Local Brain Trust Surveys 2016 Startup Funding Picture

Square One DSM Hosts Panel Discussion

February 17, 2016 @ 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

"We want to explore the landscape for startup funding in 2016," Mike Colwell explained of the February Startup Stories luncheon. Colwell, Executive Director of Square One DSM and Co-Founder of Plains Angels is particularly struck by the mixed messages he sees; with the Angel Resource Institute reporting that angel rounds were up last year on the one hand, and Fred Wilson of Union Square Ventures seeing Venture Capital on the decline on the other. On top of that conflict, there is also mounting evidence that valuations are trending down as well.

"So what is the truth? Is it both or is it neither, and more importantly how does it apply to the Midwest as we are often insulated from the coastal volatility in the investment market," Colwell asked. "We will drill down on this question and try to provide some insights for the Central Iowa Entrepreneurial Community," he promised. Towards that end, his considerable experience will be well complimented by the group he had gathered for the February discussion.

Joining Colwell will be JD Geneser of LWBJ Capital Advisors, Matt Busick of River Glen Private Capital, Sheldon Ohringer, Angel Investor and Serial Entrepreneur, and Eric Lohmeier of NCP Investment Banking. In addition, Colwell fully expects the audience to be populated with other local investors and investment counselors and for the second half of the hour-long event to be a discussion of the committee of the whole.

Whether you are a VC, an Angel, an Entrepreneur or simply want to better understand this emerging segment of the evolving Iowa economic landscape and its near term future, this event is a must for your calendar.

Scheduled Panel Participants

JD Geneser is a more than 25-year veteran in business and financial operations with multiple executive positions in both private and publicly traded companies and with considerable experience in mergers and acquisitions as well as capitalization.

Matt Busick brings more than 16 years of financial planning experience to the discussion. With degrees from Northwestern University and The University of Iowa. Matt founded his current firm and for seven years has focused on helping clients realize their life goals. That mission has included a stint on the board of directors for Emerging Growth Group, a Des Moines based business incubator and continues to include his role as Manager of River Glen Private Capital.

Sheldon Ohringer is a senior statesman and mainstay of the Central Iowa entrepreneurial community. Currently seeking his next adventure, Ohringer last served as CEO of Caleris, a technology based help desk provider. His credentials for a seat at the table are too numerous to list but include; board member of the Technology Association of Iowa, member of Plains Angels, past executive board member of Ctek Angels, past commissioner of the Colorado Commission of Science and Technology as well as multiple executive positions in the corporate communications industry.

Eric Lohmeier offers 20 years of investment banking experience, is past president of the CFA Society of Iowa and is a frequent lecturer for graduate and undergraduate classes at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and Simpson College on topics of finance including investment banking.

Event Info

$15 admission fee (includes lunch) or free (if you don't want lunch).
Networking and Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m.
Presentation starts at Noon
February 17, 2016

Greater Des Moines Partnership
700 Locust Street, Suite 100
Conference Center (street level)

Contact us at info@squareoneDSM.com for more information.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Square One DSM

Square One DSM's mission is to connect entrepreneurial needs with qualified community and state resources and to provide guided professional and business direction. Square One DSM helps entrepreneurs maximize their successes by helping them navigate resources, strengthen knowledge, improve skills, form strategic alliances and secure proper capitalization.