The former Michigan Growth Capital Symposium will mark a shift to a broader regional focus when it returns as the Midwest Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) on May 14 and 15.
Hosted by the University of Michigan’s (U-M) Zell Lurie Institute, the 38th annual event will take place at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest resort, 1275 S. Huron St. in Ypsilanti Township. It is the longest running university-based venture fair of its kind.
MGCS connects entrepreneurs from high-growth, early-stage companies (seeking seed, series A, and series B investments) to venture capital, angel, and commercial investors, as well as technology commercialization leadership from top Midwest universities.
"The MGCS is a productive two days to meet potential co-investors, service providers, deal flow sources, and 33 early-stage companies in the life sciences and technology sectors," says Mary Nickson, the symposium’s associate director, via email.
She is expecting an audience of more than 500 investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and business executives.
A notable highlight of this year’s symposium will be the inaugural VC University LIVE Midwest seminar, hosted by the National Venture Capital Association, University of California - Berkeley and the U-M Ross School of Business.
"The seminar is for investors, fund managers, and attorneys to augment their venture finance skills and build their network," Nickson says.
This new feature of the symposium will kick off at MGCS’s closing keynote, which features Scott Kupor of Andreessen Horowitz and Jan Garfinkle of Arboretum Ventures.
Over the course of the two days, attendees will also enjoy a number of company presentations, panel sessions, and live pitch tracks.
More information and tickets are available here.
Jaishree Drepaul-Bruder is a freelance writer and editor currently in based in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at jaishreeedit@gmail.com.
Photo courtesy of Midwest Growth Capital Symposium.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.