During this tumultuous period, startups and emerging companies are questioning what will happen to the usual sources of investment capital. Angels and venture capitalists alike are signaling that the months to come may be brutal. Whatever “lift” the equity and credit markets may get from the upcoming election, it is a given that we are in choppy economic waters.
In this environment, the examples set and the lessons learned by three Northwest startups-3TIER, Novinium, and Theo Chocolate-are more valuable than ever. The MIT Enterprise Forum will explore how these companies have navigated their own financial storms to build successful companies using both traditional and non-traditional sources of capital. Each company has made unconventional choices along the way and grown by practicing what could be called “sustainable financing.” The panel will include Glen Bertini, CEO of Novinium, Kenneth Westrick, CEO of 3Tier Group, and Joseph Whinney, CEO of Theo Chocolate.
David Weld of Vox Advisors will moderate the panel. Gerry Langeler, a managing director of OVP Venture Partners, based in Portland, will serve as a “respondent,” bringing a professional venture capitalist’s perspective to the discussion. David and Gerry will provide their viewpoints on how the angel and venture capital markets are changing in the midst of the overall financial crisis.on November 12th at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue Hotel. Click here to register.