Keiretsu Forum Expects to Fuel Record Growth in Early-Stage Investments at 7th Annual Investor Capital Expo in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, October 1, 2019 (Newswire.com) - ​​​Over 200 accredited angel investors from North American Keiretsu regions will join active Mid-Atlantic investors at the 7^th Annual Investor Capital Expo. Twelve carefully screened early-stage entrepreneurs will pitch investors on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at the Union League of Philadelphia. Each presenting company has a completed Due Diligence Report and Investment Package. In addition to exceptional deal-flow, angel investors will receive valuable insights through a Keynote Panel that will explore advances in university technology commercialization.  

"Since 2011, Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic and South-East Chapters have provided resources, mentoring, and funding to entrepreneurs while delivering investor members with the highest quality deal flow," says Howard Lubert, Co-Founder of Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic. In 2018 the Mid-Atlantic Region received more than 315 applications. A testament to this well-oiled machine is that members invested over $7 Million in 32 of those deals and added 34 follow-on investments in portfolio companies in 2018.

The rate of investment in deals (80%) is indicative of the positive picture for angel investing across the United States. According to a report released by PitchBook-NVCA Venture Monitor, the Mid-Atlantic region experienced a 30% rise in the national share of capital investment. A few weeks ago, PitchBook updated their perspective with Global League Tables. Keiretsu Forum is one of the top five investor groups in five of the measured sectors: Software, Healthcare Devices & Supplies, Healthcare Services, IT Hardware, and Other. "There are few active angel groups that invest in a broad range of silos," reports Howard Lubert. "Most focus on a specific silo." 

For this year’s Expo, Howard curated a panel to explore university technology commercialization. The discussion will be led by Keith Marmer, Executive Director, Associate Vice President for Technology & Venture Commercialization at the University of Utah. Marmer oversees invention analysis, patenting, licensing, and other programs to support innovation and entrepreneurship.  Marmer will explore the balance of societal benefits, economic development, business partnerships, and entrepreneurial opportunity.

Entrepreneurs are not only seeking funding from angel investors; they compete for the distinguished honor of being selected as the 2019 Stephen M. Goodman Most Valued Company Award Winner. In 2018, Pittsburgh-based Carmell Therapeutics was recognized as the winner. Carmell creates patented technology used as both a bone healing accelerant and a tissue healing accelerant. "For us to come out as the most valuable company is meaningful because it gives validation," says Randy Hubbell, President, and CEO of Carmell Therapeutics. “Exposure at Expo and winning the Goodman Award gave us the fuel needed to reach key FDA milestones, create value, and develop a regulator platform to get institutional investments for Phase Three clinical trials.”

The Investor Capital Expo is open to all accredited angel investors. Discounts are available.  For information on participating partner promo codes or to inquire about becoming a member's guest, please contact Chuck Carter at [email protected]  or visit http://keiretsuforum-midatlantic.com/investor-capital-expo

Source: Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic