October 22, 2004

Wanted: Life Science And Technology Companies In Need Of Funding
UCSD CONNECT Invites Companies Seeking
Funding To Apply For A Chance To Participate In
The 2005 Life Sciences And High-Tech Financial Forum

By Theresa Cervantes de Torres

The UCSD program in technology and entrepreneurship, is accepting applications from companies interested in presenting their technologies to capital providers at the CONNECT Life Sciences and High-Tech Financial Forum scheduled for April 2005. The Financial Forum helps technology-based companies prepare to raise venture capital to meet potential investors.

To be considered, companies must be privately owned and have already received venture capital or significant seed investment. Eligible companies must have technologies or products related to the life science or high-tech sectors, including software, Internet, electronics, computer hardware, telecommunications, therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, drug discovery instrumentation/software, and bioinformatics. Online applications will be accepted through January 17, 2005.

“The availability of capital to fund new innovation is one of the most important things CONNECT fosters,” said Duane Roth, CONNECT’s new executive director. “The CONNECT Financial Forum, created 21 years ago, continues to bridge the gap between promising companies and capital providers.
It’s an ideal way for companies to get exposure and engage a roomful of venture capitalists and potential investors. In turn, capital providers get access to 44 pre-screened companies with commercially viable technologies in one day.”

Companies undergo a rigorous screening process to be invited to present. Applicants who pass the initial screening process are required to make a dry-run presentation to a panel of professional service providers who work with technology companies. The process is designed to help companies develop and fine tune their presentations, ensuring that presentations are tailored to the Forum’s investor audience. The final presenters are selected only after the completion of both the screening and dry-run sessions. Selected participants will present at the Forum on April 14, 2005 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Presenters’ fees are $1,000 for CONNECT Members and $1,500 for non-members, which includes Forum admission for two representatives and one admission to a networking reception.

The 2004 Financial Forum attracted an audience of over 400 venture capitalists, investment bankers, private investors, and professionals from the life science and high-tech industries. Since 1995, companies participating in the financial and partnership forums have raised a total of over $5.8 billion, with more than 48% of the companies receiving funding.

Companies interested in participating in the 2005 CONNECT Life Sciences and High-Tech Financial Forum should complete an application no later than January 17. The 2005 Financial Forum will be held on April 14, 7:00 .am. - 7:00 p.m. at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, East Tower. Attendance is $375 for CONNECT members and sponsors, $475 for non-members, and $75 for the evening exhibit hall. For more information, call Nancy van Dillen at 858-964-1319, email nvandillen@ucsd.edu, or visit connect.org.

Media Contact: Theresa Cervantes de Torres (858) 964-1317
Financial Forum Contact: Nancy van Dillen (858) 964-1319