialization of university research through startup ventures is never simple but it often proceeds best when there is a strong relationship between technology transfer professionals and early stage angel and VC investors.
Part I of this dynamic interactive workshop will be your best opportunity as university tech transfer professionals and startup development managers to work elbow-to-elbow with Midwest early stage investors. Meet them in a workshop setting and learn first-hand how they approach investments.
Part II of the day will be an advanced, hands-on workshop on due diligence. The afternoon workshop is typically only open to accredited investors, but through this MRUN-collaboration, tech transfer professionals are invited to participate. The workshop will be presented by John May, Chairman Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association and founder of New Vantage Group of Washington DC. John brings internationally recognized expertise to this topic.*
AGENDA
9:30 am: Registration
10:00 am: Welcome and Introductions
Allen Dines, MRUN and Fred Hoch, ITA
10:15 am: The Midwest Co-Investment Network
Dennis Serio, ILBIF
11:00 am: The Current Environment for University Startups
Bob Okabe, RPX Group
12:00 pm: Working Lunch: Introduction to Due Diligence
John May, New Vantage Group
12:45 pm: Panel Discussion on Due Diligence
Panelists: Bob Geras, LaSalle Investment; Mike Rosenthal, Sonnenshein, Nath and Rosenthal; Ted Feierstein, First Analysis
1:30 pm: Advanced Topics on Due Diligence (An Angel Capital Workshop)
Presented by by John May, New Vantage Group
2:45 pm: Break
3:00 pm: Fast Pitch (10 Pitches)
4:00 pm: Concluding Remarks and Reception
HIGHLIGHTS
Bob Okabe's talk will highlight results of and insights from RPX Group's study on university trends and practices in creating startups based on university technology.
John May returns to present an introduction to Due Diligence and then lead off the Advanced Topics in Due Diligence workshop with a expert panel.
Practical exercise opportunities abound - Prior to the networking reception at the conclusion of the workshop, selected MRUN-nominated early stage CEO's will present highlights of their companies.
The afternoon workshop is typically only open to accredited investors, but through this MRUN-collaboration, tech transfer professionals are invited to participate.