Learn the basics of writing a short business plan from a panel of leading entrepreneurs/investors. This free bootcamp, presented by The Miami Herald, will include tips, investor insights and question-and-answer time. This information will be helpful whether you are starting your first business plan, refining the plan you already have or getting ready to pitch to investors. You do not have to be entering the Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge to attend the bootcamp, but of course we hope you do!
What: Miami Herald Business Plan Bootcamp
When: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Miami Dade College, Chapman Conference Center, Building 3, second floor, Wolfson Campus
Presenters:
• Melissa Krinzman, co-founder of Krillion Ventures, a new $50 million venture capital fund that invests in emerging technology companies; founder of Venture Architects, which has worked with 900 companies that have raised more than $1 billion in investment capital.
• Leandro Finol, entrepreneur, investor, professor and executive director of Idea Center, Miami Dade College. His first business in the United States was DIREC4U, a company he grew to $76 million in revenue in six years and sold in 2007.
• Steven McKean, founder and former CEO of Acceller, which he grew to 300 employees before selling to Bridgevine last year, and founder of other technology companies, startup advisor and investor.
• Adam T. Smith, partner of Medina Capital, a private equity firm investing in growth-stage tech companies, who has more than 17 years of legal executive experience. He is responsible for sourcing potential investment opportunities and advising portfolio companies.
• Benoit Wirz, director of venture investments, Knight Foundation, where he manages Knight Enterprise Fund that invests in startups that improve access to quality information. Former partner of US Global, where he invest in and developed energy, manufacturing and tech companies.
Cost: Free (free parking is available in the MDC lot at 500 NE 2nd Avenue — entrances are on NE 5th and 6th Streets) but registration required: http://hrld.us/bootcamp. Walkins welcome if there is space after 6:30 p.m.
Questions? Email Nancy Dahlberg at ndahlberg@miamiherald.com