MEDB Offers Workshop on the World of Venture Capital

By Maui Now Staff

Maui Economic Development Board will offer a new workshop, “Venturing Out: Exploring the World of Venture Capital,” on Thursday, Sept. 24, as part of their Technical Assistance Series.

The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the MEDB Malcolm Center located at 1305 N. Holopono St., Ste. 5, in Kīhei.

Experts in the venture capital industry will share how to attract needed venture capital to expand and grow a business, with a focus on Silicon Valley-style venture funds. Students will gain insights into what venture funds expect in an investment; what motivates them internally and externally; how to secure a meeting with a venture fund; how to prepare for a meeting with a venture fund; and how to structure a company to attract venture capital.

“Often the steps involved in securing capital to grow one’s company may seem overwhelming especially for startups trying to raise money for the first time,” said Frank De Rego Jr., director of Business Development Projects at Maui Economic Development Board. “That’s why MEDB is excited to offer this informational workshop to help business owners and entrepreneurs take the guesswork out of successfully attracting and securing venture capital.”

Admission is $20 per person, which includes a light continental breakfast and lunch. Advanced reservations are required; space is limited. Find more information and register online, or contact De Rego at MEDB via email or call (808) 270-6807.

Schedule

9:30 to 10 a.m.: Registration

10 a.m. to noon: “How to Raise Venture Capital” seminar

noon to 12:45 p.m.: Lunch and talk story with the panel

12:45 to 2 p.m.: Sample pitches and comments by the panel

2 to 2:15 p.m.: Closing and survey

Speakers

Warren Doi Go-to-Market Track Lead at Energy Excelerator, a startup program dedicated to helping solve the world’s energy challenges, starting in Hawai‘i. He has worked with AT&T, PG&E Energy Services, Hewlett-Packard, and Cisco Systems. Warren utilizes his experience to help entrepreneurs and their seed companies through early-stage development.

Donovan Kealoha Co-founder of Adama Materials Inc., a venture-capital backed materials science company. He is a Senior Associate at Startup Capital Ventures, and works alongside the fund’s partners in all aspects of potential and active investments. Donavan also is a director with Shifted Energy, a licensed attorney, and holds a BA, PBCSE, and JD/MBA from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

Gregory Kim Partner at Convergent Law Group LLP, a Silicon Valley based firm focusing on technology companies. Greg concentrates his practice in the areas of corporate and securities law; and specializes in mergers and acquisitions, startups, venture capital, technology and licensing agreements. Greg is the co-founder and president of the Business Law Corps.

Padma Rao A startup advisor, founder, and mentor, and an expert at driving growth for top consumer brands. She was founding CEO of Markkit, head of marketing at Zynga, and also worked at Gap, Sephora/LVMH and Netflix. She began her career at the Georgia Tech Research Institute and at Calix Networks. Padma is on the Board of Julep, is an advisor to BullPen Capital and several startups and works with mBloom BDC Advisory.

Bill Richardson General partner of HMS Hawaii Management since 1994. He was the founding co-chair of University Connections, founder and current president of HiBEAM. He is the chairman for Pacific DirectConnect, Kona Bay Marine Resources and Hawaii Biotech. Richardson currently serves as interim director for the University of Hawai‘i Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development.

The “Venturing Out: Exploring the World of Venture Capital” workshop is sponsored by the County of Maui, Maui Economic Development Board and Business Law Corps.

MEDB’s Technical Assistance Series is a grassroots effort to help small businesses establish strong systems, processes, tools and best practices to build a solid foundation for success.