How much interest is there in crowdfunding and alternative funding alternatives for startups in North Carolina?

Suffice it to say: A lot.

So much so that WTW’s event on the subject already is a sellout. 

We hit full capacity on Monday.

WTW will provide full coverage of the event for those who can’t attend. Maybe if there is enough interest we can host another.

But for the moment, the spotlight is on the Feb. 17 event in Raleigh.

Here’s the agenda, which is jam-packed with authoritative speakers and panels in our latest Executive Exchange program “Crowdfunding in 2015” 

8:30 a.m.: Opening remarks from WRAL TechWire Editor Rick Smith and sponsors

8:35 a.m.: Keynote: Investor Mark Easley, “2015 Can be the Year for Investment Crowdfunding in North Carolina,” Introduction to the new NC JOBS Act for the 2015 session, Q&A

9 a.m.: The Money Hunt – Entrepreneurs on the hunt for funding; how NCSU and the state are already helping.

Panelists include:

  • John Hardin, Department of Commerce, head of Science and Technology grant program
  • Entrepreneur Justin Miller of WedPics, who has raised money from non-traditional sources and VCs
  • Entrepreneur John McDonald, who is seeking backers for his barbecue sauce
  • Lewis Sheats, director of NCSU Entrepreneurship Clinic

9:35 a.m.: Guest Speaker Keynote – Commerce Secretary Jon Skvarla discusses “NC Commerce Department Innovation to Jobs Initiatives” with an emphasis on the importance of the investment crowdfunding initiative to startups and small business plus Q&A.

9:55 a.m.: The Legal View – Panel discussion from attorneys on the legal challenges of crowdfunding; What’s happening at the federal level; the SEC’s impact on crowdfunding in N.C.

Panelists include:

  • Jim Verdonik of Ward and Smith
  • Mital Patel of Wyrick & Robbins
  • Benji T. Jones of Smith Anderson Law
  • Moderated by Mark Easley

10:20 a.m.: The Rising Importance of Alternative Funding – The Council for Entrepreneurial Development’s Joan Siefert Rose recaps findings in recent CED study about where all startup funding comes from.

WTW Insiders received a discount.

See registration site for more details.

Event registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wral-techwire-executive-exchange-crowdfunding-in-2015-tickets-15379068207