Board Will Evaluate Companies Seeking Financial Assistance

The I2 Capital Acceleration Program has added 10 members to its Qualification Review Board. I2 (which stands for "Igniting Innovation) is the latest technology-based economic development initiative led by Space Florida and the Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA) to help stimulate higher levels of investment in Florida's key technology cluster companies. The I2 Review Board members will serve until the program's completion later this year.

The new I2 Qualification Review Board members are: Greg Baty, Vice President, Hamilton Lane; John Cambier, General Partner, Idea Fund Partners; Bob Fleming, Managing Partner, Inlet Venture Partners; Stephen Fleming, Vice Provost, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute and founder of Space Angels; Karen Kerr, Director of Business Development, Targeted Acquisitions, Intellectual Ventures; F. Scott Moody, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder, Authentec; Richard P. McNeight, President, Federal Systems; Randall Poliner, Managing General Partner, Antares Capital; Jason Rottenberg, Managing Partner, Arsenal Venture Partners; Dan Rua, Managing Partner, Inflexion Venture Partners; Paul Suchoski, Entrepreneur, Angel and Former Vice President/General Manager of JDS Uniphase; and Jane Teague, Executive Director, Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research.
"Having an extremely qualified Review Board in place will ensure this program selects and fosters growth in the most promising companies," said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. "We look forward to supporting these businesses as they work to help Florida's economy thrive in the months and years ahead."

TRDA executive director, Chester J. Straub Jr. said, "We're very pleased to have these new Qualification Review Board members, who represent a wide range of business sectors and professional investment expertise. They'll serve the I2 program well in the months ahead as they evaluate the companies seeking to receive valuable program assistance."

The new Board is tasked with assessing the readiness of applicant businesses for potential State and private investment.  Once approved by Space Florida, the companies recommended by the Qualification Review Board will receive intensive mentoring and commercialization services, and present their business plans at the I2 Capital Acceleration Program Showcase on September 7, 2011 at the Radisson in Port Canaveral, Florida. The Qualification Review Board will be supported in the company review and selection process by serial entrepreneurs Kirstie Chadwick and Doug Hilmes of Growth Innovators. Companies selected to present and exhibit will have products or services related to Florida's aviation, aerospace, defense, homeland security, clean tech, alternative energy, biotech, life science, information technology and telecommunications industries.

FMI: www.i2Florida.com