Government, researchers, innovators and investors to collaborate for Tasmanian innovation at Funding Connect Tasmania 2010

Investors, government and research partners will come together to explore funding opportunities for innovative Tasmanian companies at Funding Connect Tasmania 2010, on Thursday 4th March, 2010.

Funding Connect Tasmania 2010 is a true collaboration, bringing together organisations including: the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts; the University of Tasmania; AusIndustry; Tasmania Chamber of Commerce and Industry and CSIRO.

Funding Connect Tasmania 2010 is a recognition of the need for Tasmanian companies to know more about how they can grow their business. The event will provide information on the funding options that exist and the partnerships, mentors and alliances which can eventuate for young Tasmanian innovators.

Following on from the highly successful Angel Connect 2008, Funding Connect Tasmania 2010 brings together successful entrepreneurs and leading investors, innovative companies, government and research partners.

One of Australia’s leading investors and successful entrepreneurs, Bill Bartee, is delighted to be speaking at Funding Connect Tasmania 2010. Bill will share his knowledge of co-founding three successful businesses and taking numerous other businesses global in his role as founding partner and Managing Director of Southern Cross Venture Partners.

Bill Bartee commented: "Funding Connect Tasmania is a great chance to meet Tasmanian innovators. As an entrepreneur the more you know, and themore advice you can get – especially early on – the better."

Polly McGee, Business Development Manager with the University of Tasmania and a speaker at Funding Connect, said: "Funding Connect boasts a wealth of experience on all aspects of the funding process, whilst also providing a space for government, research, innovators and investors to engage. It is an unparalleled chance for investors and entrepreneurs alike."

Other speakers include Darren Alexander, CEO of Autech; John Dyson, Investment Principal, Starfish Ventures and David Henderson, Managing Director, UniQuest.

Funding Connect Tasmania 2010 offers an invaluable opportunity for those interested in funding opportunities as well as commercialisation, grants and partnerships to get an insider’s perspective on the current industry environment. The event sheds light on all stages of the investment process and offers a chance for networking and industry engagement.

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For more information, or to request speaker interview or photography, please contact:

Claire Hansen/Carla Glavonjic
SlatteryIT
(02) 9280 3677

About Funding Connect Tasmania:
Funding Connect Tasmania, made possible by partners including the University of Tasmania, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts, AusIndustry, CSIRO and the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a chance for entrepreneurs to learn about funding options, and provides a space for government, research, innovation and investment to connect.

When: Thursday 4th March, 2010

Time: 12.00pm - 6.30pmVenue: CSIRO Tasmanian ICT Centre Auditorium, Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania

Cost: $220 inc. GST (50% discount for entrepreneurs and employees of public funded research institutions & start-ups)

Speakers include:
- Darren Alexander - CEO, Autech
- Bill Bartee - Managing Director, Southern Cross Venture Partners
- Dr. Darren Cundy – Executive Manager, Australian Growth Partnerships, CSIRO
- Emily-Jayne Drew - Senior Program Manager, Business Programs, Department of Economic Development, Tourism and The Arts
- John Dyson - Investment Principal, Starfish Ventures
- David Henderson - Managing Director, UniQuest
- Polly McGee - Business Development Manager, University of Tasmania Research Office Commercialisation Unit
- Nick McNaughton - CEO, Blue Cove Ventures
- Matthew Michalewicz - CEO, SolveIT Software
- Fiona Pak-Poy - General Partner, Innovation Capital