2012 Highlights
GROWTH STAGE SPONSORS:
www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
Bright Buffalo Niagara, SmartStart and UNYTECH partnered to host the 2012
Venture Forum, which connected early-stage, high-tech companies with angel
investors and venture capitalists over two days of programming.
• Over130attendeesatUpstateNewYorkTechnologyGroup(UNYTECH)program
• Over130entrepreneurandinvestorattendeesattheVentureForumOpeningDinner
• Nearly300VentureForumattendeesincludinginvestors,entrepreneurs,communityleaders,andotherprofessionals
• Nearly50companiesseekinginvestmentinattendancefromUpstateNewYorkandCanadaacrosslifesciences,energy,IT,andadvancedmanufacturingsectors
• Over50angelandventurecapitalistinvestorsinattendancefromacrossNewYorkState,Pennsylvania,Ohio,Illinois,Florida,Maryland,California,andOntario,Canada
• CollaboratedwiththeBusinessIncubatorAssociationofNewYorkStateforitsannualmeetingfeaturingLeeciaEve,DeputySecretaryforEconomicDevelopment,NewYorkState
May 16-17, 2012 - Buffalo, NY
For more information, please call 716.881.7588
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Thank You to our Sponsors
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Support our ongoing efforts to build our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
ToinquireaboutopportunitiestosponsorongoingBrightBuffaloNiagaraprogramsincludingthe2013BrightForum,pleasecontactRenataBatorat(716)881-7588/[email protected].
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Withover40seriousleadsandmeetingswithinvestorsafteronlythreemonths,theForum’spresentingcompaniesaregainingmomentum.HereareafewearlyreportsfromsomeoftheForum’spresentingcompanies:
• Strong Arm TechnologiesisfieldinginvestmentoffersfromBuffalo,Rochester,Pittsburgh,NewYorkandBostonandwasoneof1,237startupsthatappliedtotheMassChallenge 2012 Accelerator Programtobecomeoneof125finalistsaccepted.
• IMUZIK LLCfounderRobertJanduraCessnahasbeennominatedbyEntrepreneur Magazine asatop10semi-finalistforEntrepreneuroftheYear.
• One 2012 Venture Forum Presenter, whowishesanonymityuntildealsarefinalized,reportsa$250,000investmentinprocessasaresultofattendingtheForumandanother$750,000inprivatefundingforthcoming.
• AviSmart Technologies, Inc. reportssalesofalmost$250,000nearlyclosedaswellascontractsexecutedwithtwochannelpartnersasadirectresultofattendingtheForum.AviSmartwasnominatedbytheForum’sGrowthStageSponsor,SuperiorGroupfortheRochester Great AwardswhichresultedinselectionforanindustrypanelattheUniversityofRochester.CEOMarciaOlsenisalsotalkingweeklywithaninvestorwhoattendedtheForum.
• Silicon WolvesUnitedStatesSenatorforNewYork,KirstinGillibrandvisitswithSiliconWolvesPresidentRyanWolf:“One(ofthebusinesses)IreallythoughtwasprettyamazingisSiliconWolves…Thefourth-largestsupercomputerinthestateissittingrighthereinthisbuilding,whichisprettyimpressive.Theyareabletodeliverthatsupercomputingatamuchlowerrate,sothatisabusinessideathatwillmakemoney,anditisonethatwillcontinuetohelpmorecompanies.”http://www.observertoday.com/page/content.detail/id/574772/Initiative-targets-area.html?nav=5047
• Vital IVhadgreatsuccesswithanFDAconsultanttheymetattheForumandhavehadtwopreliminarytalkswithinvestorswiththreeinvestorstocirclebacktoafterfurthertechnologydevelopmentoverthesummer.
• Thermal Solution Resourcesreceiveda$50,000privateinvestmentresultingfromtheForumandhavereceivedtheirfirstpurchaseordertosupply10,000completeLEDlamps.
• Expose Retail Strategies Inc. “Wetalkweeklytoonemajorgroupwhoisexploringinvestmentwithus.”
2012 Entrepreneur Updates (as of August 14, 2012)
David Napper, President and CEO of Expose Retail Strategies, Inc.
Robert Jandura Cessna Founder of IMUZIK, LLC
Strong Arm Technologies demonstrate the Strong Arm vest
5www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
Thank You to our Committee Members
BlueTree Allied Angels
Buffalo Niagara Enterprise
Canadian Consulate General, Buffalo
Citybration
Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA)
High Tech Rochester, Inc.
Insyte Consulting
Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLC
NYS Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences
Niagara Venture Forum
Superior Group
Trillium Group
University at Buffalo Center for Advanced Biomedical and Bioengineering
Technology (UB CAT)
University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
University at Buffalo Office of Science, Technology Transfer, and Economic Outreach
Upstate Venture Association on New York (UVANY)
Watson Bennett Colligan & Schechter LLP
Western New York Venture Association
BRIGHT COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Advantage Capital Partners
Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology
Binghamton University
CACT, Alfred University
Cayuga Venture Fund
Center for Economic Growth
CenterState CEO
Central New York - TDO
Clarkson University
Cornell Center for Technology Enterprise & Commercialization
Empire State Development, Division of Science, Technology and Innovation
Erie County Industrial Development Agency
Excell Partners
FA Technology Ventures
From Research to Reality
Half Moon Ventures
Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti
High Peaks Ventures
High Tech Rochester
Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, Inc.
Industrial and Technology Assistance Corporation
Insyte Consulting
Lighting Cultivator (LINC)
Pam Silverstein, Mentor to Entrepreneurs
Neworks, LLC
Nixon Peabody
Phillips Lytle LLP
Pine Street Capital
Rancourt Partnering 4 Innovation
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rochester Institute of Technology
Shipley Center for Innovation, Clarkson University
Stonehenge Growth Capital
Syracuse University
The Research Foundation of SUNY
Trillium Group
Union Graduate College
University at Albany
University at Buffalo Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach
Upstate Medical University
Upstate Venture Association of New York (UVANY)
Upstate Venture Connect/Seed Capital Fund of CNY
Venture Creations, Rochester Institute of Technology
SMARTSTART UNYTECH ADVISORY BOARD:
Advantage Capital
BlueTree Allied Angels
Boston Harbor Angels
Buffalo Angels
Cayuga Venture Fund
Empire State Development, Division of Science, Technology and Innovation
Excell Partners
FA Technology Ventures
Half Moon Ventures
High Peaks Ventures
Life Sciences Angel Network
Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP
Lux Capital
National Angel Capital Association, Canada
Niagara Venture Forum
Rand Capital
Small Business Technology Investment Fund
Stonehenge Growth Capital
Trillium Group
University at Buffalo Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach
Upstate Venture Connect
Upstate Venture Association of New York (UVANY)
Western New York Venture Association (WNYVA)
INVESTOR SUBCOMMITTEE:
A special thank you to the committee members involved in this year’s company evaluation process.
6www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
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UNYTECH Agenda – May 16th, 2012
UNYTECH Program: Partners in Open InnovationBest Practices in University-Startup-Corporate Collaboration9:00a.m. Registration/Networking
10:00a.m. Welcome/Opening Remarks “The Innovation Landscape”
Dr.RobertJ.Genco–Vice Provost, STOR, UniversityatBuffalo
MartinK.Casstevens–Directed Energy & STOR, UniversityatBuffalo
10:15a.m. Best Practices in Corporate Sponsored University Research
Dr.AlexanderN.Cartwright–Vice President for Research and Economic Development, UniversityatBuffalo*
Dr.EugeneKrentsel–Assistant VP, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships,BinghamtonUniversity
MikeDwyer–Director Research Relations, RochesterInstituteofTechnology
KarenParysek–Director, Technology Relations and External Funding, Praxair
11:00a.m. Strategic Licensing from Universities – A Panel Discussion
ScottMacfarlane–Director of Research Technology Commercialization, UpstateMedical*
JeffreyDunbar–Director, STOR,UniversityatBuffalo
WilliamBond–Director, IntellectualPropertyManagementOffice,RochesterInstituteofTechnology
11:40a.m. Best Practices in State and Federal Public Funding of Innovation
PeterPritchard–Manager, Technology Matching, CenterforEconomicGrowth,MEPprogram*
MikeShimazu–Innovation and Business Development, NYSERDA
12:10p.m. Lunch
1:00p.m. P&G Open Innovation Experiences - a Guide to Inventors Approaching P&G
Dr.DonaldJ.White–Research Fellow, VictorMillsSociety,ProcterandGambleMasonBusinessCenter
Introducedby:HeatherM.Hage,Esq.–Director, Commercialization Practice Group, TheResearchFoundationforSUNY
1:50p.m. Establishing an OI program in an Existing Business & Strategic Partnerships between Corporations and Startups
RichardE.Honen,Esq.–Partner, PhillipsLytleLLP*
DavidEilers–Vice President, Business Development, Blue-Highway
StewartMehlman–Director, Technology,Praxair
3:20p.m. Corporate Venture/Strategic Acquisitions
GarySchober–Partner,HodgsonRussLLP*
AugustJ.Coppola,Sr.–Senior VP, CorporateDevelopment,QuanexBuildingProducts
Dr.DonaldJ.White–Research Fellow, VictorMillsSociety,ProcterandGambleMasonBusinessCenter
Dr.SigmundKulessa–Fellow, CorporateOfficeofScienceandTechnology,Johnson&Johnson
4:30p.m. Closing Remarks & Reception
MartinCasstevens–Directed Energy & STOR, UniversityatBuffalo
*Moderator
8www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
TheUNYTECH“PartnersinOpenInnovation”programonMay16thprovidedauniqueopportunitytoexplorehowuniversities,startupsandestablishedcompaniescanworktomutualbenefit.Universitieshavelongbeenrecognizedasasourceoftalent,ideasandareincreasingvaluedasenginesofeconomicgrowth.
OVER 130 ATTENDEES
PARTICIPATED THIS YEAR!
UNYTECH – May 16th, 2012
Program attendees enjoying a chance to talk and network during lunch in the UB Center for the Arts atrium.
Dr.WhiteprovidedanengaginglookatProctorandGamble’scompanyhistoryanddrivetobealeaderinopeninnovation–aprocessthathasyieldedmanynewproductsandimprovedprofitability.Heopenlychallengedtheaudiencetobringtheirbestideastohimsothathecouldchampiontheminternally.
Dr. Robert Genco & Frances Genco enjoying a discussion with featured speaker Dr. Don White (middle) of Proctor and Gamble at the UNYTECH reception.
Jeff Dunbar of the University at Buffalo moderating the discussion on Strategic Licensing from Universities with Bill Bond of RIT and Scott Hancock of Binghamton University.
9www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
Venture Forum Opening Dinner
STATLER CITY MAY 16, 2012
6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Featuringanaudienceof:
• Over30companiesseekinginvestment
• Local,out-of-state,andinternationalangelandVCinvestors
• 2012sponsorsandprogramspeakers
• OtherVIPguests
This invitation-only event provided a unique networking opportunity for a select group of entrepreneurs and investors.
TheOpeningDinnerwashighlightedbyspecialremarksfromZachary Shulman,ManagingPartnerforCayuga Venture Fund,andGregory Galvin, Ph.D.,PresidentandCEOofKionix, Inc.,agloballeaderinMicroElectroMechanicalSystems(MEMS),foundedbyDr.GalvininIthaca,NY.
Thetwospeakersgaveanentertainingandinformativepresentation,discussingthesuccessfulexitofKionixandprovidingadvicetoentrepreneursandinvestorslookingtofollowtheirexample.
Zach Shulman joked that Dr. Galvin’s signature hoodie and jeans are a mark of his entrepreneurial spirit.
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MORNINGMODERATOR:MarnieLaVigne,Ph.D.–Associate Vice President for Economic Development,UniversityatBuffalo
7:30a.m.–8:00a.m. Angel & Venture Capitalist Breakfast Registration(Albright-Knox–EntryWay)
8:00a.m.–9:00a.m. Angel & Venture Capitalist Breakfast (Albright-Knox–Muse)
“Doing the Deal: Building Angel / Venture Capitalist Collaborations for Success”
NasirAli–Co-Founder and CEO, UpstateVentureConnect;Executive Director, SeedCapitalFundofCentralNewYork;Managing Director, StartFastVentureAccelerator,Board Member, UVANY
BryanJ.Watson–Executive Director, NationalCapitalAngelAssociation,Canada
TimothyA.O’Neill–Managing Partner, GoldenSeedsFundII
DanPenberthy– President,UpstateVentureCapitalAssociationofNewYork;Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, RANDCapitalCorporation
MODERATOR:DavidColligan,Esq.–Partner, WatsonBennettColligan&SchechterLLP;Board Member, WesternNewYorkVentureAssociation
9:30a.m.–10:00a.m. Forum Registration & Breakfast (Albright-Knox–EntryWay)
10:00a.m.–10:15a.m. Welcome and Introductions (Albright-Knox–Auditorium)
AlexanderCartwright,Ph.D.–Vice President for Research and Economic Development,UniversityatBuffalo,TheStateUniversityofNewYork
StevenCohen–Deputy Commissioner & SVP, Community Economic Development, EmpireStateDevelopment“New Innovate NY Fund: $25 million to spur small business job creation through seed funding”
JeffreyA.Lawrence–Executive Vice President, Technology, CenterforEconomicGrowth
MODERATOR:MarnieLaVigne,Ph.D.–Associate Vice President for Economic Development,UniversityatBuffalo
10:15a.m.–11:30a.m. High-Tech Company Showcase in Life Sciences, Energy, IT & Advanced Manufacturing Part I(Albright-Knox–Auditorium)Ten minute investor pitches by six high-tech firms seeking to raise funds.
MODERATOR:ScottStenclik–President, SuperiorGroup
11:30a.m.–1:00p.m. Networking Lunch(BurchfieldPenney)
Please proceed to the registration area where transportation will be provided to the luncheon at Burchfield Penney
AFTERNOONMODERATOR:JeffreyA.Lawrence–Executive Vice President, Technology, CenterforEconomicGrowth
1:00p.m.–2:00p.m. Keynote Address(Albright-Knox–Auditorium)
“Building an Innovation-based Entrepreneurial Ecosystem”
VictorM.Thorne– Director, OhioTechAngelFunds
MODERATOR:AlfredCulliton–COO, ErieCountyIndustrialDevelopmentAgency
2:00p.m.–2:15p.m. Break
Venture Forum Agenda – May 17th, 2012
11
2:15p.m.–3:30p.m. High-Tech Company Showcase in Life Sciences, Energy, IT & Advanced Manufacturing Part II (Albright-Knox–Auditorium)Ten minute investor pitches by six high-tech firms seeking to raise funds.
MODERATOR:ThomasA.Kucharski–President and CEO,BuffaloNiagaraEnterprise
3:30p.m.–3:45p.m. Break
3:45p.m.–5:00p.m. High-Tech Company Showcase in Life Sciences, Energy, IT & Advanced Manufacturing Part III(Albright-Knox–Auditorium)Ten minute investor pitches by six high-tech firms seeking to raise funds.
MODERATOR:JenniferKutas–Office Manager, ThomasR.BeecherJr.InnovationCenter
5:00p.m.–5:15p.m. One Minute Entrepreneur Pitches(Albright-Knox–Auditorium)One minute pitches by a select group of high tech firms
MODERATOR:JackMcGowan–Project Manager, InsyteConsulting;Director, WesternNewYorkVentureAssociation
5:15p.m.–5:20p.m. Company Recognitions
MODERATOR:LauraMann–Program Director of Business Growth Services, CenterforEconomicGrowth
5:45p.m.–7:30p.m. Reception(BuffaloYachtClub–1PorterAvenue,Buffalo,NY)
DirectionsfromAlbright-KnoxArtGallerytoBuffaloYachtClub:
• HeadsouthonElmwoodAvenuetowardRockwellRoad
• TurnrightontoBidwellParkway
• Atthetrafficcircle,takethethirdexitontoRichmondAvenue
• Atthenexttrafficcircle,continuestraighttostayonRichmondAvenue
• Atthenexttrafficcircle,takethefirstexitontoPorterAvenue
• BuffaloYachtClub,at1PorterAvenue,willbeontheleft
iPad winner announced. Enter to win at registration table. Must be present to win.
Get connected to the Upstate New York Entrepreneurial Ecosystem:
www.smartstartvf.orgwww.brightbuffaloniagara.com
Venture Forum Agenda – May 17th, 2012
12www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
Venture Forum - Angel Investor and Venture Capitalist Breakfast
ALBRIGHT-KNOX ART GALLERY
MAY 17, 2012
8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.
“DoingtheDeal:BuildingAngel/VentureCapitalistCollaborationsforSuccess”
Panel Moderator:DavidColligan,Esq.–Partner,WatsonBennettColligan&SchechterLLP(Start-UpStageSponsor);BoardMember,WesternNewYorkVentureAssociation(Pre-SeedStageSponsor)
Panelists:NasirAli–Co-FounderandCEO,UpstateVentureConnect;ExecutiveDirector,SeedCapitalFundofCentralNewYork;ManagingDirector,StartFastVentureAccelerator,BoardMember,UVANY
BryanJ.Watson–ExecutiveDirector,NationalAngelCapitalOrganization,Canada
TimothyA.O’Neill–GeneralPartner,GoldenSeedsFundII
DanPenberthy–President,UpstateVentureAssociationofNewYork;ExecutiveVicePresidentandChiefFinancialOfficer,RANDCapitalCorporation
Angels and Venture Capitalists in Attendance:
• AislingCapital(NewYork,NY)
• BisonCapital(SantaMonica,CA)
• BlueTreeAlliedAngels(Erie,PA)
• CayugaVentureFund(Ithaca,NY)
• CornellBigRedVenture(Ithaca,NY)
• EarlyStagePartners(Cleveland,OH)
• EasternNYAngels(Troy,NY)
• GoldenSeeds(NewYork,NY)
• HopewellVentures(Chicago,IL)
• MountRoyalVentures(Pittsford,NY)
• NationalAngelCapitalOrganization(Toronto,ON)
• NiagaraAngelNetwork(PortColborne,ON)
• PatriotCapital(Baltimore,Maryland)
• PolarisVenturePartners(Waltham,MA)
• OhioTechAngelFunds(Columbus,OH)
• RochesterAngelNetwork(Rochester,NY)
• SeedCapitalFundofCentralNewYork(Syracuse,NY)
• StonehengeGrowthCapital,LLC(Tampa,FL)
• WesternNewYorkVentureAssociation(Buffalo,NY)
13www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
Venture Forum
ALBRIGHT-KNOX ART GALLERY
MAY 17, 2012
9:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.Special “Angel / Venture Capitalist Breakfast” for
qualified investors held from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
The2012VentureForum,co-hostedthroughthepartnershipofSmartStartUNYTECHandBrightBuffaloNiagara,connectedearly-stage,high-techcompanieswithangelinvestorsandventurecapitalists.
Servingnotonlytopromotedeal-making,theVentureForumadvancedthepartners’sharedgoalofstrengtheningUpstateNewYork’sentrepreneurialecosystembyhelpinginvestors,entrepreneursandcommunityleadersestablishtrustandlong-termrelationships.
AlexanderCartwright,Ph.D.–Vice President for Research and Economic Development, University at Buffalo
StevenCohen–Deputy Commissioner and Senior Vice President, Community Economic Development, Empire State Development
JeffreyA.Lawrence–Executive Vice President for Technology, Center for Economic Growth
MarnieLaVigne,Ph.D.–Associate Vice President for Economic Development, University at Buffalo
Featuring an audience of:
• Nearly300VentureForumattendeesincludinginvestors,entrepreneurs,communityleaders,andotherprofessionals
• Nearly50companiesseekinginvestmentinattendancefromUpstateNewYorkandCanadaacrosslifesciences,energy,IT,andadvancedmanufacturingsectors
• Over50angelandventurecapitalistinvestorsinattendancefromacrossNewYorkState,Pennsylvania,Ohio,Illinois,Florida,Maryland,California,andOntario,Canada
Welcome & Introductions
“The governor and our agency, which is the primary economic development agency of the state, have a very strong commitment to innovation…we recognize the need for very early seed stage investment in the state both to keep companies here but also as a job creation strategy.”
– Steven Cohen
“We want to help the Western New York region and New York State in terms of economic development…make it easier for people to work with the institution”
– Alexander Cartwright Ph.D.
14www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
High-Tech Company Showcase in Life Sciences,Energy, IT & Advanced Manufacturing
Ten minute presentations by eighteen high-tech firms seeking investment funding from potential investors
Moderators:
Part I ScottStenclik–President,SuperiorGroup(GrowthStageSponsor)
Part II ThomasA.Kucharski–President&CEO,BuffaloNiagaraEnterprise(SeedStageSponsor)
Part III JenniferKutas–OfficeManager,ThomasR.BeecherJr.InnovationCenter(SeedStageSponsor)
• JustinHillery,CMO,demonstratedStrongArmTechnologies’novelliftingsafetysystem
• MarciaOlson,CEO,explainedAviSmart’sbusinessinformationsoftware,AviTrak
• MarkSperry,CEO,introducedH2Pump’shydrogenrecyclingservice
• RobertJanduraCessna,DirectorofProductDevelopment,pitchediMuzik’stouchscreendigitalmusicstand
Justin Hillery, Strong Arm Technologies Marcia Olson, AviSmart
Mark Sperry, H2Pump Robert Jandura Cessna, iMuzikFeatured Companies:
15www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
Networking Luncheon and Keynote Address
BURCHFIELD PENNEY ART CENTER
KEYNOTE ADDRESS“Building an Innovation-based Entrepreneurial Ecosystem”
Moderator: AlfredCulliton–COO,ErieCountyIndustrialDevelopmentAgency(SeedStageSponsor)
Keynote Speaker: Victor Thorne
• ServesasDirectorofOhioTechAngelsFunds
• Co-foundedBroadlineCapital,aglobalinvestmentmanagementfirm
• Co-foundedandledbusinessdevelopmentforleadingproviderofsupplychainmanagementandintelligencesolutionsinfoodindustry,soldcompanyatninedigitvaluation
• HoldsanABfromHarvardUniversityandanMBAfromKelloggSchoolofManagementatNorthwesternUniversity
• ServesonboardsofBrandThunder,VacationView,ColumbusAcademy,andJobsforYouth
TohearVictor’smotivationkeynote,visituson:www.youtube.com/NYSCOE
“Innovation drives businesses. Small businesses are the real driver of job growth, especially quality job growth.”
– Victor Thorne
“The real value is creating multi-millionaires that are in the ecosystem and leading the charge for the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
– Victor Thorne
16www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
One minute pitches by a select group of fifteen high-tech firms seeking to raise funds.
Moderator: JackMcGowan-ProjectManager,InsyteConsulting(Pre-SeedStageSponsor),Director,WesternNewYorkVentureAssociation
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Most Promising Technology PlantForm Corporation Best Presentation Strong Arm Technologies Most Likely to be Funded Simulated Surgical Systems
One Minute Investor Pitches One minute pitches by a select group of fifteen
high-tech firms seeking to raise funds.
Moderator: Jack McGowan - Consultant, Insyte Consulting (Seed Stage Sponsor) Director, Western New York Venture Association
Evening Networking Reception at the Buffalo Yacht Club
All Forum participants were invited to dine and network at Buffalo’s
scenic Yacht Club, where Lake Erie meets the Niagara River
For-Robin
Company Recognitions Moderator: Laura Mann – Program Director of Business Growth Services, Center for Economic Growth
One Minute Investor Pitches
COMPANY AWARDSModerator:LauraMann–ProgramDirectorofBusinessGrowthServices,CenterforEconomicGrowth
Most Promising Technology: PlantForm Corporation www.plantformcorp.com
Best Presentation: Strong Arm Technologies strongarmvest.com
Most Likely to be Funded: Simulated Surgical Systems www.simulatedsurgicals.com
EVENING NETWORKING RECEPTION AT THE BUFFALO YACHT CLUB
All Forum participants were invited to dine and network at Buffalo’s scenic Yacht Club, where
Lake Erie meets the Niagara River
17www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
2012 Press Releases and News Stories
Rangingfromuniversityresearchprofessorshopingtoprovidetreatmentsforcancer,torecentcollegegradshawkingdigitalsheetmusic,morethan30entrepreneurspitchedtheirproductstopotentialinvestorsduringatwo-dayventureforuminBuffalo.
The2012VentureForumMay16-17featuredtwofulldaysofnetworkinganddeal-making,attractingbothentrepreneursfromUpstateNewYorkandSouthernOntariotogetherwithandventurecapitalprofessionalsfromthroughoutthestateandbeyond.
Inadditiontopaneldiscussionsabouttechnologytransferandhowtocommercializeproducts,theeventfeatures10-minuteandone-minutepresentationsbypeoplelookingforfundingtolaunchacompany,expandortakeittothenextlev-el.
ChristineMontagwasamongthoseentrepreneurstakingthestageattheAlbright-KnoxArtGallery’sauditorium,hopingtofinda$500,000partnertoadvanceherLadybugTechnologiesInc.,amanufacturerofbreathalyzerproductsforthehospitalityandbeveragealcoholindustry.
Theeight-year-oldAmherstbusinessexpectstogenerate$900,000thisyearthroughsalesofitshandheldBAQTrackerbreathalyzerunitsandnewsingle-usetests.Nowit’sexpandingintokiosksthatofferadditionalopportunitiesthroughtesting,hospitalitycoupons,taxicallsandotherhospitality-relatedadd-ons.
OthersincludedtheOntario-basedPlantFormCorp.,abiotechnologyfirmthatusestobaccotodevelopaplant-based,genericalternativetoHerceptin,thenamebrandcancerdrugduetocomeoffpatentin2014.PlantForm’sDonStewart,presidentandCEO,hasspentyearsinresearchanddevelopment,toldinvestorsthecompanyisseeking$2millionthroughangelinvestorsand$10millioninanAroundofinstitutionalfundingtoadvanceitsdrugthroughclinicaltrials.
YoungentrepreneursincludedJeffWarrenofTopQualityHayProcessorsinGeneva,workingonanewprocesstoharvestandbailhayandall-naturalfeedproductsfortheagriculturalmarket.Thecompanyisseeking$5milliontoexpanditsproductionlinestoreachexistingcustomersandexpandnationallyandinternationally.
Withjust10minutestopresent,thepressurewaspalpable:ImuzikLLC’sRobertJanduraCessnaofSyracusepitcheditsMyMuzikdigitalmusicstand,whichhopestobecometheiTunesofsheetmusic.Cessna,arecentcollegegrad,foundedthecompanyayearago.
Thegoaloftheeventswastoconnectentrepreneurswithfunders,includingangelinvestors,institutionalinvestorsandventurecapitalfirms,andtokeepthoseyoungandgrowingcompaniesintheupstateregion.
Publishedat:http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2012/05/18/entrepreneurs-hope-capitalists-plant.html?page=all
Entrepreneurs hope capitalists plant seed money
ByTraceyDruryBuffaloBusinessFirstReporterDate:Friday,May18,2012,1:15pmEDT
18www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
ATorontostartupcompanyusestobaccoplantsasaplatformforgrowinganti-cancerdrugs.
ASyracusestartupwantstoreplacesheetmusicwithatouch-screenmusicstand.
ARochesterstartuphascreatedanergonomicallyfriendlyvesttohelpworkersproperlyliftheavymaterialswithoutstrainingtheirbacks.
Thesecompaniesallbelievetheyhavethenextmillion-dollaridea,buttheyneedseedmoneytohelpthemtaketheirconceptstothenextlevel.
Entrepreneursfromtheseand30otherstartupsmadetheirpitchesovertwodaysheretopotentialinvestorsinahigh-stakesmatchmakingsession.
“YougetalloftheinvestorsinupstateNewYorkinoneplace,aswellasallofthepeopleinvolvedintheinvestmentprocess.Whichisthecompanies,theentrepreneurs,theuniversitiesandthemoney.Getitallinoneplace--everyonegetstotalktoeachother,”saidRichardHonen,apartnerwithPhillipsLytlewhoworksinthelawfirm’sAlbanyofficeandrunsthefirm’sventure-capitalgroup.
The2012VentureForummergedtheBrightBuffaloNiagarainvestmentconferencewiththeUpstateSmartStartUNYTECHVentureForum,aproductionofAlbany’sCenterforEconomicGrowth.
Theeventencouragedinnovationintheprivatesectorandemphasizedtherolethathigh-techstartupcompaniescanplayinrevitalizingtheeconomy.
“Wearetakingthisseriously.WebelievethatBuffaloneedssomeassistanceinthisandthattheuniversity’sroleshouldbeinprovidingsuchassistance,”saidAlexanderCartwright,theUniversityatBuffalo’svicepresidentforresearchandeconomicdevelopment,inwelcomingremarks.
Morethan300peopleattendedThursday’sVentureForuminAlbright-KnoxArtGallery.Guestsheardpitchesfromentrepreneursandnetworkedovermealsandinbreaksbetweenspeakers.
BrightBuffaloNiagaraandtheSmartStartUNYTECHforumhadoperatedindependently.ButwhenBuffalowasinlineasapossiblehostforthisyear’sSmartStartUNYTECHforum,organizersdecidedtomergethetwoconferences.
The33companies--including12fromWesternNewYork--selectedtoparticipateinthecombinedforumreceivedbetweenoneand10minuteseachtomaketheircasestoinvestorsintheaudience.
TheonlyBuffalocompanyinthefirstgrouptopitch,LadybugTeknologies,makeskiosks,hand-helddevicesandmobileappsthatletpeoplemeasuretheirblood-alcohollevel.
ChristineMontag,co-founderandCEO,saidthecompany’sproductsshouldbepopularwithinthealcoholic-beverageandhospitalityindustriesbecausetheyallowsocialdrinkerstoresponsiblyenjoyalcoholwhilekeepingtheroadssafefrompeoplewhoaretoodrunktodrive.
Ladybugwaslookingtoraise$500,000frominvestorstohelppayforalargerpilotstudythatwouldplace12kioskmachinesinbarsandrestaurants.
DonStewart’sPlantFormCorp.usestobaccoplantsasaplatformtogrowdrugsthatarebiologicallysimilartoexistingdrugs,suchasthebreast-cancertherapyHerceptin,butcostmuchlesstoproduce.
“Wehaveaverysignificantadvantagehere,”saidStewart,PlantForm’sCEO.ThecompanyhaslicensedresearchperformedattheUniversityofGuelphinOntario.
RochesterInstituteofTechnologystudentsSeanPettersonandJustinHilleryshowedoffaliftingvestmadebytheirStrongArmTechnologies.Thevestcontraption,whichincludesglovesthatconnecttothevestandbackbraceusinghigh-strengthwires,providessupportwhilemakingsurepeoplebenddowntoliftheavyweightsproperly.
TheotherpresentersincludedIMUZIK,ofSyracuse,whichisdevelopingamusicstandthatallowsmusicianstoreplacetheirsheetmusicandturnthemusicwithafootpedal.
PeterRothberg,alimitedpartnerwiththeARCFundofNew
Venture Forum aids first impressions
Startup companies pitch products, seek investor funding
ByStephenT.Watson,BuffaloNewsPublished:May17,2012,10:20PMUpdated:May18,2012,9:17AM
2012 Press Releases and News Stories
19www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
2012 Press Releases and News Stories
BUFFALO,N.Y.--Downstateandout-of-towninvestorsarecomingtoBuffaloinMaylookingfordealsandnewideas.The2012VentureForumisattractingnewattentionfrominvestmentfirmsfromNewYorkCity,Ohio,California,Maryland,IllinoisandPennsylvania.
The2012VentureForumisacollaborationbetweentheBrightForum--BuffaloNiagara’spremiereventforconnectinginvestorsandentrepreneurs--andtheCenterforEconomicGrowth’sSmartStartUNYTECHVentureForum.
Forthefirsttime,thetwoevents,typicallyatoppositeendsoftheNewYorkStateThruway,havejoinedforcestocapitalizeontheirpastsuccess.Theannualforumshaveintroducedmorethan255companiestotheventurecapitalcommunitywithmorethan60companiesraisingover$500millioninequityfinancing,including$72milliondirectlyattributabletocompanies’participationoverthepast11years.
Onenewcomerthisyear,ManagingDirectorRichardStuebifromEarlyStagePartnersinCleveland,Ohio,said,“ThegroundforventureentrepreneurshiphastheinherentconditionstobefertileinupstateandWesternNewYork;wewouldliketobettergettoknowtheopportunities.”
StuebisaidhisfirmhastodatebeenregionallyfocusedonOhioandMichigan,butthattheyareconsideringexpandingintowhathethinksmaybeanunderservedmarketastheybeginplanningfortheirthirdfund.
“TheBuffalo,Rochester,Syracusemarkets,stretchingtoincludeCornell,haveahistoryofinnovation,giventheregion’sresearchuniversitiesandthelegacyofsuchpioneeringcorporationsasKodakandXerox.”Stuebiadded:“Wewanttomakecontacts,lookforpotentialco-investorsinourportfoliocompanies,andbuilddealflowforfuturefunds.”
EarlyStagePartnersisaventurecapitalfirmformedin2001withthebeliefthattheMidwestwouldcreateasignificantnumberofearly-stagetechnologycompaniesthatwouldprovideattractiveinvestmentopportunities.
Anotherfirst-timeattendeethisyear,ThomasParkinson,apartnerwithHopewellVenturesinChicago,Ill.,saidaVentureForumemailgothimthinkingofthegoodnetworkingopportunitiesforhiscompany’snewfund.
“Icouldconsidertheeventasuccessifwegettomeettheleadersintheinvestmentcommunityandthosepersonsactiveinsupportingupstate/WesternNewYork’sentrepreneurialcommunity,”Parkinsonsaid.
Hopewellprovidesequitycapitalandstrategicexpertisetohigh-growthbusinesses,primarilyintheMidwest,withacurrentfocusoncentralandnorthernAppalachia,includingpartsofNewYorkState.Parkinsonsaidthegrowinginvestmentinshaleasanenergyresourcepiquedthefirm’sinterestinattendingtheVentureForumandlearningmoreabouttheentrepreneurialactivityinthisregion.
Investors Come Looking for Deals in Upstate/Western New York
The 2012 Venture Forum is enticing investors from other states and New York City
BySuzanneChamberlain,UBNewsCenterPublished:Monday,May14,2012
YorkCity,saidhewasimpressedwiththesixpresentersbutthoughtStrongArm’svesthadthemostpotential.
“Theirpresentationisveryenergetic,veryinformative.TheyhaveaproductthatIthinkhashugelegs.It’ssomethingthateverybody--Imean,Ithrewmybackoutliftingmy3-year-oldoutofthebackseatofmycar,”Rothbergsaid.
InadditiontoUBandtheCenterforEconomicGrowth,thesponsorsofthe2012VentureForumincludedSuperiorGroupandtheNewYorkStateCenterofExcellenceinBioinformaticsandLifeSciences.
Thursday’sforumwasprecededWednesdaybyUNYTECH’sPartnersinOpenInnovationsprogramintheCenterfortheArtsontheUniversityatBuffalo’sNorthCampus.
Today,theBusinessIncubatorAssociationofNewYorkStateisholdingitsannualmeetinginthebioinformaticscenterinBuffalo.
Publishedat:http://www.buffalonews.com/business/article861562.ece
20www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
2012 Press Releases and News Stories
Bright Forum helps lay foundation for stronger, high-tech economy
ByCharlotteHsu,UBReporterPublished:Thursday,May3,2012
ManagingPartnerTimothyO’NeillofGoldenSeedsinNewYorkCityfeelsit’sincumbentonthecity-locatedinvestmentfirmstoreachbeyondtheirurbanboundaries.
“Goodideasarenotthesolepurviewofmajormetropolitanareas,”O’Neillcommented.“Whileit’seasytofindmanyinvestmentopportunitiesinthecity,weneedtopushourselvesgeographically,andit’sexcitingtohearaboutwhat’shappeningelsewhereinthestate.”
AnewcomertotheVentureForum,O’NeillsaiditwasagoodplacetostartconnectingwithupstateandWesternNewYorkentrepreneursandinvestors.
GoldenSeedsisoneofsixcompaniesthatreceivedagrantthroughthefederallyfundedInnovateNYFund,whichwillbeaddressedinopeningremarksattheforumbyStevenCohen,EmpireStateDevelopment’s(ESD)deputycommissionerandseniorvicepresidentforcommunityeconomicdevelopment.DistributedthroughESD,GoldenSeedsreceived$4milliontoinvestingeneraltechnology,lifescience,orconsumerproductfocusedseedstagebusinesseslocatedacrossthestate.
GoldenSeedsnowhastwoseed/earlystageventurefundsandthefourthlargestangelinvestornetworkintheU.S.Itinvestsinyoungcompanieswithwomeninseniormanagementpositionswhoalsohavesignificantequitypositionsinthecompanies.
FormerWesternNewYorkerandManagingPartnerThomasMatthewsNealeofPatriotCapitalinBaltimore,Md.,whosefirmhasinvestedacrossthecountry,isoptimisticaboutthevalue-addmanufacturingandservicecompaniesinWesternNewYork.
“WewanttoinvestinNewYorkandarelookingforopportunitiesinformerheavymanufacturingindustrial
citiessuchasBuffalowithitsverycapableandhighlyskilledworkforce,”saidNeale.
PatriotCapitalisamezzaninefunder,workingwithotherprivateequityfirmsinterestedininvestinginmiddle-marketcompaniesinthe30-80employeerange.NealesaysPatriotCapitallooksforcompanieswithgoodmanagementandaminimumof$3millioninannualcashflowthatwantcapitaltoexpandtheirbusinesses,makeacquisitionsorrecapitalize.
The2012VentureForum(May16-17)featuresaseriesofpitchsessionswhereentrepreneurspresentideastoinvestors.PrimarysponsorsincludetheUniversityatBuffalo’sNewYorkStateCenterofExcellenceinBioinformaticsandLifeSciences,TheCenterforEconomicGrowth,andSuperiorGroup,aglobalworkforceandbusinesssolutionsprovider.
MarnieLaVigne,associatevicepresidentforeconomicdevelopmentatUB,welcomesthealternativeperspectivesthatnewinvestorsbringtotheforumandishopefulthatit’sthebeginningofmanyfruitfulrelationships.
“TheVentureForumisallaboutacceleratingthegrowthofhigh-techcompaniesinupstateNewYorkbyfacilitatingdeal-making,”shesaid.Shecontinued,“EventslikethesearevitallyimportantbecauseKaufmannFoundationstudieshaveshownthatnewnetjobgrowthcomesfromyoungcompanies,soinnovationandentrepreneurshiphavetobeacenterpieceoftransformingourregion’seconomy.”
Toregisterforthisyear’sForumortolearnmore,visitwww.brightbuffaloniagara.com.
Publishedat:http://www.buffalo.edu/news/13432
Theclimateforhigh-techinvestmentinWesternNewYorkhasimprovedsteadilyoverthepastfewyears,andadriverofnewsuccessesisanannualinvestorforumthat’shappeningagainthisspring.
TheBrightForumisBuffaloNiagara’spremiereventfor
introducinginvestorstopromisingtechnologiesfromacrossNewYorkandOntario.
HostedbyBrightBuffaloNiagara,acoalitionofregionalpartnersledbytheUB,theforumfeaturesaseriesofpitchsessionswhereentrepreneurspresentideastoinvestors.
21www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
2012 Press Releases and News Stories
SponsorsincludeUB’sNewYorkStateCenterofExcellenceinBioinformaticsandLifeSciences,andSuperiorGroup,aglobalworkforceandbusiness-solutionsprovider.
Thisyear,theeventwilltakeplaceMay16-17intheformofthe2012VentureForum,acollaborationbetweentheBrightForumandtheCenterforEconomicGrowth’sSmartStartUNYTECHVentureForum.
Sinceitsinceptionin2009,theBrightForumhasnotonlycatalyzeddeal-making,buthelpedlaythefoundationforasuccessfulentrepreneureconomy.
EricLeinberg,presidentofInfoPreserve,aRochester-areafirmthatprovidesaprivate,cloud-basedplatformforsecuringandmanagingdigitalrecords,sayshiscompanymetoneofitsearlyinvestorsthroughtheBrightForumandlaterconnectedattheforumwithanotherprospectiveinvestorfromPittsburgh.
JackMcGowan,directoroftheWesternNewYorkVentureAssociation/BuffaloAngels,saystheBrightForumhasenabledhimtoraisehisorganization’sprofileandmeetinvestorsfromothercitieswhomaybeinterestedinco-investmentopportunities.
MarnieLaVigne,UBassociatevicepresidentforeconomicdevelopment,saystheBrightForumhelpedspurthecreationofLaunchNewYork,anewnonprofitthatwillacceleratethegrowthofhigh-techcompaniesinupstateNewYorkbyfacilitatingdeal-makingandservingasadirectinvestor.
LaunchNewYorkwillprovidehigh-potentialstartupswithcapitalandexpertassistanceincommercializationandothercrucialareas.Onegoalistodevelopuniversityresearchintoproductsandservicesavailabletoconsumers.
“AswebuildastrongerentrepreneurialecosysteminBuffaloNiagaraandneighboringregions,theBrightForumconnectsinvestorswithentrepreneurswhohaveurgentbusinessneeds,”saysScottStenclik,presidentofSuperiorGroup.“Givenourexpandingbusinessinapplyinghumanresourcessolutionsinregionalandglobalhigh-techsectors,ourfirmseescreativepartnershipsliketheBrightForumasacriticalpieceofgrowingaknowledge-basedeconomy.”
AddsLaVigne:“Allnet,newjobgrowthintheU.S.inthepast30yearshascomefromyoungcompanies,asshownbytheKauffmanFoundation.Innovationandentrepreneurshiphavetobeacenterpieceoftransformingourregion’seconomy.”
LaunchNewYorkemergedfromconversationsbetweenregionalleadersandtheBrightForum’s2009luncheonkeynotespeakerfromJumpStartVentures,anorganizationdrivingthecreationofhigh-growthcompaniesintheClevelandarea.
“Everyonewassoimpressed,hearingwhatClevelandhaddonetodriveentrepreneurshipastraditionalindustrystruggled,thatagroupofusweremotivatedtobringthetalentandfundingtogethertomakethesameefforthere,”LaVigneexplains.
InaccordancewithaRegionalEntrepreneurshipActionPlandevelopedincollaborationwithJumpStart,LaunchNewYorkwasincorporatedattheendof2011.RegionalsupportersincludeUB,theJohnR.OisheiFoundation,NationalGrid,ErieCountyIndustrialDevelopmentAgency,GeneseeCountyEconomicDevelopmentCenterandTompkinsCountyAreaDevelopment.
Thenonprofitwillservea27-countyregionspanningupstateNewYork.TheorganizationhasreceivedseedfundingfromNewYorkStatethroughtheWesternNewYorkRegionalEconomicDevelopmentCouncilandisnowapplyingforafederalEconomicDevelopmentAdministrationgrant.
LaunchNewYorkisjustoneexampleofhowtheBrightForumhelpsbuildmeaningful,long-termrelationshipsbetweenWesternNewYorkandpartnersthatcanfacilitatethegrowthoftheregion’shigh-techeconomy.
McGowansaystheBuffaloAngelsnetworkdecidedtojointhenationalAngelCapitalAssociationin2010aftermeetingtheassociation’schair,akeynotespeaker,attheBrightForum.
LeinbergnotesthatthePittsburghinvestorhemetthroughtheBrightForumnotonlyintroducedInfoPreservetotheinvestor’sangelgroup,buthastakenapersonalinterestinassistingthecompany.TheinvestorhasvisitedRochester,whereInfoPreserveintroducedhimtootheremergingcompaniesfromtheregion.
“Successisallaboutmakingtherightconnectionswithinvestors,advisorsandcustomers,”hesays.“TheBrightForumhasbeenacatalystinmakingsomeofthoseinitialconnections.”
Publishedat:http://www.buffalo.edu/ubreporter/2012_05_03/bright_forum
22www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
TwoannualinvestorforumsinUpstateNewYorkwillpartnerin2012tohostasingleevent:atwo-dayforuminBuffalothatwillconnectearly-stage,high-techcompanieswithangelinvestorsandventurecapitalists.
The2012VentureForum,whichwilltakeplaceMay16-17,isapartnershipbetweentheCenterforEconomicGrowth’sSmartStartUNYTECHandWesternNewYork’sBrightForum,twowell-establishedventureforumsinUpstateNewYork.
WhiletheBrightForumisaBuffalo-basedforum,theSmartStartUNYTECHforumhasastate-widefocusandtravelsperiodi-callyfromitshomebaseinAlbanytodifferentlocationsacrossUpstateNewYork.
Partneringin2012willenablethetwoeventstomergetheiraudiences,reachingboththeventurecapitaliststhatSmartStartUNYTECHtypicallyattractsandtheangelinvestorsthathavebeenthefocusofBrightsinceitsinceptionin2009.
Bybuildingrelationshipsbetweenangelinvestorsandventurecapitalists,the2012forumwillimprovethefundingpipelineforearly-stagecompaniesinNewYorkStateandbeyond.Anewlyformedinvestorcommitteethatishelpingtoplantheeventhasnearly20membersrepresentinggroupsfromacrossNewYorkStateandfromCanada,PittsburghandBoston.
“ThiscollaborationwillgreatlyenhancetheexposureandopportunityforinvestmentandgrowthofUpstateNewYork’sgreatearly-stagetechnologycompanies,”saidF.MichaelTucker,presidentandCEOofCEG.
“KnowingthatallnetnewjobgrowthintheU.S.inthepast30yearshascomefromcompanieslessthanfiveyearsold,wearecollaboratingtoacceleratenew,high-growthbusinessesthroughequityfunding,”saidMarnieLaVigne,directorofbusi-nessdevelopmentfortheUniversityatBuffalo’sNewYorkStateCenterofExcellenceinBioinformaticsandLifeSciences,akeypartnerintheBrightBuffaloNiagarainitiativethatrunstheBrightForum.
“WehaveincrediblyrichinvestmentopportunitiesinUpstateNewYork,whichhasn’ttraditionallybeenontheradarformostinvestors,”LaVignesaid.“Byjoiningforcesin2012,ourregionalorganizationsarebringingtremendousfocustobuild-ingfundingrelationshipsthatarekeytogrowingourhigh-tech,high-potentialstart-upsandearlystagefirms.”
CEG’sSmartStartUNYTECH,nowinits12thyear,hashighlighted255high-qualitycompaniesthathaveraisedover$500mil-lioninequityfinancing,includingover$72milliondirectlyattributabletotheirparticipationintheforum.Addingtothatsuc-cessrecord,Ener-G-RotorsInc.,a2011companypresenteratSmartStartUNYTECH,recentlyannouncedreceivinga$150kinvestmentfromtheEasternNYAngelsgroup–manymembersofwhichwereinattendancefortheirpresentationatthe2011ventureforum.
Theforumshowcasesearly-stagecompanies,includingspin-outsfrommorethanadozenuniversitieswhopartnerontech-nologytransferthroughUNYTECH.UNYTECH,theUpstateNewYorkTechnologyGroup,isacollaborativeeffortbetweenhighereducation,industryandeconomicdevelopmentagenciestocommercializeuniversityresearch.
“Avitalpartofcommercializinguniversitytechnologiesismakingthem‘shovel-ready’forinvestorswhocantaketheseop-portunitiestothenextlevel,”saidRobertGenco,chairofUNYTECHanddirectorofUB’sOfficeofScience,TechnologyTrans-ferandEconomicOutreach.“Showcasingtheseopportunities,gettingthemfundedandgrowingtechnology-richcompaniesisanimportantsteptowardreinvigoratingtheupstateeconomy.”
TheBrightForumisrunbyBrightBuffaloNiagara,acommunity-drivenhigh-techinitiativeledbyUB’sCenterofExcellenceinconcertwithmorethanadozenregionalorganizers.
TheBrightForumevent,nowinitsfourthyear,attractshundredsofparticipantsannually.Itfeaturesafulldayofpresenta-tionsbyentrepreneursinhigh-techsectorsfromacrossNewYorkStateandCanada.In2011,morethan50firmsappliedtopresent.Ofthose,16wereselectedtogive
Popular Upstate New York Investor Forums to Host Joint Event in Buffalo Niagara 2012
CEG’s SmartStart UNYTECH Venture Forum will partner with Bright Buffalo Niagara to deliver a two-day forum connecting investors with entrepreneurs
November16,2011
2012 Press Releases and News Stories
23www.brightbuffaloniagara.com
Additional 2012 Media Coverage
How one local startup approached Buffalo’s Venture Forum
ByDanielRobinson,WBFOPublished:Thursday,May24,2012,11:32AMhttp://innovationtrail.org/post/how-one-local-startup-
approached-buffalos-venture-forum
Venture Forum draws 300 to BuffaloByKevinTampone,CentralNewYorkBusinessJournalPublished:Friday,May18,2012,12:07PMhttp://www.cnybj.com/Home/tabid/37/itemid/16515/
sourcemid/415/Venture-Forum-draws-300-to-Buffalo/Default.aspx?returnUrl=%2Fdefault.aspx
Three from Central New York to present at venture capital forum
ByCharlesMcChesney,ThePost-StandardPublished:Wednesday,May16,2012,1:21PM,Updated:
Wednesday,May16,2012,2:01PMhttp://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2012/05/three_
from_central_new_york_to.html
Conference to match startups, investors
ByStephenT.Watson,BuffaloNewsPublished:Saturday,May12,2012,12:00AM,Updated:
Saturday,May12,2012,8:45AMhttp://www.buffalonews.com/business/article853263.ece
12 Western New York and 3 Ontario, Canada Companies Selected to Present in Statewide Venture Forum
ByCharlotteHsu,UBNewsCenterPublished:Saturday,May5,2012http://www.buffalo.edu/news/13408
Six Capital Region Companies Selected to Present in Statewide Venture Forum
CenterforEconomicGrowthPublished:Thursday,May3,2012http://www.ceg.org/news/six-capital-region-companies-
selected-to-present-in-statewide-venture-forum/
In Western New York, an Improving Climate for High-Tech Investment
ByCharlotteHsu,UBNewsCenterPublished:Tuesday,April24,2012http://www.buffalo.edu/news/13380
one-minutepitchestoinvestorsand12werechosentodeliverlonger,10-minutepresentations.
The2009BrightForumluncheonkeynotepresenter,JumpStartInc.,partneredwitheconomicdevelopmentleadersinWest-ernandCentralNewYorkin2010tosecure$445,000infederalfundingfromtheU.S.EconomicDevelopmentAdministra-tiontotransformentrepreneurshipinUpstateNewYorkintoasignificantengineforregionaleconomicgrowth.
ThejointSmartStartUNYTECHandBrightForumin2012willcombinethestrengthsofbotheventstoexpandtheinvestorandcompanyparticipationstatewideandbeyond.
Eachstrivesnotonlytopromotedeal-making,butalsotostrengthentheregion’sentrepreneurialecosystembyhelpingin-vestors,entrepreneursandcommunityleadersestablishtrustandlong-termrelationships.
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