LOGAN, Utah (May 8, 2006) - Cache Valley's Venture Accelerator Club (VAC) and Grow Utah Ventures from Ogden announced the formation of a network partnership to expand venture possibilities across Utah.
"This partnership is a huge expansion of networking and matching of entrepreneurs and angel investors in Utah." said Steve Kubisen, vice president of Utah State University Technology Commercialization Office and VAC member.
Alan Hall, Founder and Chairman of Grow Utah Ventures and a leader in the movement to organize new angel investor groups, was excited about the partnership and looking forward to the opportunities available as a result of combining these clubs in Utah.
"We want to build networks between all five of the Angel organizations in Utah," said Hall. "By doing this we hope to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit throughout Utah, and ultimately build Utah's economy."
The network has already begun to show results. Several members of the Cache Valley VAC have already made investments in projects they were introduced to through the partnership.
"There is much entrepreneurial spirit in this region," said Steve Kubisen, vice president of the Technology Commercialization Office and VAC member. "These Angel clubs provide a forum where inventors and entrepreneurs can share ideas and possibly have those ideas become something substantial."
The purpose of VAC is to provide a forum for entrepreneur support, networking activities and investing opportunities. Proposals of ideas and business plans can be submitted to VAC for review. If accepted, the entrepreneur/inventor will be able to present their ideas to Club members at meetings.
VAC and the Ogden based Grow Utah Ventures will consider proposals for technology-based businesses emanating from USU and other regional universities, as well as business proposals from the general public in Utah. The association of the Cache Valley group with Grow Utah Ventures also provides access to the Salt Lake City based Olympus Angels, the Provo based Utah Angels and St. George's Angel Club.
The Club meets quarterly. Proposals for potential presentation to the VAC can be sent to Steven J. Kubisen, Technology Commercialization Office, Utah State University Research Foundation, 570 Research Parkway, Suite 101, North Logan, UT 84341, or tco@usurf.usu.edu <
