Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
9/18/2008

“Perspectives on Venture Capital” – An overview of venture capital in the Midwest and perspectives on the process from both sides of the table.

Speakers include:
*Paul Batcheller of Prairie Gold Venture Partners (Sioux Falls) a venture capital fund, with two funds under management, targeting the Midwest. Paul will share his perspective on the capital markets in the Midwest and his experiences investing in Omaha.

*Darren Blakely of Transcentrix, which successfully attracted venture capital from outside the region, grew the company and achieved a successful exit event. Darren, who with his partners is on to his next start-up, Vendorin, will share his experiences on attracting capital to Omaha, expanding a company and positioning for a sale.

*Dave Glover of Game Plan Technologies, an Omaha company that is backed by Prairie Gold. Dave, who was recruited to Omaha from the east coast, will share his perspective on operating as a venture-backed company as well as his impressions of operating an early stage company in Omaha.

Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine St. in Omaha

5:30 p.m. -- Reception with complimentary beer, wine and sodas
6:15 p.m. -- Dinner
7 - 8 p.m. -- Business program

Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
10/9/2008

“Private Equity Discussion” – An overview of private equity, how it differs from venture capital and in what situations it can be best applied, as well as perspectives on how the local market compares to other regions.

Speakers include:
*Jeff Hanson of fundless sponsor, Denargo Capital (Denver). Jeff, based in Omaha, works with Denargo to organize and lead private equity transactions. As a former venture capitalist with an early stage life sciences fund in Ohio, Jeff will also contrast the two types of investing and share his perspective on the evolution of the local market.

*David McLeese of First Capital Partners, the private equity affiliate of First National Bank of Omaha. David, also a former venture capitalist, will discuss the various forms of private equity, including fundless sponsors, equity investors and mezzanine providers.

Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine St. in Omaha

5:30 p.m. -- Reception with complimentary beer, wine and sodas
6:15 p.m. -- Dinner
7 - 8 p.m. -- Business program

Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
11/13/2008

“Angel Capital in Nebraska” – An overview of seed and start-up stage investing by high net worth individuals (a/k/a angels) in Nebraska.

Speakers include:
*Individual angel investors from the local area
*Representatives of the Nebraska Angels, a collection of angels that have teamed up to review and pursue seed and start-up investments.
*Representatives of Invest Nebraska, a non-profit focused on fostering more angel investing and venture capital activity within the state.

Cornhusker Hotel, 333 S. 13 St., Lincoln

5:30 p.m. -- Reception with complimentary beer, wine and sodas
6:15 p.m. -- Dinner
7 - 8 p.m. -- Business program