ANN ARBOR – New Enterprise Forum and Ann Arbor SPARK will co-host a panel discussion on venture capitalists, and how they operate as one part of an interconnected economic ecosystem that includes participation between the state, companies, pension funds, and venture firms to produce prosperity.
The event takes place at 5:00 p.m. September 18, at SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty Street in Ann Arbor.
The participants for this event include:
Cindy Douglas – Director, Program Administration, Michigan Economic Development Corporation: With over 30 years of economic development experience, Cindy has oversight of the Michigan Strategic Fund Board, Strategic Economic Investment and Commercialization Board, and Michigan Economic Growth Authority Board.
Francis Glorie – Former CFO, Irwin Magnetics & Independent Finance/Marketing Consultant: Francis has over 25 years of experience in executive management and consulting for start-ups, established companies, and non-profits in the US and Europe, and has led firms from venture-backed inception to acquisition and even IPO.
Tony Grover – Managing Director, RPM Ventures: Tony has 12 years of private equity, manufacturing, and technical knowledge. At RPM, he is involved with the boards of a number of technology firms. He is also on the advisory board for the University of Michigan Frankel Commercialization Fund.
Peter Woodford – Administrator, Alternative Investments, Michigan Department of Treasury: As Administrator, Peter manages $16 billion of private equity, hedge fund, and structured product commitments for the $58 billion State of Michigan Retirement Systems.
Our moderator for the discussion will be venture financing expert, Mahendra Ramsinghani. Mahendra was previously with the MEDC and is a past NEF Board member.
Showcase Presentation: Each month, NEF highlights an emerging company and provides them a Showcase Presentation. This month, our Showcase Presenter will be Ake Elhammer of AureoGen Biosciences, which is using genetic engineering to develop a novel antifungal drug.
Open Forum: The evening’s presentations are followed by Open Forum, during which attendees have the opportunity to make a 30-second pitch for their company, product/service, or need.
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