Call for Presenting Companies: Florida Venture Forum to Host 10th Annual Florida Early Stage Capital Conference

Orlando, FL (March 1, 2017) –The Florida Venture Forum is calling for early stage companies to apply to present at the 2017 Florida Early Stage Capital Conference at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, on May 19, 2017.The Conference, now in its tenth year, is one of the largest gatherings of angel and early stage investors in the Southeast, and features panel discussions, speakers, and presentations by some of Florida’s fastest growing private companies.

In addition to the opportunity to present before an audience of active equity investors, presenting companies meeting designated criteria will compete for the Accelerating Innovation (AI) Award, offered by Space Florida. The AI Award offers cash prizes totaling $150,000 ($75,000 for the Winner, $50,000 for Second Place and $25,000 for Third Place) to eligible Florida companies, and companies seeking to relocate or establish presence in Florida.
Presenter applications will be reviewed and companies chosen by a selection committee made up of active angel and early stage equity investors. Presenter and AI Award eligibility criteria, and full conference details, may be found on the Forum’s website (www.flventure.org).

‍THE FINAL APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 18, 2017. Early submissions are welcomed and encouraged.

Florida Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition

‍In conjunction with the Early Stage Capital Conference, the Florida Venture Forum’s Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition will be throughout the day on May 19th. Teams from colleges and universities from across Florida will compete before a panel of judges for prizes and recognition. Details are available on the Forum’s website

.About Space FloridaSpace Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace and spaceport development authority, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov‍

About Florida Venture Forum
‍The Florida Venture Forum is Florida’s largest statewide support organization for investors and entrepreneurs, helping emerging Florida companies connect with sources of capital from across the country. The organization provides programs statewide throughout the year in addition to hosting the Florida Venture Capital Conference, the Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition and the Early Stage Capital Conference. www.flventure.org

‍Media Contact
Sara Shell, Space Florida Public Relations Coordinator
Telephone: 321-730-5301 ext. 221
Email: sshell@spaceflorida.gov