Bright Buffalo Niagara Offers Events and Resources for Regional High-Tech Economy

Buffalo, N.Y. A consortium of over 15 regional organizations has launched Bright Buffalo Niagara (Bright), a community-driven initiative that will host a series of events for investors, entrepreneurs and other professionals looking to build a high-tech economy across the Great Lakes region, including in Southern Ontario.

Bright, led by the University at Buffalo's New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, grew out of the Explore Buffalo Niagara Investor and Entrepreneur High-Tech Forum, an annual event that began in 2009.

The event, which supports networking and deal-making across various high-tech sectors, will continue this year as the Bright Forum on June 9. Companies and entrepreneurs who are seeking investment can apply to present at the event through http://www.brightbuffaloniagara.com. The deadline for applications is April 1. Selected applicants will be notified on April 22.

Interested media should contact Renata Bator at the CoE at 716.881.7588 and rmbator@buffalo.edu

As part of its expanded mission, Bright has increased its programming to include two Angel Capital Education Foundation (ACEF) workshops for investors, entrepreneurs and other professionals: "The Power of Angel Investing: An Overview," and "Trends in Raising Capital."

Bright's new web site, http://www.brightbuffaloniagara.com, serves as a resource for annual event offerings.

Bright's mission is to promote early-stage investments, quality deal flow, business partnering, and related entrepreneurial activities across the life sciences, energy, IT and advanced manufacturing high-tech sectors. The Superior Group is a major sponsor of the initiative, and partners include academic, public, private and nonprofit organizations.

The goal in 2011 is to focus on early-stage investors and angels, to showcase great deal opportunities through company investor presentations, and spur discussions about co-investing and building the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Great Lakes region.

"Aligning innovation and investment is the mission of Bright Buffalo Niagara," said Marnie LaVigne, director of business development for UB's New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences and the UB Center for Advanced Biomedical and Bioengineering Technology (UB CAT). "Building stronger connections geographically that support all key partners in an entrepreneurial ecosystem is an integral part of our region's strategy for driving an innovation-based economy."

An overview of upcoming Bright events:

The Bright Forum

June 9, 2011

The Bright Buffalo Niagara Forum will continue to provide investors, entrepreneurs and other professionals the same opportunities as the Explore Buffalo Niagara Investor and Entrepreneur High-Forum did.

Hatim Tyabji, chairman and CEO of Bytemobile, is this year's keynote speaker. The forum will also feature pitch opportunities for early stage companies, a panel discussion on "Success Stories: Cross Border Investments and Exits," and networking and information gathering opportunities.

Angel Capital Education Foundation (ACEF) workshops

May 4, 2011

The Power of Angel Investing: An Overview

This workshop provides the knowledge and tools required for successful angel investments. The program will include panel discussions with national and local experts in high-growth ventures and early-stage investing opportunities.

Space is limited and reserved for qualified individuals who have angel-investing experience or meet the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission's definition of an accredited investor. This program is presented in cooperation with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Nationally renowned angel investors who will serve as moderators include Bill Payne, engineer, educator, entrepreneur and angel investor; Vegas Valley Angels from Las Vegas; and Catherine Mott, chair of the U.S. Angel Capital Association.

Trends in Raising Capital

This workshop explores how market trends affect the needs and behaviors of investors. Participants will also learn what angel investor groups believe are the best—and worst—practices by companies seeking funding.

Understanding current trends in raising capital will empower attendees to establish productive relationships with angel investors. This program is presented in cooperation with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Nationally renowned angel investor, Robert Okabe, cofounder and managing director of Chicago-based RPX Group, will serve as moderator.

Both of these programs will immediately follow the Innovate 2011 awards on May 3, a collaborative effort between Bright and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.