A delegation led by State Treasurer Richard Moore journeyed to Boston on Tuesday to tout North Carolina as a place where venture capitalists should look to do more business.
The trip was a follow-up to recent advertising done in Boston media that boosted the Tar Heel state’s investment and growth opportunities, especially in biotechnology.
Accompanying Moore were Charles Hayes, president and chief executive officer of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, and Monica Doss, president of the Council for Entrepreneurial Development.
Also making the trip were Kristina Johnson, dean of Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering; Christy Shaffer, CEO of Durham-based Inspire Pharmaceuticals; and Steve Nelson, general partner with the Wakefield Group
The group made a presentation during a luncheon.
“We are taking action to bring more jobs and capital to the greater Research Triangle region,” Hayes said in a statement. “This event in Boston was a creative approach to economic development, giving us an effective venue to encourage Boston area venture capitalists to invest in North Carolina companies.”
The North Carolina group received support from Christoph Westphal, a general partner with Boston-based Polaris Venture Partners, which has invested in RTP-based Athenix.
“It was terrific to see old friends from North Carolina at this special luncheon,” Westphal said. “Polaris has long understood the intrigue of North Carolina companies and the value of North Carolina’s investment partners. I expect to see great future partnerships with some of my colleagues in Boston and North Carolina.”
More than 50 investment companies were in attendance at the luncheon.
