SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Keiretsu Forum announced today that the Northwest Region organization’s recent Angel Capital Expo event experienced record attendance. Out of 18 companies, Pattern Computer (www.patterncomputer.com) was named the recipient of the investment group’s prestigious “Most Valued Company Award,” which was voted on by the investors in attendance and awarded at the conclusion of the event. Ecellix (www.ecellix.com) received second place and 9th Gear Technologies (www.9thgear.io) came in third place. The top three companies were selected by investor members and were among the hand-picked entrepreneurial companies from all over the U.S. and Canada who presented their distinct innovations at the Expo.
First place winner, Mark A. Anderson, CEO of Pattern Computer, said, “At Pattern Computer every member of our team looks forward to the work every day. It’s why we’re here. It’s not just for ourselves but for the people we are here to help.” Second place winner Jerry Schwartz, CEO & Chairman of Ecellix, emphasized, “We’re honored to be considered in such company and we are looking forward to see these products in the marketplace.” Third place winner Maryanne Morrow, CEO of 9th Gear Technologies, added, “It is always a pleasure to be in a room with serious investors.” Event attendees heard exclusive insights from award-winning speakers and executives from such hot industries as healthcare, clean technology, blockchain, fintech, AI and software innovations.
The angel group bestowed two additional revered awards given by the organization at the Expo: “Entrepreneur of the Year” was given to Kineta, Inc. CEO, Shawn Iadonato, following the company’s closing of two blockbuster license deals in 2018. “Most Active Investor Award” was presented to long-time member, Robin Foote, in recognition of her significant involvement in support of portfolio companies.
During the course of two days, Keiretsu Capital (www.keiretsucapital.com) and Keiretsu Forum jointly welcomed more than 800 guests to its Keiretsu Family Office Forum conference, the VIP Dinner at Chihuly Glass Hall and Garden and the Angel Capital Expo conference. “Keiretsu Forum is proud to bring together the entire startup ecosystem in support of these ground-breaking companies. We are thrilled to see the growth in collaboration from our members, community partners, sponsors and family offices at our Angel Capital Expo and its related events,” said Brianna McDonald, President. “The feedback from attendees and presenters is powerful and the connections continue to multiply the impact and benefits throughout the year. An increasing number of family offices groups are recognizing that our mindshare and collaborative approach is providing diversified investment opportunities with significant growth potential.”
The Keiretsu Forum Northwest Region also announced its Summer “Angel Capital Expo” will be held August 22, 2019, from 7:30 am - 6 pm at Microsoft Building 33, in Redmond, Washington, and is now open for registration.
The six-chapter Keiretsu Forum Northwest Region is part of the world’s largest and most active investment community of early stage “angel” investors. The group’s mindshare approach to community-based investing is gaining recognition and commitment from investors who want a more empowered, hands on, and collective investor experience and due diligence applied to their investments.
About Keiretsu Forum Northwest (www.k4northwest.com):
Based in Seattle, Washington, the Keiretsu Forum Northwest Region is part of the broader Keiretsu Forum angel investment network, the largest and most active venture investor community globally. Keiretsu Forum is comprised of 50+ chapters and invests over $75 million annually in 200+ companies. The Keiretsu Forum Northwest Region has funded over 500 companies since its launch in 2005.
For further inquiries regarding partnership or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Xoe Heeney at (206) 529-3687 or via email to xoe@keiretsuforum.com.
