The London Stock Exchange, in conjunction with Technium OpTIC, are delighted to invite you to a free seminar and exhibition developed to provide a detailed introduction to the funding ladder. With the impact of the recession, and the challenges of accessing finance high on the agenda of SMEs, this comprehensive seminar is aimed at anyone who is seeking to raise funds to facilitate the growth of their business.

Seminar Overview
The seminar will provide an overview of the funding ladder from an equity perspective, providing a detailed guide to the funding options available during the lifecycle of a company. Speakers will include experts from the Angel, Venture Capital and Stock Market community. Craig Slater, ex CEO of public and private companies will also provide real life experience of the pros and cons of the various forms of finance on offer. Practical advice for SMEs will also be offered through ‘Early’ and ‘Late’ stage panel discussions providing an opportunity to explore key issues facing growing companies in detail.

If you are a Stakeholder or Director of a company which is considering its options for growth and fund raising then this seminar will enable you to:
• find out what a flotation could do for you;
• hear what angel and VC investors look for in their investments;
• ask relevant and pertinent questions to a panel of experts;
• gain from the experiences of a company director who has experienced various forms of finance;
• network with people with similar aspirations.

Who should attend?
The seminar will be useful for Stakeholders, Chief Executives, Managing Directors and Finance Directors of:
• companies who simply wish to learn more or are considering stock market flotation
• fast growing, entrepreneurial companies who are looking for a cash injection
• companies with private equity investment looking for an exit strategy.

Programme
09.30 – Registration & coffee
10.00 – Welcome and introduction to OpTIC – Phil Harris, CEO, OpTIC Glyndŵr Ltd
10.25 – Department of Business, Enterprise, Technology & Science – Tony Walton, Welsh Government
10.45 – The Legal Implications of External Stakeholders – David Bowcock, Brabners
11.05 – Access to grant funding – Carys Edwards, Venture Wales
11.25 – How do Angels Invest? View from the Angels– Alan Edwards, Angel Investor
12.00 – ‘Early Stage’ Panel Discussion
12.30 – Networking lunch with opportunity to view exhibition
13.45 – Open of afternoon session
13.50 – What does Venture Capital look for? – Chris Griffiths, Finance Wales
14.10 – Flotation on AIM – Mark Fahy, Head of UK SMEs
14.30 – Case Study – Craig Slater, Ex CEO – public and private companies
15.05 – ‘Later Stage’ Panel Discussion
15.30 – Close and thanks
15.40 – Coffee and networking

Registration
Please contact Pip Northcott at Technium OpTIC to register to attend this free seminar

E: p.northcott@glyndwr.ac.uk T: 01745 535123
W: www.opticinnovations.co.uk