Programs Special One-Day Events

Tuesday September 27, 6-8pm UMASS Lowell Innovation Hub (IHub), 110 Canal St. Lowell, MA 01854

While bootstrapping may be preferred, some businesses are almost impossible to launch and grow without capital. From angel & VC investments to crowdfunding, SBIR grants and debt financing, opportunities for funding seem endless… and confusing.

Join The Capital Network for an evening with a veteran panel of experts from the Angel, Venture Capital, Crowdfunding and Banking worlds who will compare and contrast the many ways you can fund your startup. The discussion will address common questions including:

• What are the best funding options for growing my business?
• At what stage should I go after external funding?
• How much money should I ask for?
• What metrics do I need to show to ask for funding?
• Does ‘NO’ mean ‘maybe later?’

If you are an entrepreneur or investor looking for early stage companies, then you do NOT want to miss this event!
Food & Networking post-discussion.

Experts Include:
The Angel Investor:
Jessica McLear is an Angel Investor with Launchpad Ventures, Boston’s largest Angel Group and an Industry Champion and mentor at MassChallenge. Jessica is also a mentor for LearnLaunch, an Ed Tech Accelerator in Boston and a COO for KnipBio, a clean bio-tech aquaculture startup. On the board of a few companies - she’s both an experienced entrepreneur and investor.

The SBIR Grant Expert:
Dr Teresa Nelson is a Founding Principal of The Impact Seat, a knowledge bank and consulting service working for inclusive innovation. Teresa is also a Council Member for the National Women’s Business Council , a 15 member policy and research Council advising the President, Congress and the Small Business Association (SBA) on issues of business in the U.S. Policy interests: high growth entrepreneurship, science and technology policy, under-represented groups, incubators and accelerators, commercialization of science, household entrepreneurship, and capital access including innovative vehicles. Teresa is also a member of the Scientific Committee, Women Equity Growth at Bryan, Garnier & Co.

The Banker:
Pete McDonald is the Relationship Manager the Emerging Technology Practice at Silicon Valley Bank. Pete has over 20 years of experience working with startups and works primarily with early stage Technology and Life Science companies. Pete moderates The Capital Network’s Upstart program which is a series of fireside chats with entrepreneurs held at the Venture Cafe (CIC Kendall) once a month. See our events page for more details.

The Venture Capitalist:
Edward Coady is an Analyst at LaunchCapital, which has consistently helped entrepreneurs gain quick access to seed capital, mentorship and achieve success. With investments in over 150 companies, LaunchCapital has a core focus in technology, healthcare, medical, and consumer businesses. Their 10 person team has syndicated investments with over 50 venture firms and 1000 angel investors. They currently have offices in Cambridge, MA, New Haven, CT, New York City, San Francisco and Palo Alto. As an analyst, Edward is responsible for performing due diligence, financial modeling, researching emerging trends and discovering new companies. Edward has always been captivated by the intersection of technology and culture and is excited to meet entrepreneurs looking to disrupt the status quo.

Thank you to our Location Sponsor: