Angel Venture Fair 2009

A week ago, on Tuesday, April 7th, ListenLogic attended The 11th Annual Angel Venture Fair (AVF) at the Union League (quite an elegant venue, I must say) in Philadelphia, PA.  The fair is organized every year by the Private Investors Forum (PIF), “a non-profit consortium of accredited private investors and angel investor groups in the Min-Atlantic region.”

About 35 companies were in attendance this year with 24 chosen to present throughout the day.  Selection of these companies was determined following the AVF’s Selection Day on February 24th.  ListenLogic was picked to be one of the companies presenting at the fair.  One of the benefits that came along with being a presenter was a free coaching session with Michele Masterfano Marketing, Inc. (website mm:m).  Michele provided us with some excellent feedback about our presentation. Thank you, Michele!  Mark presented once in the morning and once in the afternoon.  With each company presenting twice, investors don’t miss out on anything due to scheduling conflicts.

All companies were given exhibit space in the main hall with one table each.  We set up our logo and screen-shot posters along with two laptops for demos (there was WiFi, of course).  I brought my camera, but forgot to take a picture of our display… next time!

The event was great!  Well-run and very professional.  Lots of interested investors and diverse start-ups… high-tech, low-tech, no-tech!  We had someone manning our table at all times, ready to answer questions, exchange info, or do a quick demo of our impressive product.  Every conversation we had at AVF contributes to the progression of ListenLogic.  Thoughtful networking and open growth adds value!

Other highlights of the event include: bagels for breakfast; wraps for lunch; casual cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres to end the day; cameraman Mark (?) who was filming and conducting interviews with various AVF guests (including myself!); Fountainhead Networks reps, Ed and Jess, who also caught bits of the event on video; and Congressman Joe Sestak’s comments on the present state of the economy and the role of small businesses – quote: “The real stimulus is you.”  After his talk he took questions from the audience – a nice guy to take the time to come speak at the event!

But it’s not just an event!  AVF is a three-month long process with benefits that can extend far into the future for successful companies.  ListenLogic feels proud and privileged to be a part of AVF 2009.  We’ve been able to make and maintain some fantastic contacts in all parts of the industry by participating.

Thank you to Valerie Gaydos (Executive Director of AVF), Richard Levin (Chairman of PIF) and everyone else who make AVF possible… the executive planning committee, the application judges, the presentation judges, and the event volunteers all listed here!

AVF Fact: “More than 75% of all companies presenting at the Angel Venture Fair received some sort of financing from angels since April 2007.”

- Gail