Tech Money: Funding For Regional Tech Companies, October 02, 2008, Part 1

Our region is on the cusp of an explosion of funding sources for technology businesses. Sources of angel capital, early stage funding and VC money have been locating here and finding great companies and ideas in which to invest. But unlocking the treasure chest requires more than a bright idea and a pretty business plan. Join us for a lively session featuring three local investors that focus on tech businesses for early stage or later stage investments. Our panelists include: Mike Stubler, Managing Director of the Cleveland office of Draper Triangle Ventures, an affiliate of Draper Fisher Jurvetson, a midwest leader in seed and early stage venture Capital. Mike's experience not only includes professional investing but leadership positions in a variety of early stage tech businesses. Charles Stack, CEO of Flashline Partners; Charles is former founder and CEO of Flashline which was sold to BEA Systems; Charles has formed Flashline Partners to invest in promising, technology-based, early stage businesses in northeast Ohio. Becca Braun, COO of JumpStart; who co-founded and was the initial CEO of Supplier Insight, a company that offers supplier management services and software to corporations and government agencies and that was ultimately acquired by Ariba (Nasdaq: ARBA); Becca was also formerly VP of Kirtland Capital Partners. These entrepreneurs turned investors will share their insight into the changing environment for investing, positioning a company for investment, and working with investors.