Category: PACT Press Releases

PACT Capital Conference 2019 Concluded with over $500,000 in Startup Funding

Amanda Nardi

PACT offered insights and opportunities for 1,000 attendees to succeed through collaboration, inclusion and access

PHILADELPHIA – September 30, 2019 – Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT) announced the results of the PACT Capital Conference 2019. After a full day of keynotes, featured company pitches, pitch sessions, an exclusive showcase and panel sessions, close to 1,000 attendees walked away with key insights, new connections and (for some) large amounts of investment commitments. After a full day of pitching, three companies were chosen from more than 40 featured company presenters to enter PACT’s inaugural Lion’s Den. Triple Bristle, Simply Good Jars and TrekIT Health pitched their innovations once more live in front of the conference audience to five highly successful entrepreneurs. Simply Good Jars received $350K and Triple Bristle received $225K from multiple Lion Investor commitments.

“A little over a half-million dollars in a little over an hour is not bad at all,” excitedly expressed Lion’s Den Moderator and NewSpring Capital General Partner, Marc Lederman, at the session’s conclusion. “We were thrilled to welcome David Adelman, Jonathan Brassington, Anthony Bucci, Katherine O’Neill and Richard Vague as our Lion Investors and we thank them for their outstanding commitments,” added Dean Miller, President & CEO of PACT.

The 2019 PACT Capital Conference offered exciting elements hyper-focused on company pitches and the relationships between investors and entrepreneurs. Among the attendees, an increased number of investors from all over the country (more than 50 from out of region) and pitching entrepreneurs from different parts of the globe joined the program. PACT hosted pitches from more than 40 featured companies; an exclusive showcase of Trice Medical (a successful mature-growth company); and 13 pitches from Social Impact, Student-Led and International entrepreneurs. The healthcare and technology tracks centered on everyday analytics for entrepreneurs, investing in healthcare startups beyond the seed-stage, and exploring the LP/GP relationship. Additionally, investors and entrepreneurs connected one-to-one in curated business meetings through the 2019 mobile app. All attendees were invited to take advantage of the PACTcapcon Co-Working Lounge, a quite space to work, answer emails, and take calls.

“Together with our 2019 Host, Duane Morris, we share a passion for Philadelphia, entrepreneurship and investment. Last week showcased our strengths on all fronts and in particular for a growing number of out-of-towners,” explained Dean Miller, “Our Conference Steering Committee’s contributions were many and showed in the execution of so many details.”

This year’s conference also featured keynote remarks from regional and national leaders: Natalie W. Nixon, PhD, President for Figure 8 Thinking, LLC, Creativity | Strategy | Innovation, and Brian Westbrook, Former Running Back for The Philadelphia Eagles, Investor for SeventySix Capital. Sal Paolantonio, National Correspondent for ESPN joined Brian onstage for a Q&A Session followed by a meet and greet with the former Philadelphia Eagle and fans.

To learn more, please contact Amanda Nardi Di Filippo at [email protected] or by phone at 609-790-6206. You can also learn more by visiting the conference website www.pactcapconf.com, Linkedin, Twitter (@PhilaPACT), Instagram and Facebook.

History of the PACT Capital Conference
The PACT Capital Conference has a long tradition of uniting key players from the private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurial communities. This day-and-a-half event offers both sponsors and attendees access to emerging companies from the Mid-Atlantic region, networking opportunities with the movers and shakers from the community, and educational panels and content sessions. As the oldest and most established venture conference in the Northeast, this conference draws more than 1,000 participants each year. It stands as the catalyst for billions of dollars in venture funding and entrepreneurial success. www.pactcapconf.com

About PACT
PACT’s vision is to be the go-to resource for fast growing companies, and a driver of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philadelphia region. PACT provides its members with valuable content and connections to capital, coaching, and customers that will accelerate their growth and success, and to collaborate with other organizations to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. www.philadelphiapact.com

Media Contact:

Amanda Nardi Di Filippo

609-790-6206

[email protected]

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Duane Morris to Host PACT Capital Conference 2019

Amanda Nardi

The 26th Annual Program will take place September 26 at XFINITY Live!

PHILADELPHIA, June 12, 2019: Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT) proudly announces Duane Morris LLP as host of the PACT Capital Conference 2019, and welcomes Duane Morris partners Sandra G. Stoneman and Richard L. Cohen as conference co-chairs.

PACT will offer a full day of content, speakers, networking and company pitches. Whether attendees are seeking capital, customers or connections, the opportunities to achieve this happen at the PACT Capital Conference on September 26.

“We are delighted to co-chair this preeminent conference that attracts entrepreneurs and investors from the greater Philadelphia area and the Northeast corridor,” said Stoneman. “The PACT Capital Conference brings together more than 1,000 people who are driving innovation and entrepreneurship throughout our region, and we’re thrilled to do our part to make that happen,” added Cohen.

About the Co-Chairs
Sandra Stoneman represents entrepreneurs, businesses and investors within the life sciences, med tech and digital health sectors in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financings and other strategic transactions. She also advises high-growth companies within these industries in transactional and governance matters from formation through exit, including founder and other stakeholder relationships, collaborations, licensing and partnering transactions, research and clinical trial agreements and other important commercial and operational arrangements. Stoneman is a team lead for the Duane Morris Life Sciences industry group and is co-chair of the Emerging Companies group. Stoneman is a graduate of Temple University School of Law and received her undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton.  

Richard L. Cohen concentrates his practice in the areas of venture capital/emerging companies, mergers and acquisitions, securities, private equity, general corporate law and business counseling. His client base includes a broad range of business entities, both public and private, including biotechnology and technology companies, venture capital firms, insurance companies, telecommunications companies, energy companies, and manufacturing companies. He is a team lead for the Duane Morris Insurance industry group and is co-chair of the Emerging Companies group. He is a graduate of New York University School of Law and received his undergraduate degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

About the PACT Capital Conference
Each year, the PACT Capital Conference connects the region’s best and brightest entrepreneurs to investors. But this program is something more. It will showcase mature companies from the Philadelphia region along with pitch sessions from international, university, and social impact entrepreneurs. It boils down to more capital opportunities for entrepreneurs and more potential investments for investors.

Before celebrating at the Gala Reception directly following, the conference will conclude with the fifth installment of the Lion’s Den, in which select companies will present to a panel of distinguished angel investors looking to write a check and power entrepreneurial ventures. Last year’s Lion’s Den resulted in more than $850K distributed in aggregate.

The PACT Capital Conference has a long tradition of uniting key players from the private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurial communities. This day-and-a-half event offers both sponsors and attendees access to emerging companies from the Mid-Atlantic region, networking opportunities with the movers and shakers from the community, and educational panels and content sessions. As the oldest and most established venture conference in the Northeast, this conference draws more than 1,000 participants each year. It stands as the catalyst for billions of dollars in venture funding and entrepreneurial success. www.pactcapconf.com


For the latest information, visit our website: www.pactcapconf.com, Linkedin, Twitter (@PhilaPACT), and Facebook.

About Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT)
PACT’s vision is to be the go-to resource for fast growing companies, and a driver of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philadelphia region. PACT provides its members with valuable content and connections to capital, coaching, and customers that will accelerate their growth and success, and to collaborate with other organizations to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. www.philadelphiapact.com

About Duane Morris

Duane Morris LLP provides innovative solutions to today’s multifaceted legal and business challenges through the collegial and collaborative culture of its more than 800 attorneys in offices across the United States and internationally. The firm represents a broad array of clients, spanning all major practices and industries.

Media Contact:

Amanda Nardi Di Filippo

609-790-6206

[email protected]

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PACT Recognizes Technology and Healthcare Innovation and Leaders in the Philadelphia Region at the 2019 Enterprise Awards

Amanda Nardi

Philadelphia, PA., May 13, 2019 – PACT, the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies, celebrated the Philadelphia region’s technology and healthcare innovators and leaders tonight at the 2019 PACT Enterprise Awards. The sold-out event recognized 29 outstanding individuals and organizations through nine competitive categories, as well as the Legend Award Honoree (Howard Ross, LLR Partners) and Digital Innovation Honoree (SEI).

“The Enterprise Awards continues to be the region’s most prestigious business awards program for technology and healthcare companies, leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Dianne Strunk, Vice President, PACT.  “We are so proud to award our local investors, entrepreneurs and businesses who are transforming healthcare, technology and their related fields worldwide.”

Judges sorted through more than 500 award submissions to select the 2019 Enterprise Awards winners:

In addition to the competitive award categories, PACT recognized Howard Ross of LLR Partners as the Legend Award Honoree for his impact on Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial and capital ecosystem throughout his career.  In 1999, Howard co-founded LLR Partners, a middle market private equity firm committed to creating long-term value by growing its portfolio companies.  Howard is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Agility Recovery Solutions, Key2Act, Numotion, Rapid Ratings and Rizing.

PACT also recognized SEI as the Digital Innovation award honoree for the launch of SEI Trade.  The web-based solution digitizes and streamlines the end-to-end processing of investor transactions and onboarding, while facilitating the review, approval, tracking and delivery of subscription documentation and investor data.

About Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT)

PACT’s vision is to be the go-to resource for fast growing companies, and a driver of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philadelphia region. PACT provides its members with valuable content and connections to capital, coaching, and customers that will accelerate their growth and success, and to collaborate with other organizations to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.  Please visit www.PhiladelphiaPACT.com for more information.

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Media Contact:

Kevin Jurrens

Broadpath

(215) 644-6504

[email protected]

PACT Announces Demo Pit Finalists for Phorum 2019

Amanda Nardi

Eight startups will vie for the Phorum Phorward and People’s Choice Award on April 4

Philadelphia, PA, March 19, 2019 – PACT, the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies, today

announced the eight finalists for the popular Demo Pit at Phorum 2019, its annual enterprise technology

strategy conference.  Since the inaugural event, past winners have gone on to raise more than $50M in capital, with three of the eight successfully completing exits to strategic acquirers.  Slyce was recognized with both the Phorum Phorward award and the People’s Choice award at Phorum 2018.

Phorum 2019: Becoming a Digital Disruptor – Re-Imagining Technology, Experiences and Talent will be held Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the SugarHouse Event Center.  Phorum 2019 draws industry thought leaders and hands-on practitioners to explore the perspectives of both attackers and incumbents across three key themes, emerging technology, hyper-personalized experiences, digital and AI talent, that will define which companies will win the digital disruption game.  To reserve your ticket, please click here. 

BENEFIX

Benefix pairs small businesses with a team of friendly and professional insurance brokers to help navigate the complex world of benefits through a totally digital experience.  Small businesses owners can now shop all their health insurance options, enroll and manage all their policies online. 

CROSSBEAM

Crossbeam is a collaborative data platform that helps companies build more valuable partnerships.  They act as an escrow service for data, allowing companies to find overlapping customers and prospects with their partners, while keeping the rest of their data private and secure.  Crossbeam connects to your existing CRM system and turns your partner ecosystem into a scalable, measurable growth channel. Common use cases include account mapping, lead qualification, attribution tracking, and more. 

DISTAT CO

Distat Co specializes in training software applications of physical systems including equipment, machine and devices using Augmented Reality technology.  Its product reduces training cost and time, improves job performance (productivity, accuracy and safety), and speeds up knowledge transfer at workplace.  Using user centered AR interface design, the product superimposes 3D model/animation or overlays instructions/guidance in the real-world environment, which makes training and learning more immersive, intuitive and interactive.  Distat provides solutions to address the knowledge gap and training challenges in the workplace. Today, the workforce has changed, with older generation retiring and leaving knowledge and experience gaps, and younger generation switching jobs more frequently and needing more on-the-job training. Therefore, organizations are constantly looking for ways to better transfer knowledge and provide efficient training. 

INCYBER

InCyber is an Israeli company that is changing the way organizations are dealing with insider threats, enabling companies to catch the malicious and non-malicious users hiding in their organization months in advance.  InCyber created the first cyber prediction solution that predicts insider threats by using both internal and external sources of information.  It allows InCyber to tell companies who are the users in its system that have a bright red light above their heads, who are at the highest risk level.  InCyber is the first company that they know of that does prediction of insider threats months in advance.  Its software is a standalone product that is not rule or agent based and has nearly zero false positives.  The software can be installed either on premises or on the cloud.  Its operations have been very successful so far on tens of thousands of employees and users’ screenings.  Oh, and the cost of the software is much less expensive than other software in the market.

MAXG

Marketers are drowning in data.  With so much information to process, they’ve become both overwhelmed by decisions and overcome by indecision.  The result is too much time wasted deciphering analytics, with no ROI to show for it.  MAXG is the world’s first B2B marketing and sales insight and recommendation engine.  MAXG (Marketing Advisor for eXponential Growth) turns your data into direction.  More than just another analytics dashboard, MAXG uses AI to deliver prioritized recommendations eliminating the guesswork from marketing and driving better and faster results.  Now marketing and sales leaders can skip the dashboards and go right to the action plan.

OPEN HEALTH NETWORK

Open Health Network is using blockchain and smart contracts to enable consumers to control and monetize their health information.  Powered by artificial intelligence and big data analytics, the company’s platform enables rapid development of mobile health applications and chatbots for patients, healthcare providers, payers and medical researchers.

SmarTECHS, LLC

SmarTECHS unlocks the full potential of frontline teams through a practical, secure and scalable industrial augmented reality solution.  Empower your field technicians to work safer, faster, smarter.    SmarTECHS is built on an IoT platform and is paired with industrial smart glasses to provide hands-free context relevant information.  SmarTECHS’ empower technicians with only the relevant information they need, ensuring the work is done precisely, without any guess-work.  Should technicians need support in the field, the Remote Expert solution brings a remote expert on site instantly with video call, screen and document sharing.  Typical clients see productivity increase by 20%, first time fix rate improvement up to 80%, drastic reduction in errors and guaranteed compliance and traceability.


YELLOWDIG

Yellowdig is a gamified social learning platform that naturally engages users, builds connections, and organically disseminates information through your entire organization or network.

About Phorum

Phorum is an annual technology strategy conference that gathers the nation’s leading minds and most innovative solutions around a single, trending topic. Hosted in Philadelphia, this intensive, one-day event includes insights from the nation’s most authoritative experts; up-close interaction with relevant technological solutions and learnings from business leaders with first-hand experience capitalizing on what is new. For more on Phorum or to purchase tickets for Phorum 2019, visit the Phorum website: https://philadelphiapact.com/phorum-philly/.

About Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT)

PACT’s vision is to be the go-to resource for fast growing companies, and a driver of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philadelphia region. PACT provides its members with valuable content and connections to capital, coaching, and customers that will accelerate their growth and success, and to collaborate with other organizations to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. www.philadelphiapact.com.

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Media Contact:

Kevin Jurrens

Broadpath

215 644-6504

[email protected]

Digital Disruption Takes Center Stage on April 4

Amanda Nardi

Digital disruption is well underway. On April 4, it takes center stage at Phorum 2019: Becoming a Digital Disruptor – Re-imagining Technology, Experiences, and Talent.

As Philadelphia’s premier enterprise technology conference, Phorum 2019 draws industry thought leaders and hand’s on practitioners to explore the perspectives of both attackers and incumbents across three key themes, emerging technology, hyper-personalized experiences, digital and AI talent, that will define which companies will win the digital disruption game.

Here’s what to expect at Phorum 2019 and why this event is a “must attend” for CIOs, CTOs and other business and technology executives focused on how enterprises can maximize the business value of specific technologies and innovation.

Re-imagining the Future of Work: How to Help Humans Thrive When They Work Alongside AI

Sam Stern, Forrester (Principal Analyst, Customer Experience Research Practice)

Companies must intentionally design their future employee experiences to harness the advancements of artificial intelligence (AI) and robots, while still ensuring a starring role for the humanity of their “flesh and blood” employees.  Forrester Principal Analyst Sam Stern will lay out the promise and the peril of integrating AI alongside humans and describe three principles for designing future employees experiences that ensure firms can attract and retain great human talent.

AI Breakthroughs (Cognitive)

Kevin Jestice, Vanguard | Mike Tirozzi, iRobot |Scott Snyder, Heidrick Consulting

According to Deloitte, 63% of enterprise executives say their AI initiatives are needed to catch up with rivals or at best, open a narrow lead.  This means AI is no longer in the experimental phase but is being thrust ahead as a strategic capability.  But the broad range of AI applications from Natural Language Processing and Chat Bots to Machine Learning and Autonomous Vehicles are creating enormous pressures on enterprises to choose where to invest in technology, talent and partnerships.  These investments must also consider the real ability of the organization to integrate the new ways of working that go along with AI-based applications.  This panel will explore some of the tough choices both startups and established enterprises are having to make in keeping up with the AI wave.

Blockchain/Security Breakthroughs (Trusted)

Ken Nessel, Pfizer | Jess Turner, Mastercard | Debjani Mohanty, NIIT Technologies | Oleksander Rivkind, SigmaLedger | Tim Coates, Synechron

Trust is the foundation for all businesses. Since the dawn of modern world, such trust is established and ensured by regulators, government agencies, consortiums, etc. to carry out business activities across various entities spanning multiple geographies. This business model enables secured business networks through central authorities, it results in business friction causing long transaction life cycle, delays, increased costs and inherent business risks. That’s one major reason why many business transactions are so expensive, inefficient and vulnerable. This panel of global Blockchain SMEs will explore the advancements in Blockchain technologies to enable ‘Trust’ and establish ‘Security,’ which in turn can disrupt and transform the current business models across major industries.

Hyper-Personalized Experiences Panel (Immersive) 

Abhi Ingle, AT&T Business | Brock Weatherup, Petco | Clemens Aichholzer, HireVue | Sam Stern, Forrester

Digital interactions are not just about web and mobile.  Experiences are being delivered across a broad range of touch points like interactive surfaces, voice agents, mixed reality and new modes of interaction like gestures, bio-sensing, and haptic feedback.  Personalization is no longer just about device and location, but also about situation, context, and emotion.  Companies must continue to evolve to meet the rising expectations of consumers to allow them to interact anywhere, anyway, and anytime.  This panel will explore how interactions are changing and how both incumbents and new entrants are innovating to keep pace.

Capstone Session – Rethinking Organizations and Talent

Stephen Bailey, ExecOnline | Claudia Crummenerl, Capgemini Invent

Some estimates put the relevant talent pool at around 2% of what will be needed for future digital organizations. This includes the 3D’s – Design, Development and Data Sciences as well as new skills that will emerge such as AI designers and product incubation managers. Attracting and developing these new skills and executing on new digital initiatives will require companies to rethink their talent models, organization design and culture.  In this world of gig talent, employees no longer work for companies, but rather companies work for employees.  This capstone panel will explore some of the key talent-related challenges and opportunities facing companies and their leaders in the era of digital disruption.

Join us in Philadelphia on April 4, for Phorum 2019 so you and your enterprise can benefit from both expert perspectives on accelerating technical developments and peer discussions on their transformative impact on existing industries and business models.

Visit the Phorum website to view the full agenda, confirmed speakers and to register today.

PACT to Recognize Howard Ross of LLR Partners as Legend Award Honoree at 2019 Enterprise Awards

Amanda Nardi

Finalists unveiled for nine competitive awards celebrating the success of the region’s technology and healthcare leaders and companies

Philadelphia, PA., February 22, 2019 – Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT) will recognize Howard Ross of LLR Partners as the Legend Award Honoree at the 2019 PACT Enterprise Awards on May 13, 2019.   This award is presented annually to an individual who has actively supported technology and innovation in the region through leadership and exemplary work.  In addition to Howard, PACT unveiled the names of the 27 finalists competing for nine prestigious awards.

“Howard’s impact on Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial and capital ecosystem is expansive and spans over four decades of dedicated effort,” said Dean Miller, CEO of PACT.  “At Arthur Andersen (now KPMG), Howard led their emerging growth company practice, and along with his “soul mate”, Steve Goodman, also a Legend honoree, he served countless entrepreneurs with sound, practical advice that led to many successes.  He then re-invented himself midcareer and established LLR Partners, one of the most prominent private equity firms in the region and beyond. In his 20 years at LLR, he continues to serve entrepreneurs not only with capital, but also sound advice and counsel that has always been his trademark.”

In 1999, Howard co-founded LLR Partners, a middle market private equity firm committed to creating long-term value by growing its portfolio companies.  With over 60 people based in Philadelphia, LLR invests in education, fintech, healthcare, industrial tech, security and software businesses.  LLR has raised more than $3.5 billion across five funds, providing equity capital for growth, recapitalizations and buyouts.  Howard is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Agility Recovery Solutions, Key2Act, Numotion, Rapid Ratings and Rizing.   Prior to forming LLR, Howard was the partner in–charge of Arthur Andersen’s Growth Company Practice in the Greater Philadelphia market. 

The Enterprise Awards remain the region’s most competitive and prestigious business awards.  Judges sorted through more than five hundred applications to select this year’s finalists.

Introducing the 2019 PACT Enterprise Awards finalists:

Healthcare Innovator (Sponsor:  Independence Blue Cross)

EIR Healthcare

Micro Interventional Devices

Tandigm Health

Healthcare CEO (Sponsors:  EY and Morgan Lewis Bockius)

Joseph Capper, BioTelemetry

Mel Sorensen, Galera Therapeutics

Navneet Puri, Nevakar

Healthcare Emerging (Sponsors:  RSM and SAP)

Allevi

Tridiuum

Vybe Urgent Care

Healthcare Startup (Sponsor:  Ben Franklin Technology Partners)

Bainbridge Health

Praeventix

Tmunity Therapeutics

Technology Company (Sponsor:  Comcast Business)

Accolade

Frontline Education

InstaMed

Technology CEO (Sponsor: Cozen O’Connor)

Ned Moore, Clutch

Chris McNabb, Dell Boomi

Andre Golsorkhi, SideCar

Technology Emerging (Sponsors:  Fox Rothschild and EisnerAmper)

AppBus

GURU

Phenom People

Technology Startup (Sponsors:  Broadpath and Pepper Hamilton)

Augean Robotics

DrayNow

NeuroFlow

Investment Deal

Capgemini

Essential Medical

Velicept Therapeutics

Tickets for the 2019 PACT Enterprise Awards are currently available.  Visit the PACT website for more information and to register. 

About Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT)   

PACT’s vision is to be the go-to resource for fast growing companies, and a driver of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philadelphia region. PACT provides its members with valuable content and connections to capital, coaching and customers that will accelerate their growth and success, and to collaborate with other organizations to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. www.philadelphiapact.com. 

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Media Contact:   

Kevin Jurrens  

Broadpath  

215 644-6504  

[email protected]  

PACT Capital Conference Concluded with $850,000 in Startup Funding

Amanda Nardi

PACT offered insights and opportunities for 1,000 attendees to succeed through collaboration, inclusion, and access

PHILADELPHIA – September 27, 2018 – Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT) announced the results of the PACT Capital Conference 2018. After a full day of keynotes, company pitches, panels and more pitches, close to 1,200 attendees walked away with key insights, new connections and (for some) investment dollars. This year’s Lion’s Den was like none other before it.  After a full day of pitching, three companies were chosen out of 37 featured company presenters to enter PACT’s inaugural Lion’s Den. Infantear, Grovara, and MNI pitched their innovations once more live in front of the conference audience to five highly successful entrepreneurs. All five “lion” investors offered a collective $850,000 to MNI.

“We are extremely proud of this year’s PACT Capital Conference and thankful to the investors of the Lion’s Den – Jonathan Brassington, Michael Forman, Michael Hagan, Arlan Hamilton and Richard Vague. The innovation and collaboration in the room were palpable. We are also appreciative of all of the entrepreneurs for sharing their vision with our investment community,” expressed Paul Marvel, Market Managing Partner for RSM US LLP, PA/S.NJ and Conference Co-Chairman.

The 2018 PACT Capital Conference offered exciting new elements, including an increased number of investors from all over the country and pitching entrepreneurs from different parts of the globe. PACT hosted pitches from 37 featured companies; six mature growth companies; and 13 pitches from Social Impact, Student-Led and Israeli entrepreneurs. The healthcare and technology tracks centered on the blockchain technology promise, breaking healthcare boundaries, and evolving technology exits. Additionally, entrepreneurs and investors connected one-to-one in curated business meetings through the 2018 mobile app. This year’s conference also featured keynote remarks from regional and national leaders: Arlan Hamilton, Backstage Capital Founder + Managing Partner and CEO + Co-Founder of Backstage Studio, Cindy Eckert Whitehead, Serial Entrepreneur with total exits exceeding $1.5B, Angel Investor, and Founder of the Pinkubator, and Alex Banayan, National Bestselling Author of The Third Door and Thought Leader on millennial trends for business.

“For the 25th year of the conference, we joined PACT and our fellow sponsors to showcase investors and entrepreneurs indicative of the robust emerging growth companies in our region,” commented Bob Fesnak, Partner, Management Consulting Leader, PA/NJ and Conference Co-Chairman.

To learn more, please contact Amanda Nardi at [email protected] or by phone at 609-790-6206. You can also learn more by visiting the conference website www.pactcapconf.com, Linkedin, Twitter (@PhilaPACT), and Facebook.

 

History of the PACT Capital Conference
The PACT Capital Conference has a long tradition of uniting key players from the private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurial communities. This day-and-a-half event offers both sponsors and attendees access to emerging companies from the Mid-Atlantic region, networking opportunities with the movers and shakers from the community, and educational panels and content sessions. As the oldest and most established venture conference in the Northeast, this conference draws more than 1,000 participants each year. It stands as the catalyst for billions of dollars in venture funding and entrepreneurial success. www.pactcapconf.com

 

About PACT
PACT’s vision is to be the go-to resource for fast growing companies, and a driver of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philadelphia region. PACT provides its members with valuable content and connections to capital, coaching, and customers that will accelerate their growth and success, and to collaborate with other organizations to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. www.philadelphiapact.com

 

Media Contact:

Amanda E. Nardi

609-790-6206

[email protected]

 

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PACT Invites 37 Companies to Compete for Venture Funding at 25th Anniversary Capital Conference

Amanda Nardi

PACT announces featured company presenters and names 2018 Lion’s Den Investors

Philadelphia, PA, September 11, 2018 – Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT) announced its 37 Featured Company Presenters and the distinguished panel of Lion’s Den investors. Hosted by RSM US LLP, the PACT Capital Conference unites the private equity, venture capital and entrepreneurial communities in the Mid-Atlantic region. For over 20 years, PACT has stimulated billions of dollars in venture funding and entrepreneurial success. Through a condensed one-day format, this year’s conference will open doors for all stages of rising success by laying the framework for companies seeking capital and customers.

PACT’s Featured Company presentations will break out into three industry tracks: Early-Stage, Healthcare, and Technology.

Early Stage Companies Healthcare Companies Technology Companies
Dash Solutions Aro Biotherapeutics Blogger Republik
Grovara Camber Spine Epilogue Systems
HootBoard Convetra Galactic Fog
Jenzy Group K Indico
Mine Vision Systems MNI Kickup
Narbis Oncora Medical Kognition
ShuttleBee Repisodic Make-Sense
STEM Lending Thermaquil Orai
Termaxia Vytalize Health Slyce
Traxyl PatientWing Tern Water
UniFi InfantEar Yellowdig
Vognition TBT Pharma VitalSines
WealthHub

NEW in 2018 Showcase: Six Successful, Mature Growth Companies

Healthcare Companies Technology Companies
Carisma Therapeutics DrayNow
Onkos Surgical Core Solutions
PisOxus Piano

The 37 Featured Company Presenters, which were selected from more than 150 applicants, will pitch their innovations live in front of investors, professional advisors and key decision makers on September 26. During the pitching hours, the featured companies will receive feedback with hopes to take home funding, gain experience and make lasting business connections. Additionally, each company will vie to enter the PACT Lion’s Den for a chance to receive funding in real time from a panel of accomplished investors.

“Bringing together these impressive Featured Companies with our PE, VC and entrepreneurial communities for the 2018 PACT Capital Conference, will provide exciting new capital investments and business growth opportunities the day of the event and beyond,” said Paul Marvel, RSM US LLP Market Managing Partner and 2018 Conference Co-Chair.

The conference will conclude with the fourth installment of the Lion’s Den, in which a few select companies will present to a panel of distinguished angel investors looking to write a check and power entrepreneurial ventures. Last year’s Lion’s Den resulted in more than $1 million distributed in aggregate.

PACT 2018 Lions

PACT welcomes back Jonathan Brassington and Michael Hagan to the 4th Annual Lion’s Den. The conference also includes new additions: Michael Forman and Richard Vague.

Jonathan A. Brassington is CEO of LiquidHub, A Capgemini Company. In March 2018, Capgemini acquired LiquidHub, a customer engagement transformation company, where Jonathan was the CEO and co-Founder.  Jonathan is a Wharton Fellow, is on the Board of Overseers of the Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering & Applied Science, is on the board of the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technology, is on the Board of Trustees at Misericordia University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics from Misericordia University and a master’s degree in telecommunications from the University of Pennsylvania.

Michael Forman is Chairman & CEO of FS Investments, an alternative asset manager headquartered in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard. Mr. Forman has been leading the company since founding it in 2007, when it was known as Franklin Square Capital Partners. FS Investments’ mission is to bring investors access to alternative sources of income and growth historically available only to large institutions and the wealthiest individuals. Today, the company has grown to more than 330 employees and manages approximately $25 billion in assets. Prior to founding FS Investments, Mr. Forman founded a private equity and real estate investment firm. He started his career as a corporate and securities lawyer. Mr. Forman is a member of a number of civic and charitable boards, including The Franklin Institute, Drexel University and the Philadelphia Center City District Foundation. He is also Chairman of Vetri Community Partnership.  Mr. Forman has also received a number of awards for his leadership and philanthropic contributions, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013, one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs in 2017, and Mural Arts Philadelphia’s 2017 honoree for his dedication to the city’s public art initiatives.

Michael Hagan is co-founder and Managing Partner of Hawk Capital Partners. Hawk Capital Partners, founded in December 2014, is a private equity firm focused on lower middle market businesses. Mr. Hagan has served as Chairman of the Board at Nutrisystem since April 2012. He served as Lead Director of the Board of Directors from February 2012 until his appointment as Chairman. Mr. Hagan is a seasoned and successful entrepreneur that has started or turned around three digital-centric businesses over the last twenty-five years. He served as President and CEO of LifeShield, Inc. from December 2009 until May 2014 where he repositioned the brand to become a leader in the fast-growing DIY sector while driving the company’s customer acquisition activities primarily through digital channels. LifeShield was acquired by DIRECTV in June 2013. Mr. Hagan currently serves as a Director at Franklin Square Investment Corp. (NYSE: FSIC) and a Director at St. Joseph’s University. He received a BS from St. Joseph’s University and was formerly a Certified Public Accountant.

Richard Vague is currently managing partner of Gabriel Investments, an early stage venture capital fund, and chair of The Governor’s Woods Foundation, a non-profit philanthropic organization. Previously, he was co-founder and CEO of Energy Plus, and also co-founder and CEO of two consumer banks, First USA and Juniper Financial. Richard currently serves on the University of Pennsylvania Board of Trustees and the Penn Medicine Board of Trustees, and on a number of business boards including the Franklin Square Energy and Power Fund. He is chair of FringeArts Philadelphia, chair of the University of Pennsylvania Press, and chair of the Abramson Cancer Center Development Leadership Council.  He is also on the boards of the Franklin Institute, the Museum of the American Revolution, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Visit Philadelphia. Richard is the author of The Next Economic Disaster, a book on the global economy, as well as a number of published articles on economic theory. He is editor of the blog delanceyplace.com, which focuses on non-fiction literature.

This year’s conference will bring together more investors and continue to highlight interesting panel sessions, keynote speakers, featured company presentations in healthcare and technology and The Lion’s Den. But this conference is something more.

We will also showcase mature companies from the Philadelphia region along with pitch sessions from international, university, and social impact entrepreneurs. This boils down to more capital opportunities for entrepreneurs and more potential investments for investors.

To celebrate its silver anniversary, PACT Capital Conference 2018 will be held at XFINITY Live! Philadelphia, culminating with the much-anticipated gala reception directly following the Lion’s Den. For the latest information, visit our website: www.pactcapconf.com, Linkedin, Twitter (@PhilaPACT), and Facebook.

 

History of the PACT Capital Conference
The PACT Capital Conference has a long tradition of uniting key players from the private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurial communities. This day-and-a-half event offers both sponsors and attendees access to emerging companies from the Mid-Atlantic region, networking opportunities with the movers and shakers from the community, and educational panels and content sessions. As the oldest and most established venture conference in the Northeast, this conference draws more than 1,000 participants each year. It stands as the catalyst for billions of dollars in venture funding and entrepreneurial success. www.pactcapconf.com

 

About Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT)
PACT’s vision is to be the go-to resource for fast growing companies, and a driver of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philadelphia region. PACT provides its members with valuable content and connections to capital, coaching, and customers that will accelerate their growth and success, and to collaborate with other organizations to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. www.philadelphiapact.com

 

Media Contact:

Amanda E. Nardi

609-790-6206

[email protected]

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Backstage Capital Founder & Thought Leader on Millennial Trends for Business Keynote 25th Anniversary PACT Capital Conference 2018

Amanda Nardi

Arlan Hamilton and Alex Banayan to share insights and leadership techniques on September 26

PHILADELPHIA, August 16, 2018: PACT announced today that Arlan Hamilton and Alex Banayan will deliver the keynote addresses at this year’s PACT Capital Conference on September 26 at Xfinity Live! Philadelphia. The Breakfast Keynote (interviewed by Michelle Caffrey of the Philadelphia Business Journal), Arlan Hamilton, leads Backstage Capital as Founder + Managing Partner while also working as CEO + Co-Founder of Backstage Studio. The Luncheon Keynote, Alex Banayan, is the author of national bestseller The Third Door and was named “World’s Youngest Venture Capitalist” by Fortune Magazine.

“We are honored to have Arlan Hamilton share her journey with us at the 2018 PACT Capital Conference,” said Paul Marvel, conference co-chair and Market Managing Partner of hosting firm RSM US LLP. “Arlan’s experience facing adversity and building a successful venture capital fund that bridges gaps in the capital community will bring an inspirational perspective to the conference.”

“We are also excited to hear insights from Alex Banayan, amassed through his time with many of the world’s most well-known and successful innovators,” added Robert Fesnak, conference co-chair and Partner at RSM US LLP. “As a thought leader on entrepreneurship and excellence in business, Alex is a high energy speaker not to be missed.”

More about our keynote speakers:

Arlan Hamilton built a venture capital fund from the ground up, while homeless. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, a fund that is dedicated to minimizing funding disparities in tech by investing in high-potential founders who are of color, women, and/or LGBT. Started from scratch in 2015, Backstage has now invested nearly $5m into over 80 startup companies led by underestimated founders. Read Arlan’s full biography.

Alex Banayan is the author of national bestseller The Third Door, which chronicles his five-year quest tracking down Bill Gates, Lady Gaga, Warren Buffett, Maya Angelou, Steven Spielberg, Jane Goodall, Steve Wozniak, Jessica Alba, Larry King, and dozens more of the world’s most successful people to uncover how they broke through and launched their careers. Banayan has been named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, Business Insider’s Most Powerful People Under 30, and been featured in major media including Fortune, Forbes, Businessweek, Bloomberg TV, Fox News, and CBS News. Read Alex’s full biography.

Through a newly condensed one-day format, this year’s conference will open doors for all stages of rising success by laying the framework for companies seeking capital and customers. For 25 years, PACT has stimulated billions of dollars in venture funding and entrepreneurial success. 2018 will foster that growth by increasing the number of featured companies and by honing in on their diversity. This means more opportunities for entrepreneurs and more connections for investors, all by showcasing Philadelphia’s investment activity to the larger Mid-Atlantic region.

The PACT Capital Conference 2018 will conclude with the fourth installment of the Lion’s Den, in which a few select companies will present to a “Shark Tank-like” panel of distinguished angel investors looking to write a check and power entrepreneurial ventures. Last year’s Lion’s Den resulted in more than $1 million distributed in aggregate.

 

To celebrate its silver anniversary, PACT Capital Conference 2018 will be held at XFINITY Live! Philadelphia, culminating with the much-anticipated gala reception directly following the Lion’s Den. For the latest information, visit our website: www.pactcapconf.com, Linkedin, Twitter (@PhilaPACT), and Facebook.

 

History of the PACT Capital Conference
The PACT Capital Conference has a long tradition of uniting key players from the private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurial communities. This day-and-a-half event offers both sponsors and attendees access to emerging companies from the Mid-Atlantic region, networking opportunities with the movers and shakers from the community, and educational panels and content sessions. As the oldest and most established venture conference in the Northeast, this conference draws more than 1,000 participants each year. It stands as the catalyst for billions of dollars in venture funding and entrepreneurial success. www.pactcapconf.com

 

About Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT)
PACT’s vision is to be the go-to resource for fast growing companies, and a driver of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philadelphia region. PACT provides its members with valuable content and connections to capital, coaching, and customers that will accelerate their growth and success, and to collaborate with other organizations to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. www.philadelphiapact.com

 

Media Contact:

Amanda E. Nardi

609-790-6206

[email protected]

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