From Business Plan to Profit, How to Start a Winning Business!

October 26, 2006, La Jolla, California. A high-powered round table panel of capital providers was one of the highlights of Catalyst Law Group’s first “Emerging Company Summit”, an all-day seminar held at the La Jolla Hyatt on October 26, 2006. The panelists included: Jack Florio, V.P., Marketing & Communications, Tech Coast Angels; David Michaels, Managing Director, Montgomery & Co., Inc.; Eric Speer, Managing Director, VenCore Solutions, LLC; and John Brackett, Principal, Sunrise Bank of San Diego.

Alan S. Paau, Ph.D., the current Assistant Vice Chancellor, Technology Transfer of UCSD, discussed win-win scenarios in the licensing of academic technology as well as corporate funding of academic research.

Also presenting were Carolyn Fritz, CEO of Allylix, Inc. and Jack Florio (Tech Coast Angels), who provided insights from the perspective of both the company seeking angel funding as well as the process used by the TCA in making such an investment.

Dr. David Kabakoff gave a fascinating recount of his experiences taking Salmedix (a clinical development company) from inception through acquisition by a major pharmaceutical company.

Tom Jurgensen, C.E.O. of Catalyst Law Group, gave an informative presentation regarding business and legal considerations in the licensing of technology. Associate David Kohn provided the audience with a primer on intellectual property. And Brandon Rath, Senior Associate, provided an in-depth review of the different corporate structures available to start-up enterprises.

Representatives from a number of other companies gave 20-minute presentations regarding outsourcing alternatives available to start-ups in the areas of accounting, temporary CFO services, human resources, executive coaching and development of a Board of Directors.

The Summit was well attended and participants were enthusiastic and appreciative of the contacts made and information conveyed. Catalyst intends to make the Summit at least an annual event and to build upon its success in the future.