Please join the Ross Business School Club of Detroit/SE Michigan as we explore early-stage investing. A panel of experts from Angel to Venture Capital and Accelerator ecosystems will describe how to engage with their investor classes and raise capital for your startup, including: when to approach investors, how to network with firms, due diligence, investment terms and what returns investors expect.
Agenda
6:00 pm: Check-in & Reception
6:30 pm: Panel discussion (including Q&A)
7:30 pm: Networking Reception
PANELISTS
Diane Durance - Diane Durance joined Michigan Capital Network, which provides Angel and Venture capital to early-stage companies, as Executive VP in August 2021. Prior Diane was the director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. She began her career as an entrepreneur launching and growing three companies, including telecommunications, publishing, and residential construction. She was president of Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest (GLEQ), and began her work with technology startups in Ann Arbor in 2005 as president of the Ann Arbor IT Zone. She holds a BBA and MPA, both from Southern Methodist University.
Andrew McColm (MBA '05) - Andrew McColm is a Venture Partner at Closed Loop Partners where he works on deal origination, due diligence and deal execution investing in the circular economy. For nearly 20 years, Andrew lead the development of university-based startup companies, including leading startup incubators at both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. He was Managing Director of Early Stage Partners LLP, a $100M venture fund and founder of Fusion Coolant Systems. Earlier in his career, Andrew had extensive international experience in telecommunications with multiple startup companies across three continents. He has an MBA from Ross and earned a BS of Electrical Engineering from McMaster University.
Monica Wheat - Monica is currently the Managing Director of Techstars Detroit, which is part of a seed-stage accelerator network in 40+ cities worldwide. She previously served as a Techstars Startup Programs Lead and is the Founding Co-Director of Startup Boost, a Pre-Accelerator. Monica is also the Founder and Executive Director of Venture Catalysts, a non-profit venture and ecosystem development group focused on investor/founder education and development, and an innovation hub for over 48,000 attendees. She served as a Consultant for Backstage Capital, co-producing their multi-city live investment tour and was the Detroit Managing Director of the Backstage Capital – Accelerator, a 4-city, global tech accelerator investing in scaling startups for underrepresented founders.
MODERATOR
Peter Scott (MBA '94) - Peter Scott is the Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Wyoming, where he teaches and helps entrepreneurs start companies. Peter is also co-founder of CellDrop Biosciences that is commercializing a stem cell therapeutic for horses. His previous experience includes advising 25+ technology start-ups in strategy, marketing/sales, finance and securing capital. Peter began his teaching career at Syracuse University and has taught in 10 countries around the world. He holds BS and MS Degrees in Aerospace Engineering and an MBA from Ross.
COST
$25 - Member of Michigan Ross Alumni Club of Ann Arbor/SE Michigan
$30 - Non-members
(Hors d'oeuvres will be provided; cash bar)
