This will be an afternoon of learning about investment opportunities in our great state, from angel funds to public companies. You will hear first-hand success stories from Montana companies and develop an understanding of the regulatory framework surrounding capital formation. Remember, doing things the right way protects not only your interests but also the investors. We will have additional focus this year on raising capital from the business side with information on topics like preparing to raise capital, trademarks, patents, trade secrets and intellectual property.
Tickets are $50 and include lunch, an afternoon of learning, networking, and hosted social hour.
Lunch/Welcome Commissioner Troy Downing & Philip Brittan, CEO/CTO/Innovator/Investor/Advisor, Former Vice President at Google
12:45 pm
Protecting Your Ideas Throughout the Capital Formation Process (1 CLE) This session will discuss how startups can protect their brand. Lawyers specializing in intellectual property, trademarks, and patents will discuss the ins and outs of protecting your trade secrets and business. —Kirsten Madsen, CSI Interim Deputy Securities Commissioner & CSI Attorney, Moderator —Katie Sullivan, Intellectual Property Attorney, Katherine E. Sullivan, PLLC —Antoinette Tease, Patent Attorney, Antoinette M. Tease, PLLC —David Cromwell, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP
1:45 pm
Taking on Debt: Accessing Finance for Your Startup This session will highlight the results of two recent studies of funders and small businesses across Montana conducted by Accelerate Montana and Catalyze Global Impact LLC. Key findings include funding trends, decision making criteria for funders, and lessons learned by businesses seeking funding. —Dr. Jennifer Isern, CFA/CEO, Catalyze Global Impact, LLC
2:30 pm
Break
2:45 pm
Small Business and Startup Experiences Various businesses will detail their own startup experience, including where to focus energy, how to find appropriate investors, and how to navigate hurdles. A range of businesses and experiences are represented on this panel. Some have worked with the CSI in some capacity along their startup journey. —Commissioner Troy Downing, Montana State Auditor, Moderator —Alex Kutches, Outdoor Industry Executive: Past President Mystery Ranch and Outdoor Research, Past Director of Sales Marmot —Lyndsay Gutierrez, Steering Chair, Montana Food Hub —Jason O’Neil, Co-Founder, The Sidecar —Avanlee Christine, Founder/CEO, Avanlee Care
3:40 pm
Break
3:50 pm
Capital Connections: Personal Dialogue with Legal, Insurance, Accounting, and Banking Professionals In this interactive, speed-dating-style breakout session, we will talk with key personnel involved in the capital formation process. These interactive sessions are intended to be conversational as opposed to presentations and will be tailored to the needs of the attendees. —Insurance: Dan Rust, Insurance Agent, State Farm Insurance —Accounting: Colin Johnson, Managing Director, Wipfli & Zac Liermann, Manager, CPA/ABV, Wipfli —Banking: Chris Romano, Non-Depository & Administrative Bureau Chief, Montana Division of Banking & Financial Insitutions —Legal: Charlie Cromwell, Managing Partner, Cromwell Law, PLLC
5:00 pm
Closing Remarks followed by sponsors social hour
*Subject to change and additional details coming soon.
