Benefits of Presenting

Now in its third year, the Mid-America VentureForum is the only event of its kind that specifically highlights Midwest biotechnology and medical device companies to a national audience of venture capitalists and other early-stage investors. Last year’s event drew over 70 presenting companies and a total of over 450 attendees from across the U.S. and beyond.

Why should I apply to present?

• You will have the unique opportunity to showcase your research and business plan to a captive audience of venture capitalists, angel investors, and researchers, as well as executives from some of the world’s largest biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical technology and agribusiness companies.
  
  
• You will be able to network with hundreds of the most influential individuals in the national life sciences and private equity community.
  
  
• You can potentially secure funding for your company or cultivate valuable relationships leading to future funding opportunities.

What have past presenters said about the BIO Mid-America Venture Forum?

• "We are a very early stage company, and recognize that it has been a particularly difficult investment climate.  The conference gave us tremendous exposure and was a great boon for our networking.  We came in touch with several funds we otherwise probably would not have had the opportunity to meet so early on, and the conference gave us excellent momentum in our quest for funding. We've stayed in touch with several of the investors we initially met at BIO'03 and '04 who are interested in following our progress. These ongoing relationships will help better position us for subsequent rounds of financing." - Susanne Dvorak, President & CEO, Algos Therapeutics, Inc.
  
  
• "My company was in the process of raising Series B financing and we were seeking exposure to East Coast venture capital firms. Attending and presenting at the BIO Mid-America Venture Forum gave us easy access to these firms and enabled us to build valuable, lasting relationships with several of them." - Eric Leire, M.D., President & CEO, APT Therapeutics, Inc.
  
  
• "Participating in the BIO Mid America Venture Forum was a great experience. Divergence made several good contacts with potential investors. In addition, the preparation, including the day at the Boot Camp, helped me not only at the conference specifically, but also honed my ability to articulate Divergence's strategy, status, and resources to potential investors moving forward." - Derek Rapp, CEO, Divergence, Inc.
  
  
• "BIO's Mid-America Venture Forum is a great place for up-and-coming companies to connect with venture capitalists.  More VCs attend this conference than any other venture conference in the Midwest.  If you are raising capital, this is a ‘must-attend’ event." - Sal Braico, COO, ConjuGon, Inc.
  

In addition to providing you with the opportunity to meet potential investors, BIO also invites all companies selected to present at regional "bootcamp" sessions prior to the actual event.  Here, you will receive intensive coaching and learn valuable presentation skills to help you grow your business.