Seattle, WA – August 19th, 2015 – Keiretsu Forum Northwest, a fast growing region of the world’s largest angel investing group, hosted its Angel Capital Expo last Thursday at Microsoft. The Expo hosted over 250 Angel Investors, 34 community partners, and featured presentations from 15 start-up companies who came from all over the United States and Canada. Keiretsu has announced that the companies, varied from funds to new technologies, received a total of 592 explicit expressions of interest from potential investors.
“What makes the northwest a special place for angel investing is the abundance of entrepreneurs and capital” said Northwest Region Chairman, Nathan McDonald. McDonald is also the CEO of Keiretsu Capital, LLC, which manages a Co-Investment & Opportunity Fund affiliated with Keiretsu Forum that has already backed five of the companies that presented at last week’s Expo. The fund announced the final closing of its first fund in early July at just over $6 million. The fund invests in early stage technology companies that are being backed by Keirestu Forum and other leading angel investing groups around the world.
At the Expo, the winner of the “Most Valued Company” award, given to the company that was given the most imaginary “funds” by Expo attendees, was Operative Experience Inc., which creates the world’s first high fidelity physical simulators in which surgeons can perform hands-in-the-body operations using standard surgical instruments. The two runners up for the award were Abom, Inc. and LumiThera.
“I am honored to be selected as the Most Valued Company. There were 15 strong companies, each with compelling stories, and to be singled out was a thrill. Operative Experience will impact healthcare worldwide, and our partnership with Keiretsu’s seasoned investors will be a key to our success and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share our story”, stated Mick Navin, CEO.
Keiretsu’s northwest region is also celebrating its ten year anniversary next month. The region announced funding of $192 million for 302 companies by northwest members since it began in 2005. McDonald announced that the region has totaled 34 individual investments totaling in $28.2 million in funding for companies through June so far this year.
About Keiretsu
Keiretsu Forum is the largest global investment network with 39 chapters and over 1,550 accredited private equity investors, venture capitalists and corporate/institutional investors. Forum members invest in high-quality, diverse investment opportunities. The community is strengthened through its involvement in social and charitable activities.
Contact: Sherry Zins Calvert, President, Keiretsu Forum Northwest / sherry@keiretsuforum.com
