Innovation Forum showcased start-up funding mechanisms
The Center for Medical Innovation partnered with Penn State Harrisburg Sept. 12 to deliver a discussion forum on mechanisms to funding start-up ventures. Michael Hund of McNees, Wallace & Nurick, LLC, led the panel discussion featuring topics including family funding, angel investing, creative revenue models, venture capital investors, valuation challenges, company exits and current funding trends.
As a panel participant, Andy Agrawal, managing partner for DecisionPoint, provided insight based on his professional experience dealing with M&A transactions and providing operational assessments for venture capital funded companies. Matt Rhodes, partner at 1855 Capital, shared his expertise regarding typical steps for securing start-up funding and management, as well as strategic and financial planning and investor communication.
Kevin Harter, director of the Center for Medical Innovation at Penn State College of Medicine, used his experience as a co-founder of a number of medical startups to highlight the importance and challenges behind using customer feedback to guide product development. Diane Sterthous, venture capital advisor for the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, rounded out the panel and discussed the nuances of successfully applying for early stage technology venture funds.
The interactive forum was followed by an open networking session where attendees could meet one-on-one with members of the panel, colleagues, peers and individuals from the Central PA entrepreneurial community.
The next Innovation Café networking event is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Cocoa Beanery adjacent to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s campus. See details on that event here.
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