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Sustainability, Technology, and Entrepreneurship: The Future of Start-Ups

February 13, 2018, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location Feliciano School of Business - 101
Posted InCollege of Science and Mathematics

Are you interested in starting your own business, but not sure where to start? Funders representing a range of sectors including food innovation and technology will be speaking and will answer questions like:

  • Is it true that investment is finally moving away from Silicon Valley, or is that just a hype?
  • How can a startup get on the radar of a venture fund inside a billion-dollar company?
  • Is it easier to get angel and seed capital in 2018, and what is the best strategy for tapping into this funding?

When: Tuesday, February 13th, 2018. 6:00PM-8:00PM

Where: Montclair State University, Felciano School of Business.

  • Networking Portion: Rm. 140 (6:00PM-6:45PM)
  • Event: Rm. 101 (6:45PM-8PM)

Agenda for the night:

  • 6:00-6:45PM – Networking with free pizza
  • 6:45-7:00PM – Welcome remarks and 30-second pitches from the audience
  • 7:00-8:30PM – Introductory remarks by Steve Socolof, and then a panel discussion with audience Q&A

Panelists for this event include

  • Mario Casabona, angel investor and founder of TechLaunch
    • He is currently an entrepreneur and an active angel investor to startup companies. In 2012 he founded TechLaunch, and is committed to identifying and nurturing early stage tech ventures through mentoring, coaching, and providing access to resources and capital.
    • In 1982, he founded Electro-Radiation Inc., which was acquired by Honeywell International in 2004, where he stayed to be the Director of Electronic Protection until 2007.
    • Visit the Casabona Ventures website to learn more about Mr. Casabona.
  • Tom Mastrobuoni, CFO, Tyson Ventures and board observer of Beyond Meat
    • Tom is the CFO of Tyson New Ventures, the corporate venture capital division of Tyson Foods, where he is responsible for sourcing investment, valuing and monitoring the portfolio.
    • In addition, Tom is Board Observer for Beyond Meat, which is the producer of a plant-based meat substitute which can be found in chain restaurants like TGI Fridays and Bareburger.
    • Learn more about Mr. Mastrobuoni on LinkedIn
  • Steve Socolof, managing partner, Tech Council Ventures
    • has been a technology investor for 20 years, and a founding Managing Partner of New Venture Partners LLC since 2001. Steve raised $580 million across three funds. He focuses on investments in semiconductors, software, storage, and wireless technologies.
    • Steve is currently a director of EverSpin Technologies, GainSpan Corporation, NVMdurance, and Vasona Networks.
    • Learn more about Mr. Socolof on the Tech Council Ventures website
  • Joan Zief, investor, Golden Seeds
    • She is an active investor in early-stage and high-growth companies, and has been leading deals for Golden Seeds, a group of investors, that seek and fund high-potential, women-led businesses since 2008. Prior to working with Golden Seeds, Joan was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs. She is highly ranked on the Institutional Investor, “All American Research Team” for 10 years.
    • Learn more about Ms. Zeif on Golden Seed's website

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