Across the world, Startup Grind events teach, inspire and connect entrepreneurs through one-on-one interviews with influential entrepreneurs who have stories to tell of success and failures. Startup Grind hosts events each month in more than 50 cities and 20 countries that feature successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned as they built great companies.
Now Startup Grind is starting up in Kalamazoo. The first interview will be with Jack Ahrens, a partner in the venture capital firm TGap Ventures.
TGap Ventures started in Kalamazoo in 2002 by Ahrens and his business partner, Peter Farner. TGap Ventures has gone on to fund various new and young firms in the high technology and medical industries. Typical investments by TGap Ventures range between $500,000 to $1 million.
Of the companies that Ahrens and TGap Ventures have invested in, 11 of them have become publicly traded companies and 19 of them have been acquired by larger corporations. He and his venture capital partner, Farner, have been involved with more than 100 growth companies since 1979.
Along with his role at TGap Ventures, Jack is also actively involved in the startup community through his role at the Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest (GLEQ), where he is currently chair of the board of directors.
All are invited to meet Ahern and learn how his experience can be applied to make a company more successful. The event is Monday, Oct. 21 at Maestro, 401 E. Michigan, Suite 202, Kalamazoo — above Food Dance. Food will be available starting at 6 p.m. and the interview will start at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
In the future, Startup Grind plans to feature a mix of founders and entrepreneurial-minded leaders from a mix of industries, and with diverse backgrounds and knowledge, over the coming year.
"Join our community today and tell us what you want to see, do, and learn," says John Mueller, of Startup Grind.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: John Mueller, Startup Grind
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.