ANN ARBOR — Organizers of the 25th annual Michigan Growth Capital Symposium have announced the 36 companies that will be presenting at the event.
The companies are early stage and growth companies seeking funding in life sciences, IT and technology.
Hosted by the University of Michigan’s Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, with support from the Michigan Venture Capital Association, this year’s symposium will be held May 17-18 at the Marriott Eagle Crest Resort in Ypsilanti.
Since 1980, the symposium has helped more than 900 companies secure funding and forge valuable relationships that continue to foster growth in the region’s startup community. The 35th annual event is expected to attract more than 450 entrepreneurs, researchers, investment professionals and business executives, with nearly 100 regional and top national venture capital firms represented.
The two-day event will host dozens of industry speakers, including keynote addresses from James Flynn, managing director of New York City-based Deerfield Capital Management, and Adam Lilling, founding and managing partner of Los Angeles-based Plus Capital, in addition to several informative panel discussions.
This will be the third year hosting an exclusive Tech Transfer track aimed to provide Midwest universities – including Notre Dame, Michigan State University, Medical College of Wisconsin, Purdue University, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota and Wayne State University – the opportunity to spotlight the activity and innovation coming out of their respective campuses.
The 36 companies selected to present represent a broad range of industries. The full list of presenting companies is available at www.MichiganGCS.com. Following is a partial list of companies:
* AdLuminate – a multi-sided platform that will make it easier to shop for and buy advertising, while offering a new channel for selling advertising and related services.
* Armune Bioscience – an organization that developed and validated a blood test for prostate cancer detection and are pursuing licensing opportunities in cancer detection and therapeutic monitoring.
* Autobooks – a business that combines payment and accounting software for small businesses and offers receivables to bank customers.
* Ash & Anvil – an affordable, stylish, everyday clothing provider for “shorter guys,” with a mission to define the “short and small” men’s category.
* Brideside – a concierge-driven wedding retail platform for geographically dispersed wedding parties.
* Deltanoid Pharmaceuticals – a biopharmaceutical company engaged in research, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of human diseases.
* HT Mobile Apps – a financial technology company that creates software to help financial Institutions stay relevant and fun. Its latest solution, Plinqit, helps connect banks with millennials to help them save money.
* Lucina Health – a comprehensive data analytics system that provides patient care organizations that have a vested interest in improving health with a fully integrated solution that empowers women to improve their lives.
* Matterhorn by Court Innovations – an organization that allows courts to handle many high-volume infractions, disputes and outstanding warrants completely online, saving citizens and courts time and money.
* Neurable – the first non-invasive brain-computer interface that allows for real-time control of physical objects and software. Neurable’s technology has allowed people to control wheelchairs, robots and even a full sized car in real-time, using only the power of their thoughts.
* SciTech Development – an oncology drug development company currently bringing to market proven cancer drugs for diseases with limited therapeutic options.
* ShapeLog – a virtual personal trainer platform enabling the new wave of smart, connected gyms by using deep analytics to help people get stronger.
* Workit Health – an organization that works with employers and health plans offering an innovative health benefit that companies can pilot and launch in less than one month.
“The past year has been an exciting time for the Midwest with venture and entrepreneurial activity continuing to increase not only in Michigan, but also across the entire region,” said David Brophy, UM professor of finance and founding director of MGCS. “This year will host a strong suite of presenting companies. We are looking forward to hearing them speak at MGCS and to watching them grow and scale in the months to come.”
Organizers of MGCS also announced that UM will hold MGCS in conjunction with the Coulter Investment Forum, a one-day conference that showcases 30 emerging life sciences companies that have originated in Coulter Translational Research Partnerships at one of 16 partner universities.
To learn more or to register for this year’s event, visit www.MichiganGCS.com and follow conversations about MGCS by tracking #MGCS2016 on Twitter.