Will investment capital continue to be scarce or a bit more plentiful in North Carolina this year?

A panel of veteran venture capitalists and a panel of angel investors will discuss the startup landscape for 2014 at the Entrepreneurs’ Series put on by Bull City Venture Partners.

The morning event is set for Wednesday, Feb. 26. It’s the first put on by veteran VCs Jason Caplain and David Jones under their new firm. The two put on previous events while at Southern Capitol Ventures.

With the Southeast Venture Capital Conference not taking place until April in Atlanta, the Entrepreneurs’ Series discussions will be the first regional platform for a candid discussion of what investors are seeking in the new year.

So why pick the venture environment for the relaunch of the series?

“This is probably one of our most popular events and a great way for us to continue to be connectors here in the region,” Caplain tells WRALTechWire. “There is a real thirst among the entrepreneurs to meet active investors. We’re trying to make sure we do our part in being helpful in the community.”

A panel of institutional investors will participate in the opening discussion. A group of angels will follow up.

Caplain and Jones sought out panelists they believe have strong track records of investment and also make up a geographic mix.

“Well, of course they are all active and have a very sincere interest investing in companies throughout our region,” Caplain says when asked why pick this group.

“But we picked these panelists because they come from different regions of the country which gives them the ability to talk about trends outside of North Carolina,” he adds.

Panelists lined up so far include:

  • John Burke, Co-Partner and Partner, True Ventures
  • David Gardner, angel investor
  • Vic Gatto, Partner, Solidus
  • Tim Huntley, angel investor
  • Wayne Hunter, Managing Partner, Harbert Venture Partners
  • Dave Neal, Managing Director, The Startup Factory
  • Don Rainey, General Partner, Grotech Ventures
  • Wright Steenrod, Chrysalis Ventures
  • Joe Velk, Contender Capital

Given the “exits” of 2013 such as IPOs such as Southern Capitol-backed Channel Advisor, the investment climate could improve this year, but Caplain isn’t giving any hints about what he believes panelists will predict.

The series regularly includes angels, who represent an increasingly important part of the N.C. investment climate since VC money has never been abundant even in the high-tech Triangle.

“There has been some good liquidity events over the last few years which has put more capital back in the hands of angels,” Caplain says. “We need that cycle to happen more.”

The event will take place at the Brier Creek Country Club. Registration information is available online.

(Editor’s note: WRALTechWire is a supporter of The Entrepreneurs’ Series. Its parent firm, Capitol Broadcasting, is an investor in Southern Capitol Ventures.)