Be Investor Ready

Join us for an exciting event where investors and entrepreneurs come together to explore the latest in sustainable material innovations!

Be Investor Ready is the ultimate event for entrepreneurs looking to take their startup to the next level! The is pleased to be presenting this high-energy, high- value session filled with insights, tips, and networking opportunities for the entire materials-based, sustainability-focused innovation ecosystem - come open the door to investment and strategic partnership opportunities!

Who should attend?

• Materials-based, sustainability-focused startups seeking funding and partnerships.
• Researchers seeking to build relationships for their early-stage innovation.
• Entrepreneurs seeking to network with potential investors and corporate strategic partners.
• Innovators, investors, academics, students, and anyone, anywhere, interested in the future of the materials-based innovation ecosystem.

Are you an cleantech entrepreneur? Whether you're seeking funding or just want to fine-tune your pitch, this event is for you. Learn from seasoned investors, successful founders, and industry experts on how to make your business stand out. Don't miss this chance to get the inside scoop on what it takes to attract investors and secure funding for your venture.

Are you an investor? Come by to connect with like-minded individuals, discover cutting-edge solutions, and collaborate on future projects. Don't miss out on this chance to be at the forefront of the clean tech revolution!

• Atlas (Atlantic Sea Solutions)- All-natural, edible coating made from carbon-negative seaweed that doubles the shelf life of fresh produce.

• Flow Aluminum - Revolutionizing energy storage and carbon capture with its innovative Aluminum-CO2 battery system, providing a sustainable solution for Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) and direct air capture.

• Ateios Systems - Advanced battery technologies reducing CO2 emissions and boosting energy, setting new industry standards.

• Loop CO2, inc. - Transforming CO2 and bio-derived materials into novel, valuable, and upcyclable polyesters.

• Noir Materials Inc. - Cost-competitive alternatives to traditional thermoplastics with tunable biodegradability, powerful strength, toughness and utility across a wide range of commodity and high-performance applications.

• MacroCycle Technologies - Creating fully circular plastics to reduce plastic waste and CO2 emissions.

• hydroGel - Improving industrial separations using novel polymeric resins, with plans to create a more sustainable purification process that reduce overall processing costs and increase product yields.

• Adept Materials - Adding climate-regulating capabilities to common building products using their patented technology that mimics plants' transpiration processes.

- Co-Founder/Managing Partner, Cap W Global Advisory/Investment Banking Group

- Investment Manager, GC Ventures

- Cofounder, Chemical Angel Network

- VP Investments, MassVentures

- Investment Manager, BASF

- VP of Technology, Henkel Adhesives

- Venture Investment Manager, Saint-Gobain

- Senior Director of Business Development, Z-Polymers

Moderator

- Community Engagement Manager, Lever

Andrew's community engagement experience extends across industries, cities, and regions. From running a Boston screen acting school to evangelizing San Francisco-based Tech startups. Andrew is passionate about connecting with and supporting entrepreneurs in his home state of Massachusetts and home city of North Adams. In his personal time, Andrew enjoys serving on local boards such as North Adams Pride and commissions such as the North Adams Zoning Board, running a farmers market booth, officiating weddings for friends and family, and producing city-wide celebration opportunities.

Speakers

- Executive Director, Lever

Jeffrey D. Thomas is Lever’s founder and Executive Director, where he is focused on startup funding, fundraising and community engagement. A self-described scientist-by-training and entrepreneur-by-accident, Jeffrey was among the founding scientists at Millennium Pharmaceuticals. He led the genomics and bioinformatics program at Pfizer where he oversaw a large internal R&D group as well as numerous strategic partnerships with biotech firms. A teacher at heart, he founded the Entrepreneurs@Williams program in 2011 to support Williams students interested in entrepreneurship. He received his B.A. from Wabash College and his Ph.D. and M.D. from Indiana University. He lives in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

- CEO & Co-Founder, VALIS

Emily's passion for creating a sustainable and just society drives all that she does in her career and personal life. This passion combined with her love for material science and engineering has brought her to the world of metal recycling and the founding of VALIS, a software solutions provider for scrap processors. She centers on leading with compassion and enjoys creating supportive, collaborative environments that drive innovation for her teammates and partners.

Listen in on this high energy discussion which will cover:

• A funded founder’s experience
• Current state of innovation
• Assessment of technology readiness
• Should an external CEO be recruited
• Assessing entry into a crowded market
• Creative ways to extend cash runway
• Raising financing for clinical trials or commercialization

• 3:30 – Event opens / Registration / networking / poster sessions
• 5:00PM - Welcome
• 5:15PM - Fireside Chat: "Be Investor-Ready"
• 6:00 PM - Q&A
• 6:15PM - Pitch presentations
• 7:15PM - Networking & Poster Session
• 8:00PM - Program Close

Host or Publisher UMass Lowell Innovation Hub