Supporting Success in Our 15th Year

A Letter From the Chair...

By Amar V. Kapur '65
WPI Venture Forum Chair

T he WPI Venture Forum continues to support entrepreneurial success stories as we enter our 15th year. Our programs are designed to help technology entrepreneurs start and run successful companies. Our speakers include economists, investors, and CEOs of large, medium, and small corporations who share their vision and the secrets of their company's growth and success. We bring case presenters from high technology companies to share the challenges they face and the solutions their companies find to keep on growing.

During the "Spotlight on Entrepreneurs," members of our audience can take advantage of practicing their one-minute elevator pitch to summarize their high technology business plan. Our website contains suggestions on how to structure the pitch. The WPI Venture Forum is here to help technology entrepreneurs refine and define their ideas, learn how to build a successful team, and where to look for appropriate funding. And we have a cadre of seasoned venture funding managers and service providers to give entrepreneurs the competitive edge for presenting a sound business plan.

This season we will continue our networking sessions at several company sites to acquaint you with our region's latest technology and innovations. Another great offering of the WPI Venture Forum is the well-received weekly radio talk show on Saturday evenings. Listen in and take an opportunity to tell your story and field questions from a wider audience of listeners. And now, past shows can be downloaded through our podcasts.

It's a good economic environment for start-ups and growing businesses. The current acquisition and mergers climate has been a bonanza the venture firms to exit their holdings at much higher valuation coupled with a high number of deals.

This year, the WPI Venture Forum will offer even more ingredients to make and execute successful ventures. But don't keep this secret to yourself. Bring a guest! Spread the word to your friends and colleagues of the exciting WPI Venture Forum programs, speakers, and networking events that start again this fall.

I am looking forward to welcoming you and your guests at our September meeting.