VC Forum Deadline for applications 13th April 2012

Looking for VC Funding?

 

 

NISP CONNECT presents:

 

“VC Forum“

Deadline for applications 13th april, 2012

 

 

Call for Applications

 

Are you seeking funding for a high potential product or service? If so, this is your opportunity to be connected with and present to a number of active venture capital investors from the UK and Ireland.

NISP CONNECT is seeking up to 10 suitable applicants for the upcoming VC Forum, for the purposes of showcasing local emerging companies to an exclusive audience of capital providers, from within and outside of the region. All innovative businesses with international potential are welcome to apply.

Applications to present at VC Forum will be accepted from 13^th March through 13^th April, 2012.

To submit an application for VC Forum, Apply Here

About VC Forum

NISP CONNECT has facilitated an exclusive, private, invitation-only “showcase” forum for promising emerging companies in the region for the last 5 years.

This year, ed applicants will have the opportunity to build relationships with and present to a group of premier venture capital providers who actively fund investments. VCs from UK and Ireland as well as venture funds based in Northern Ireland will be invited to take part in NISP CONNECT’s VC Forum on Thursday,  27^th September 2012.  Previous funders participating in the VC Forum have included:

• DFJ Esprit
• Wellington Partners
• Scottish Equity Partners
• Bridges Ventures
• ACT
• Delta Ventures
• MMC Ventures
• NCB

Process

Applications to present at VC Forum must be received by NISP CONNECT by 13^th April, 2012. Following that date, a relevant panel of reviewers will consider the applications with a view to identifying a number of suitable applicants.

The selected applicants must pass a rigorous screening process conducted by a committee of experts, investors and other industry professionals, following which a number of “finalists” will be identified.

The finalists will receive presentation coaching from seasoned investors and entrepreneurs with significant experience. The judges for VC Forum will ultimately select up to 10 applicants who will present their proposal to an exclusive audience of venture capital providers at the 27^th September VC Forum and provided with follow-up support. Please note that VC Forum will be a rigorous process in preparation for the event. Submission of an application will indicate commitment to time that the programme requires.

Eligibility

To qualify for VC Forum, applicants must:

• submit an application for VC Forum in the relevant format by Friday 13^th April, 2012. Apply Here
• have an interest in obtaining venture funding and must meet the following criteria:
• Represent a non-publicly traded company, research organisation or academic institution with a high-tech focus
• Be based in Northern Ireland based or have significant presence in NI
• Have a technology or product with high growth potential for commercialisation
• Be Looking to raise over £500K within the next 12-18 months
• [must have received either £0 or less than £500,000 in institutional venture capital]
• pass a rigorous screening process conducted by a committee of experts, investors and other industry professionals.

Companies who pitched at previous VC Forums are not eligible to pitch again in 2012.

Cost

This programme is free of charge to applicants who are accepted on to the programme. A commitment to attend workshops and meetings organised by VC forum will be required.

VC Forum Steering Team

Caroline McGoran, University of Ulster (Chairperson) Frank Bryan, QUBIS Denis Murphy, Anaeko Hilary Griffith, McGrigors Neasa Quigley, Carson-McDowell Jennifer Ferguson, Arthur Cox Bob McGowan-Smyth, InterTradeIreland David Croft, Northern Bank Vicky Dummigan, Tughans Steve Orr, NISP CONNECT

For more information regarding the VC Forum, please contact Meagan Blanton at 02890 737 806, meagan.blanton@nispconnect.org

Note: As always with NISP CONNECT programmes, judging will be conducted by an independent panel that does not include NISP CONNECT staff.