Recap: Selling Equity: How to Sell Part (or All) of your Business

On Thursday, November 22, business executives, capital providers, entrepreneurs and transaction professionals came together in Beacon to talk about Selling Equity. The event took place at Clarkson University’s Beacon Institute and was made possible by sponsors and partners including: Clarkson University’s Shipley Center for Innovation, Graycliff Partners, Think Dutchess, UBS and HVEDC. Fifty guests gathered to discuss the use of outside capital to fund strategic initiatives, including growth and succession/transition planning.

The program started with an introduction to Clarkson University from Asher Pacht, Clarkson’s Director of Environmental Programs. He talked about the building renovation and the funding process for a second building project they have planned on the property at Dennings Point.

Next, a featured discussion about raising venture capital with Leon Greene and Dick Frederick. Leon is a co-founder and Director at Truveris. Truveris is a pharmaceutical supply chain digital health company that has raised over $50M in venture capital from blue chip firms. Dick Frederick is Founder and Co-Managing Director of Eastern NY Angels, a managed angel fund that makes phased investments from $50,000 to $250,000 in early stage companies. They discussed the highlights and challenges of raising an A, B, C and D round funding.

Following the discussion, Maurice Tessier, Senior Vice President at UBS Wealth Management, talked about wealth strategies for entrepreneurs and business owners. Maurice focuses his practice on business owners in a growth or transition mode, where he assists in the pre-sale, during transaction and after-transaction with advice and resources to create the best result possible.

Lastly, a panel discussion highlighting a successful founder/investor relationship between Maya Kaimal Foods and North Castle Partners. Maya Kaimal is the founder of Maya Kaimal Foods, winner of the Julia Child Award for her cookbook Curried Favors, Family Recipes from South India, and former editor of Saveur magazine. Her products use quality ingredients and home-cooked methods are now available in over 7000 stores nationwide. The investor on her round was lead by Erin O’Brien Edwards, Principal at North Castle Partners, with more than 13 years of investment and operations experience. In a panel moderated by Brandon Martindale, Managing Director at Graycliff Partners, the panelists discussed the ins and outs of the deal and the challenges they faced.

Upstate Capital events would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. Please check out the event pictures, and our website to sign up for our upcoming events!