Entrepreneurs: Build your business at FIU’s AVCC

The 3^rd Annual Americas Venture Capital Conference seeks applications from promising South Florida and Latin American companies 

FIU’s 2012 Americas Venture Capital Conference is accepting applications from entrepreneurial companies that want to present their ventures to angel investors, venture capitalists and private equity professionals.

The two-day conference will take place December 13^th-14^th, 2012 at the JW Marriott Hotel on Brickell Avenue in Miami. The application deadline for presenting companies is Friday, September 14th, 2012.

Presenting companies will be chosen in two categories: Start-Up companies with the potential for positive gross margins that are looking to raise early stage funding; and Later Stage companies with strong growth potential and existing positive gross margins. The conference will also host global venture capitalists from Silicon Valley, New York City and Latin America looking to invest in the next big idea.

The focus of this year’s conference is Data, Design & Dollars. It will feature panels and keynote speakers discussing cloud computing and the influence of design in the user experience, as well as inside information on winning growth strategies from renowned experts and entrepreneurs.

Prizes for presenting ventures include:

• CP Capital Later Stage Company Prize:  $15,000 in investment banking services.
• CP Capital Start-Up Company Prize:  $10,000 in investment banking services.
• Miami Innovation Fund Start-Up Prize:  Standard term sheet for a $20,000 cash investment to be awarded to a company in the Start-Up track.
• The Tres Mares Innovation Prize: $10,000 in cash and an artistic rendition of innovation valued at over $5,000.

“The AVCC is a leader in creating growth and economic opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs and investors throughout the Americas,” said Jerry Haar, associate dean of FIU’s College of Business, director of the Pino Global Entrepreneurship Center and co-chair for the 2012 AVCC Conference. “The success of our past winners such as Open English, Pass the Notes and Consult a Doctor has shown the lasting value of the AVCC. We not only identify companies with potential, but foster the businesses of tomorrow.”

All ventures selected to present at the AVCC will receive individualized coaching from experienced entrepreneurs and financiers prior to presenting. Past presenting companies have found that mentoring and feedback they received at the AVCC has been instrumental in their ongoing efforts to raise capital.

For eligibility requirements, application details, speaker information and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.avcc.fiu.edu.