Mtech Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2006

MTECH Ventures Hosts University of Maryland Technology Start-Up Boot Camp
One-Day Workshop Covers How to Start Technology-Based Companies

COLLEGE PARK, Md.—The University of Maryland will host its annual Technology Start-Up Boot Camp on Friday, Nov. 3, at the Stamp Student Union Grand Ballroom, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Technology Start-Up Boot Camp, hosted by MTECH Ventures, is a comprehensive one-day workshop and networking event, taught by leaders in the regional entrepreneurial community, on how to successfully launch a technology-based company.

The event is open to the public, including faculty and students from the region, but requires registration at www.bootcamp.umd.edu. Last year, the Boot Camp attracted 518 registrants from 16 universities and the local business community.

“This event is the best opportunity for potential entrepreneurs in this region to get a detailed map drawn for them—by the people who know the way—for starting a new venture,” said James V. Green, associate director of MTECH Ventures’ Hinman CEOs entrepreneurship program. “It also gives attendees the chance, through our networking lunch, one-to-one mentoring, and breakout sessions, to connect with people who can guide and assist them in creating successful companies.”

Topics for the workshop include:

• Should You Take the Leap, by Brownell Chalstrom, Venture Partner, Avansis Ventures;

• What is Technology Entrepreneurship, by Jonathan Aberman, Managing Director, Amplifier Venture Partners;

• Incredible Idea or Real Business?by Andrew Scherer, CEO, Scherer Cybrarian Services;

• Teams, the Most Important Asset in a New Business, by Martin Knott, Managing Director, The Shepherd Group;

• Financing Your Venture, by Christopher Foster, Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and John P. (Jack) Hollerbach, President, HarVest Bank of Maryland; and

• Keys to Success, by Mark Kass, Member, Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo P.C.; Srinivas Mirmira, Associate, RedShift Ventures; and Anik Singal, CEO, Affiliate Classroom.

A specially designed networking lunch will feature a Boot Camp speaker at each standing table, so attendees can meet as many experts as possible.

The afternoon offers breakout sessions on intellectual property and authoring a business plan, by Fish & Richardson and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, respectively.

One-to-one mentoring by application only (requires registration at www.bootcamp.umd.edu) gives attendees personal advice on launching their companies.

The Technology Start-Up Boot Camp is sponsored by Fish & Richardson P.C.; Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo P.C.; the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development; and Administaff. Supporting organizations include the Greater Baltimore Technology Council, the Maryland Technology Council, the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, and the Entrepreneur Center@NVTC.

About MTECH Ventures (www.mtechventures.umd.edu)
MTECH Ventures, an initiative of the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute in the A. James Clark School of Engineering, provides cutting-edge entrepreneurship education to technology creators and stimulates venture creation by delivering a portfolio of services and resources to entrepreneurs committed to bridging the gap between technical ideas and viable ventures.

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