More Straight Talk for Would-Be Faculty Entrepreneurs

May 7, 2010 — University of Virginia faculty members and researchers who have considered starting a company and want to learn more about raising capital and founding technology ventures are invited to attend the third installment of a new networking series on May 13.

"True Confessions of a Faculty Entrepreneur" features conversations with U.Va. faculty who have translated their research discoveries into successful start-up ventures.

The next "True Confession" will be that of Robin A. Felder, professor of pathology and associate director of clinical chemistry and toxicology. Felder will discuss the important steps involved in moving an idea from one's head to the point where it can raise various forms of capital, and he will share some important tips and lessons learned in his talk, "From Concept to Capital: How to Place the Odds in Your Favor."

His talk will be at 5 p.m. in Wilsdorf Hall, room 200. A networking reception will follow.

Felder has spun eight ventures out of U.Va., including WellAWARE Systems, which develops next-generation, technology-based wellness monitoring solutions for senior care, and Global Cell Solutions, which markets a novel cell culture technology to the stem cell market. WellAWARE Systems recently closed on a large growth capital round, and Global Cell Solutions has raised more than $1.5 million using local venture capital angels.

Those interested in attending must RSVP by May 11 to Crystal Ballif at crystal@uvapf.org. For information, contact David Chen at davidchen@virginia.edu or 434-243-7357, or see the flier.

The event is hosted by the U.Va. Office of Economic Development, the Office of the Vice President for Research, the Patent Foundation, the School of Medicine Office of Research, the T100 Program, the Wallace H. Coulter Translational Research Partnership, and the Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at U.Va.'s Darden School of Business.

The next "True Confessions" session will be held in the fall.