Expert Panel: The Devil is in the Details - Getting Angel Deals Done

Showcase Presentations

Matt Henry with EarthMetric Innovations. EarthMetric Innovations is a cutting-edge AI technology company dedicated to revolutionizing sustainable agriculture. Its mission is to empower farmers and address climate change-induced challenges by providing cost-effective solutions. Originated out of Michigan State University and developing innovative technology, EMI aims to enhance crop yield, conserve water resources, and promote environmental stewardship.

Jerold Zwas with PakItGreen. PakItGreen is a sustainable packaging company, offering effective food safe barrier and functional coatings that are recyclable, compostable, biodegradable and PFAS-free. PakItGreen owns and exclusively licenses a group of technologies to support its growing product portfolio, including inventions out of Michigan State University School of Packaging. It is led by an experienced team of entrepreneurs, scientists and marketing professionals, and currently has several commercial pilots with quick serve restaurants, frozen food processors and non-food consumer packaged goods manufacturers.

Expert Panel: The Devil is in the Details - Getting Angel Deals Done

Angel investors look at dozens of deals every year and only invest in a few. This panel will explore the investors’ perspective and successful strategies that have worked for startups that have gotten deals done. Hear how these angel investors are building their portfolios and what it takes to become one of their investments. Diane Durance, a leading expert in Michigan’s startup community, will be our moderator.

Panelists

Dawn Hines, Managing Partner, Aventura Investment Partners, and CEO, Hines Industries, Ann Arbor. Dawn is Founder and Managing Partner of Aventura Investment Partners, an impact investment manager in West Africa. She is also CEO of Hines Industries, a Michigan-based manufacturer of test machinery and automation solutions. Her current angel investment activity is with Keiretsu Forum, an angel investing community spanning 15 countries. Prior to founding Aventura, Dawn worked in the venture capital industry in the Netherlands and went on to launch a venture consulting practice, advising and raising funds for early-stage technology companies across Western Europe. Dawn completed her MBA at the Wharton School and holds a BA in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania. Languages: English, French, Spanish, Dutch and German.

 Michael Koziara, Chair, Angel Investment Review Committee, Michigan Capital Network Association. Michael is an early-stage investor and board member born and raised in Metro Detroit. His professional experience includes working at the Boston Consulting Group, General Motors, and Michigan Capital Network (MCN). He is currently the Director of Strategic Initiatives at American Residential Services / Rescue Rooter. Michael led the formation of and continues to serve as Chair for MCN Association’s Angel Investment Review Committee. He received his MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. 

Don Ufford, Member and Investor, Woodward Angels. Don has been a member of the Woodward Angels since 2019 where he has invested as an individual and as a member of SPEs (Special Purpose Entity). His portfolio is concentrated in Life Sciences, Technology and Manufacturing and he’s experienced both wins and losses. His angel investing experience has been augmented by over three decades working with global and local manufacturers in the automotive supply chain and small business. He holds a BS in Agricultural Engineering from South Dakota State University, an MSME from Purdue University, and an MBA from University of Michigan.

Networking

Come join us in person to enjoy food and drink and conversation with members of the local startup community.

Featured Sponsor