I recently became involved with the Wayne Brown Institute’s team mentoring program, assisting early-stage companies in raising capital from investors in the local venture community. My experiences so far have been very rewarding. Together with a team of volunteer mentors, I’ve had the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions on how a company might sharpen their business presentation, focusing on value points and ways to avoid pitfalls that might distract from the message. This has been an excellent opportunity to learn from seasoned mentors, while offering my own insight and experience, in helping companies present their opportunity to investors.

The mission of the Wayne Brown Institute (www.venturecapital.org) is to “improve the human condition through entrepreneurship for the purpose of creating new wealth, jobs, and tax base”. This is accomplished with Cooperative Venturing educational programs that transfer experience, knowledge, contacts and capital from the world’s leading business and financial organizations to promising early-stage, companies.

The Wayne Brown Institute has a history of building the high technology capacity of Utah. The Institute’s programs are staffed by lawyers, accountants, investors, veteran business consultants, experienced entrepreneurs, and bank representatives who donated over 10,000 hours in 2007.

The Venture Ready Program works one-on-one with emerging technology companies. The goal is to find those with the most promise and build a team around them. In 2007 the Institute gave personal assistance to over 100 companies. Combined these 100+ companies raised an estimated $40 million in 2007.

During 2007, five companies helped launch a new local venture debt program. These were Omniture, Directpointe, Allegiance, ZARS, and H2Oil; all are alumni of the Institute. Between equity and debt financing, these five companies raised a combined total of almost $400 million in 2007.

Formed in 1983 as the Utah Innovation Foundation, the Institute was renamed in 1988 in memory of its founder, Dr. Wayne S. Brown. The Institute has become the most efficient, cost effective economic development organization in the country.

Dr. Wayne S. Brown

Dr. Brown held positions in mechanical engineering and had served as Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Utah. In addition to his academic postings, he was a founder of Kenway Engineering (HK Systems), TerraTek, NPI (Agridyne Technologies), the Utah Innovation Center (the world’s first venture accelerator/incubator) and Utah Ventures (now UV Partners, Utah’s first and largest earlier stage venture fund). By virtue of his academic and business background, Dr. Brown was a leading authority in technological innovation and entrepreneurship. Many of the world’s science/research parks, innovation centers and incubators have their roots with Dr. Brown. In addition to his many accomplishments, he affected the role of government in innovation and entrepreneurship as the architect with Roland Tibbitts of the national Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, later as head of the State’s Science Council he spearheaded legislation to create the Utah Technology Finance Corporation (UTFC), and Utah’s Centers of Excellence program.

More About The Wayne Brown Institute

Today, the Institute continues Dr. Brown’s legacy by educating early-stage, companies through mentor based training in the art and science of becoming attractive, viable investments. This is done through establishing value-added relationships between entrepreneurs, capital providers, and key professionals who specialize in equity capital-backed businesses. These education-based offerings allow early-stage, businesses to successfully present their opportunity to investors. To date, the Institute’s 650+ alumni companies have raised almost $2 Billion in private capital, and employ over 35,000. Each year, Institute mentors donate over 10,000 hours, allowing the Institute to provide nearly 1% of the venture quality deal flow in the U.S.

The Institute is unique, in that most of its support is from the private sector. Firms such as Zions Bank, Deutsche Banc, Alex, Brown, NASDAQ, Silicon Valley Bank, Ernst & Young, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, and various venture funds and service providers contribute regularly. Lastly, other organizations such as the, Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), Utah Science and Technology Research Initiative (USTAR), Utah State Division of Securities, the Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation, New York Community Investment Corporation, Community Development Venture Capital Alliance, National Association of Seed and Venture Funds (NASVF), and many other technology trade associations have supported the Institute in its mission.

In 2007, the Investors Choice and 21st Century Entrepreneur Programs reached over 1000 entrepreneurs; and by the end of December a total of 30 programs were conducted in 9 Utah cities. The Investors Choice Venture Capital Conference introduced 23 emerging technology companies, the Deal Forum another 8, to Investors.

21st Century Entrepreneur Workshop/How to Write a Business Plan to Raise Capital

The new economy demands a new type of entrepreneur. They need to be smarter, compete harder, and move faster. In this workshop on entrepreneurship in the new economy, Brad Bertoch and other venture professionals will answer questions and help you analyze your entrepreneurial skill set – identify your strengths and show you how to overcome your weaknesses. The August workshop will be held in Salt Lake City Utah, August 20th; please visit www.venturecapital.org/seminars.html for more information!

For more information, you can contact someone at the Wayne Brown Institute by phone 801-595-1141 or send email to info@venturecapital.org.

— Tyler Anderson,
TheraDoc, Inc.

Senator Wayne Neiderhauser and Lt. Governor Gary Herbert spoke to the members of MountainWest Capital Network at the June luncheon (June 19, 2008).

Senator Neiderhauser discussed his recently passed (with the support of the Utah Technology Council) legislation that helps promote investment in small companies in the State of Utah. The goal of this legislation is to become an economic driver by providing tax incentives to angel investors and venture capital limited partners. The capital gains credit, which went into effect January 1, 2008, allows investors to claim 5% non-refundable tax credit as long as 70% of the gross proceeds from capital gains on another transaction (short or long term) are invested into a Utah Small Business Corporation within 12 months of the capital gains transaction. The reinvestment can be contributed in the form of money or property, except in the form of stock or securities; and it must be a new investment to the investor (it can not be a follow on investment). The actual language of the legislation can be found in House Bill 359 Tax Changes (”Non-Refundable Credit for Capital Gains Transaction”).

Following Senator Neiderhauser, Lt. Governor Gary Herbert spoke about Utah’s economic situation. Lt. Governor Herbert discussed the need for long term economic vision, in contrast to politicians who fear being voted out of office for being overly concerned with current pressures. He also discussed the notion that whatever the political issue at hand (energy independence, public transportation, government regulation, over-taxation, education, etc.), the solution requires economic development and improvement. “We need to grow the economy, first and foremost! I don’t care what your pet issue is, it’s gotta start first with growing the economy… It is the rising tide that lifts all boats on the pond”, he articulated. He also emphasized that continued growth depends on a functional transportation system.

You can listen to the entire luncheon on the Utah Pulse:
http://utahpulse.com/featured_article/mountain_west_capital_network_06192008

— Tyler Anderson,
TheraDoc, Inc.

Women Tech Council (WTC), a non-profit organization that provides leadership, support and mentorship for women in all levels of the technology industry, announced the Women Tech Awards 2008. The Women Tech Awards will recognize technology-focused women who are driving innovation, leading technology companies, and are key contributors to the community. The awards are hosted by MountainWest Capital Network. Nominations for the Women Tech Awards are now open and being accepted at www.womentechcouncil.org. Nominations for the Women Tech Awards will be open until June 18, 2008.

The Awards Recipients and Finalists will be recognized at a Women Tech Awards Luncheon on September 18, 2008, hosted by MountainWest Capital Network (www.mwcn.org), Utah’s first and largest business networking organization. Awards Recipients and Finalists will be recognized in various media and online outlets.

“We are excited about the opportunity the Women Tech Awards present to recognize leading women in the community.” said Cydni Tetro, Executive Director Women Tech Council and VP of Products and Marketing at NextPage. “Recent research shows that the number of high-level women in technology related fields has risen over the past five years. Women are also climbing the corporate ladder in technology, achieving C-Level status at many corporations throughout the state.”

“The Women Tech Awards follows on the heels of two very successful events we held this year. Women Tech Council is proving to be the relevant organization for women in technology leadership,” said Sara Jones, Board Member of WTC and Shareholder at Workman Nydegger.

Devin Thorpe, President of MountainWest Capital Network and Managing Director of TOIP at USTAR, said, “This is going to be a great program with a tremendous positive impact on the technology community. We are very excited to be leading out with the Women Tech Council for this award. We fully support and applaud women leaders who are driving innovation in the community.”

About Women Tech Council

Founded in 2007, the Women Tech Council (www.womentechcouncil.org) was designed to be an advocate for women who are currently working for technology companies and for those that may work for businesses in other market sectors working with technology in their job roles.

We provide leadership, resources and mentoring for women while maintaining a strong bond with the business community supporting avenues for top technology talent and visible sponsorship opportunities. We support women-owned and women-operated technology companies. We pride ourselves on recognizing women leaders and entrepreneurs in the technology business and supporting them.

When you join the Women Tech Council, you will be amongst some of the top technology talent and leadership in Utah.

Contact:
Women Tech Council
Kimberley Jones 801.553.1101
Cydni Tetro, 801.748.4400
Sara Jones, 801.533.9800

Yesterday (May 27, 2008) KSL TV ran a story about Amy Rees Anderson being awarded by the MountainWest Capital Network as the first woman Entrepreneur of the Year. You can read the article and watch the video of Amy’s interview on KSL.com.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=3401672

The video features a segment of Amy’s acceptance speech at the MWCN award luncheon on May 15, 2008.

This “Wonder Woman” founded and managed several successful health care technology ventures. In her interview with KSL, she says, “My goal was to take care of my family and to be able to support myself and my kids. I always had to work a little harder, probably, than some people with formal training to do what I did because I had to learn it from scratch.”

Amy says she’s especially proud to be the first woman to receive the MWCN Entrepreneur of the Year award. “I loved it because I hope other women out there, especially knowing that I didn’t plan to be an entrepreneur, I didn’t necessarily have the formal background to become an entrepreneur, that I just did it.”

Once again, I would like to congratulate Amy for her distinguished success.

— Tyler Anderson,
TheraDoc, Inc.

Yesterday (May 15, 2008) I had the privilege of attending an award luncheon honoring the 2008 MountainWest Capital Network’s Entrepreneur of the Year. Amy Rees Anderson, CEO of MediConnect Global, was honored as the first woman to receive the award.

Amy said the key to becoming great in business is to surround yourself with greatness. “Education, research, data, and spreadsheets are all great things,” she said during her acceptance speech. “But in the end, you should listen to the people who have been there, done that, made the mistakes, and learned what actually works firsthand.”

One of the most poignant quotes of her speech was: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got!”

Most people give up on the threshold of succeeding. “Successful people just don’t give up,” she said. “They keep trying different approaches to achieving their outcomes until they finally get the results they want.”

What happened at the Awards Luncheon?

Amy was introduced by her close friend and business associate, Tim Layton, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sorenson Capital. During his introduction, he likened Amy to a hurricane — a driving force, building strength, and gathering attention. Tim explained how Amy had commenced her career by starting a business out of her garage, building on vision, creativity and driven success. “Many people call her a Maverick; a bit crazy yet creative” he said, followed by an impressive biography of Amy’s accomplishments and community involvement.

As Tim turned the podium over to Amy, she graciously expressed her sincere gratitude, referring to Tim as her mentor and friend. She then offered a gracious speech, expressing gratitude for the recognition, while giving credit to her family and colleges in the audience.

[Amy Rees Anderson, CEO, MediConnect Global]

You can listen to the entire luncheon on the Utah Pulse:
http://utahpulse.com/featured_article/mountain_west_capital_network_entrepreneur_of_the_year_amy_rees

About Amy

Under Amy’s direction, MediConnect launched an aggressive domestic and international expansion and posted four consecutive years of record sales growth more than doubling revenues year over year.

Before becoming CEO of MediConnect, Amy began an Internet healthcare technology company with only $23,000 in seed capital and went on to raise over $12 million of venture funding she used to develop the nation’s first 100 percent Web-based medical practice management system for physician offices.

Most of Amy’s success has come despite tremendous obstacles. She was a single mother of two for a good portion of her career. During that time she learned to be successful while balancing motherhood and being the sole financial support of her family, with the demanding responsibilities as CEO of a growing international company.

“I firmly believe there is always a way to make things work if you look at it hard enough and open your mind to the idea that there are limitless possibilities to get you to the end result,” she said. “I guess I’m not afraid to try, and I can only fail if I stop trying.”

As an entrepreneur and business leader she has raised more than $50 million in capital. She is also a well respected public speaker, and teaches courses on entrepreneurship at several universities.

In addition to the MWCN Entrepreneur of the Year award, Amy was also recognized by

• The 2008 class of the vSpring Capital Top 100 Venture Entrepreneurs (v|100). Her fifth appearance.
• Inc. Magazine—MediConnect ranked number 311 on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.
• Ernst & Young—Entrepreneur Of The Year 2007 Award, for Business Service in the Utah region.
• Utah Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth—2007 Dealmaker of the Year Finalist.

About MountainWest Capital Network

Each year, MountainWest Capital Network recognizes a Utah business executive who has built a successful Utah-based company, inspiring others to participate in the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship. Some past recipients of the award include Kirk Benson (Headwaters), Dr. Ted Stanley (ZARS), Ken Wooley (Extra Space Storage), Dr. Hunter Jackson (NPS Pharmaceuticals); David Evans (Evans & Southerland Computer Corp.); Ray Noorda (Novell); Dale Ballard (Ballard Medical Products); and Dr. Dinesh Patel (TheraTech).

The MountainWest Capital Network is Utah’s first and largest business networking organization devoted to supporting entrepreneurial success by: 1) fostering the dynamic flow of information about capital formation and distribution, 2) educating and mentoring excellence, and 3) recognizing and rewarding performance. We accomplish this through signature activities and events, such as the annual Utah 100 Program, real-time Deal Flow reporting and recognition, and presentations by industry experts.

— Tyler Anderson,
TheraDoc, Inc.

Last Wednesday (April 16, 2008) I attended the 2008 Sorenson Inventor Showcase (previously known as the Edison Showcase), during which Dr. Pratap Khanwilkar was awarded the 2008 Pathfinder Award. This achievement award recognizes University inventors who have successfully developed original ideas and technologies that affect our world. Dr. Khanwilkar pioneered a novel rotary system that is revolutionizing cardiac left ventricular assist devices and will be the ninth recipient of this notable award.

Dr. Khanwilkar, who led MedQuest Products Inc. as founder-CEO from inception in 1993 to acquisition by publicly-traded WorldHeart Corp. in 2005, was honored for his inventiveness. He holds six issued US patents, including an international award-winning, implantable Left Ventricular Assist Device as a therapy for adults with late-stage congestive heart failure. He is currently Vice President of Rotary Systems and Business Development for WorldHeart.

What is the Sorenson Inventor Showcase?

The Sorenson Inventor Showcase is Utah’s premier networking event for inventors, entrepreneurs and the business community. The annual conference highlights technologies from Utah universities – from concept, to prototype, to well-established companies – and provides a venue for local industry leaders to connect with researchers and scientists, encouraging collaborative commercialization efforts. This year’s event showcased 40 of Utah’s cutting edge technologies, highlighting innovation under the Utah Science, Technology and Research economic initiative (USTAR). A “speedpitch” component took place this year in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, offering attendees an opportunity to hear from researchers and inventors who wish to further peak the interest of the business and investment community.

You can see a news story about the showcase on KSL:
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=3097002

What happened at the Awards Luncheon?

Wednesday’s luncheon was opened with a warm welcome from Devin Thorpe, president of MountainWest Capital Network and Managing Director of the USTAR Technology Outreach and Innovation Program, who then turned the podium over to Jack Brittain, dean of the David Eccles School of Business and VP of Technology Venture Development at the University of Utah.

[Jack Brittain, Dean of the David Eccles School of Business]

Dean Brittain announced that this event was organized to “celebrate the inventor” for finding ways to realize “The Idea” in order to make an impact on the world. He then explained that this event commemorates James Levoy Sorenson for his “real genius in execution.”

Sorenson’s persistent attitude for improvement drove his creative problem solving and led to the invention and development of the disposable surgical mask and other breakthrough healthcare devices that helped pioneer today’s biotechnology industry. He launched many businesses during his lifetime, including Sorenson Research, which was sold to Abbott Laboratories in 1980. Sorenson has more than 40 patents and his inventions revolutionized the healthcare industry, setting the stage for the current medical standard of care.

Dean Brittain then turned the podium over to Jim Sorenson to honor his father’s legacy. Jim Sorenson, Vice-Chairman of Sorenson Development, Inc., is also a nationally recognized business leader and entrepreneur who helped develop several new industry categories in today’s business world, including digital compression software, mass-market videophones, video relay service for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, electronic medical pain pumps and environmental testing.

[Jim Sorenson, Vice-Chairman, Sorenson Development, Inc.]

Jim Sorenson shared several stories about his father, including something his father once told him. “Ideas are cheap” he said, followed by an explanation that successful execution of ideas is only possible through the help of elements within the enterprise—hard working employees, tenacious research, value driven solutions, and company vision, to name a few.

Sorenson spoke of the qualities demonstrated by his father, likening these qualities to Dr. Khanwilkar. Self worth, optimism, incessant drive to prove himself, ability to overcome challenges (such as his learning disability), hard work, balanced with an eye toward finding ways to work “smart”, ability to adapt to change, problem solving, and tremendous tenacity; all while maintaining healthy balance among work, family, community and spirituality. These were the qualities most recognized in his father, and these are the qualities which Jim Sorenson believes have led Dr. Khanwilkar to his success.

Jack Brittain then awarded Dr. Khanwilkar with the Pathfinder Award, by presenting him with a beautiful sextant, an instrument used to navigate one’s voyage. Dean Brittain explained that this award is bestowed so we may “honor what Pratap Khanwilkar has done for us.” The podium was then given to Dr. Khanwilkar, who offered a gracious speech, expressing gratitude for the recognition, while giving credit to his colleges in the audience.

[Dr. Pratap Khanwilkar, Vice President Rotary Systems & Business Development, WorldHeart, Inc.]

Dr. Khanwilkar spoke about his motivations and career experiences, which he referred to as his “Journey”. After sharing some funny anecdotes, he then offered up some of the lessons he learned throughout more than 20 years in his field. Below are some of the lessons that caught my attention.

• One of the problems inventors have is they become too enamored with cool technology. Applying a solution to the problem matters more than the cool technology. Only then will value enable sustainability.
• We must not be too arrogant about the worth of the technology to the end user.
• We must be willing and cable of making hard decisions.
• We must believe!
• Never stop dreaming!
• Convert the dream into reality!
• Always continue moving forward, even after failure.
• Confront reality, learning from the lessons achieved through failure.
• The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.
• Start small and design for scalability.
• Pursue simplicity, but manage complexity.
• ENJOY THE JOURNEY — you have no idea where your destination will end up, so you may as well enjoy the journey!

You can listen to the entire luncheon on the Utah Pulse:
http://utahpulse.com/featured_article/2008_pathfinder_award_dr_pratap_khanwilkar

My Congratulations!

I would like to personally congratulate Dr. Pratap Khanwilkar on his outstanding achievements! I look up to great men like James Sorenson and Pratap Khanwilkar. This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the innovator’s spirit, while brining together inventors, entrepreneurs and the business community. To quote Devin Thorpe, “It is vital for our community to build close ties with the universities because they are a tremendous engine for economic development… The technologies and companies that are born in university labs have the potential to become industry leaders, hiring hundreds of well-paid professionals, raising venture capital, making acquisitions and going public along the way. MWCN members can help these technology companies achieve success. Sometimes this process starts simply by putting all the right people in a room together.”

[Dr. Pratap Khanwilkar, Recipient of the 2008 Pathfinder Award]

— Tyler Anderson,
TheraDoc, Inc.