TECH Fort Worth Impact Awards 2014 Vol. 2014 | Page 25

rams >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> customized program based on client needs, Acceleration Program clients also spend time with others in the growing angel network in Texas.   In an era when venture capital groups are reluctant to fund program to share experiences, wisdom, and resources early-stage start-ups, angels are a necessary funding option through monthly meet-ups and quarterly CEO Retreats. that keeps the start-up environment thriving. Our community hosts a large pool of high-net-worth individuals with business experience who are looking for investment opportunities and who enjoy being involved with entrepreneurial ventures. Cowtown AngelsTM provides a forum for such individuals to TECH Nest cooperatively source and vet deal flow. TECH NestTM is the “watering-hole” of the emerging technology community in North Texas. Designed to connect technology entrepreneurs and advocates in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, this program allows these groups to easily engage one another, seek advice, and socialize. Tech Nest™ consists of working lunches with Breakthrough The goal of the BREAKTHROUGH Program is to assist topics critical to technology startups and networking university faculty in identifying and communicating the events that allow entrepreneurs to meet local experts on value of their intellectual property in order to attract early an informal basis as they enjoy peer-to-peer networking. stage stakeholders and adopters. It helps the researcher identify a pain statement that the technology hopes to solve, where the technology “fits” in the market space, potential applications for the technology, potential licensees, and key benefits and differentiators of the technology. In addition, this program may create an environment which can give rise to unique collaborations and commercial opportunities across multiple universities. Cowtown Angels Cowtown AngelsTM was started in September 2012 to Participants are only allowed entry into the program via referrals from their university’s technology transfer office. provide a connection between technology entrepreneurs Each technology transfer office can set their own entry and local angel investors. Its dual motive is to help early criteria for their referrals to the program. TECH Fort stage companies get connected with local angel investors Worth requires that there be protection in place for the with the goal of creating more jobs and wealth in our intellectual property being worked local community. The program is the newest and fastest on in the sessions. Tech Fort Worth ›› 2014 Impact Awards 25