FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The 2012 Venture Forum, a partnership between the Center for Economic Growth’s (CEG) SmartStart UNYTECH and Western New York’s Bright Forum, is seeking venture-ready companies and early-stage university start-ups to present to potential investors at an event held May 16-17 in Buffalo, NY.
“Finding companies that are in need of investment opportunities and connecting them with regional investors is the main goal for this forum. CEG strives to grow not only the local entrepreneur community, but to work with our partners across New York State to pursue ongoing collaborations to help grow start-ups.” stated F. Michael Tucker, President and CEO of CEG.
Eligible companies are early-stage, ideally high-tech or technology-related, high growth opportunities with a prototype or market-ready product or service and no more than $10 million in trailing 12 month revenues. Pre-revenue companies with substantial R&D development milestones will also be considered.
Presenting companies will have the opportunity to pitch their business plans to more than 70 Angel and VC investors from the Northeast, New England, Mid-Atlanta, Niagara-Canadian, Boston and NYC corridors. Application materials are available at www.smartstartvf.com, and the deadline to apply is April 2, 2012.
Sponsorships for supporting this event are available at the levels further described on the website. www.smartstartvf.org.
About the Center for Economic Growth:
CEG is the leading economic development organization in New York’s Tech Valley and serves as the Capital Region’s designated Regional Technology Development Center (RTDC). A private, non-profit, membership-based organization, CEG drives economic growth by working with partners in business, government, and education on strategic initiatives to grow local companies, attract new industry and investment, and prepare communities for future growth.
CEG receives significant financial support from Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, which works to facilitate the integration of innovation and technology throughout New York’s economic development efforts, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) / Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), and National Grid.
As the designated RTDC for the New York State’s Capital Region and one of nearly 350 MEP locations across the country, CEG is charged with assisting local manufacturing and technology companies generate new sales, create stronger operational infrastructure, and overcome barriers to growth. Visit www.ceg.org.
