Tech-on-Tap

The Future of: Business & Finance – Angel & Venture Capital


Event Details


The Future of: Business & Finance

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About Tonight’s Event

Topic: The Future of: Business & Finance – Angel / Venture Capital

April 13th, 2022

Myriad Opens is 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Come and go any time.

Food Truck and Beverages available for purchase.

Our event begins at 5:00 p.m.

Panel begins at 6:00 p.m.

Panelists: Aaron Gillum – 50 South Capital, Eric Steele – Elevate Ventures, Patrick Henshaw – Render Capital

The businesses which will drive prosperity in the future are increasingly based on quite different models. Many are substantially  digital and may have most of their value based on intellectual property rather than tangible assets. Many face development hurdles which in turn delay cashflow from sales forcing losses, sometimes for years. Often the founders of these businesses are relatively young and have not yet accumulated significant personal net worth.

Commercial banks are traditionally one of the most important sources of startup capital for new businesses. Banks have a duty to their shareholders and their regulators to only make loans they expect to have repaid. To assess risk and satisfy this duty banks look to the three C’s of credit: Cashflow, Collateral and Capacity (personal net worth).

Traditional sources of capital are difficult if not impossible for innovation based startups to access. How to solve the problem? Join us as our panel explores The Future of: Business & Finance

About our Panelists:

Aaron Gillum is Senior Vice President at 50 S Capital, a boutique alternatives provider that enjoys the benefits of being part of a leading global financial services firm, Northern Trust. Aaron represents 50 S Capital as the program administrator of the Indiana Next Level Fund, a fund of funds making targeted investments totaling up to $250 mm in venture capital funds who in turn make Indiana investments. Aaron also serves in the volunteer role of president of the Venture Club Indiana. Aaron completed his M.B.A. at the University of Chicago Booth School.

Eric Steele is an Entrepreneur in Residence for Elevate Ventures and based in Evansville. Eric serves to identify and support the development of innovation based startups with the goal of them becoming investable companies and members of the Elevate portfolio. Elevate recognizes just how crucial it is for entrepreneurs to gain support early. Some firms claim to invest early only to backtrack later, but Elevate ranked #5 in early-stage investment globally in 2020.  Elevate has made investments in 462 Indiana startup companies, employing more than 2800 at an average wage of $81,000. Eric graduated from the IU Kelley School of Business and has diverse experiences as a founder and senior executive with multiple innovation based startups.

Patrick Henshaw is Managing Director of Render Capital, a venture fund whose mission is to establish the greater Louisville region as a national leader in innovation, entrepreneurship and creative capital essential for our collective success. Render Capital launched in 2021 and has invested in 29 companies with 55 syndicate partners.  Patrick has a rich history in both launching and funding innovation based businesses after five years of serving our country in the Army Corps of Engineers. Patrick is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point

About Tech-on-TAP

Evansville Tech-on-Tap is focused on connecting the niches of the innovation ecosystem in the Evansville region.

We welcome EVERYONE with an interest in driving innovation in our region.

Innovation is accelerated by collaboration. Collaboration can only occur when people connect. Evansville Tech-on-Tap wants to connect innovators with those who can accelerate their innovation.

Join our group and be part of driving the innovation culture of Evansville. Membership is Free and you can un-register at any time.