The chances of survival increase for minority-owned startups when the fledgling companies partner with private equity providers who recognize their growth potential. But how should these parties be brought together?
You’ll find the answer within The Marathon Club, an alliance of leading minority private equity and venture capital dealmakers. The Marathon Club is a partnership between the National Association of Investment Companies, the New America Alliance, and the Executive Leadership Council.
Duane McKnight, a vice president at Syncom Management Co., founded The Marathon Club in 2003 with the purpose of connecting minority-led private equity firms with African American and Hispanic entrepreneurs.
The Marathon Club’s signature event is the DealMakers Summit, July 12-14 in Los Angeles. The forum is designed to increase awareness of the investment opportunities present within the emerging domestic market. “The environment that The Marathon Club has created in bringing together entrepreneurs, top corporate executives, and private investors is critical,” says Regina Montoya, CEO of the New America Alliance.
The Marathon Club intends to establish itself as the preeminent, deal making network organization. “Venture capital financing is a business that is network dependent,” says Robert Greene, the club’s president. “This year, we intend to take The Marathon Club into various markets around the country in an effort to expose communities of color to private equity.”
The organization plans to host invitation-only networking receptions in key cities across the country. Upcoming receptions include New York in September and Atlanta in November.
IS YOUR BUSINESS READY TO SEEK VENTURE CAPITAL?
Here’s how your business can demonstrate that it is a good candidate for an investment:
- Show how your product or service uniquely meets a significant need in the marketplace.
- Present an updated business plan that contains key industry analysis and strategic planning.
- Assemble a senior management team that possesses the requisite industry and operating experience to execute your business plan.
- Determine how much money your business will need and what you plan to accomplish with it.
- Show how your business can give your investors a return on their investment.
For additional information, call The Marathon Club at 202-204-3031 or visitwww.themarathonclub.org.