Company Selection & Criteria

Thank you for considering the opportunity to submit an application for MGCS 2019. Applications were accepted on a rolling basis through Tuesday, March 26 and the presenting company sessions have been filled. Selected companies will be announced on Friday, April 19. As part of the selection process, invited companies were notified Thursday, March 28 and required to participate in coaching and register for the conference. Presenting companies may register at the per person discounted rate of $325. Please note, MGCS 2020 applications will be accepted beginning January 13, 2020.

Presenting Company Selection

Companies selected to present at the Midwest Growth Capital Symposium will be privately-held companies from a range of industries and stages of funding. Companies encouraged to apply include seed, early-stage, late-stage, and pre-IPO. Presenting company applications will be reviewed by a team of Midwest qualified venture capitalists that comprise our selection committee.

Presenter Benefits

• Four-page executive summary in the conference binder
• Listing of company name and link on the MGCS website
• Investor pitch and presentation coaching
• 10 minute presentation slot showcasing your business to an audience of venture capitalists and institutional investors
• Table-top exhibit space

Criteria

For companies to be considered, a Midwest connection is preferred. In addition, companies should meet the following criteria:

• currently or seeking financing within six months of the symposium
• seeking investment capital over $1M
• projecting meaningful revenues and traction in the next three to five years

Each application submission will be evaluated based on the company’s: market opportunity, competitive advantages, intellectual property, partnerships, business/technology platform, financial projections, exit strategies and the quality and experience of the management team.

The application consists of your contact information and the submission of an executive summary (four page maximum). The executive summary should include a company description, target markets, competition, milestones, management team, current investors, funding to date, financing sought, use of proceeds, five year financial projection and the reason an investor should invest in the company at this time.

Coaching/ Training Session

Selected companies are expected to participate in a Presentation Review Session that will be scheduled in early April. The 75 minute session is designed to help presenters refine and hone their formal presentation. There is no cost for presenters to participate in the review session and if needed, the session can be done over the phone. Follow up sessions are also available. Information about the review dates and the schedule will be sent to selected companies in March.

Registration Fees

The format of the symposium provides numerous networking opportunities for participating companies. The discounted registration fee of $325 per person in attendance, provides admission to both days of the symposium along with reserved 3’x3′ table-top space for display materials. Proximity to an electrical outlet will be provided upon request. Any additional staff or company members will need to register.