Anges Québec and university technology transfer organizations unite to support the development of technological businesses
Quebec, October 10th 2013– To encourage the development of technological businesses in Québec, the Anges Québec private investors network has entered into a privileged partnership agreement with Valeo Management, MSBi Valorisation, SOVAR and Univalor, technology transfer and commercialization companies derived from university research in Québec. This agreement will favour the sharing of expertise and the pooling of resources and financial and business networks to support innovative seed companies that commercialize technologies derived from university research.
Know how to create ties
The partners will jointly organize training and networking activities to create ties between university research, entrepreneurial and investment players. Valeo, MSBiV, SOVAR and Univalor are also invited to present Anges Québec with the most promising technology and business opportunities from their sectors for which financing is required. At the same time, Anges Québec will present these companies the businesses financed by its members that could benefit from their services.
Taking care of business
“University research creates numerous untapped business opportunities,” said Jacques Simoneau, President and CEO of Univalor. “This partnership marks the creation of a new task force that aims to establish profitable links between researchers-entrepreneurs and the business community to stimulate the emergence of new technology companies in Quebec.” Anne-Marie Larose, President and CEO of Valeo Management and MSBiV, added: “Anges Québec is an influential group in the startup community in Quebec and we are pleased to establish this partnership that will enable Valeo and MSBiV to optimize their impact with their respective establishments.”
As corporate members, the four partner technology transfer companies will have access to activities reserved for members of Anges Québec. Think tank events that allow researchers-entrepreneurs to meet selected members of Anges Québec for advice about their business project will also be held. “Access to a network of experienced business people who can advise the seed technology companies that we support, particularly in preparing investment files, will accelerate the entry of these new businesses on the markets,” said Pierre Pedneau, President and CEO of SOVAR.
Valuable expertise
For its part, Anges Québec will benefit from the expertise of university technology transfer organizations to obtain outside opinions relevant to the assessment of certain investment projects, mainly in the technology and life sciences sector. “This partnership with organizations that can demonstrate possible applications and the commercial value of technological innovations will not only allow us to improve the quality of investment files presented to our members, but also to strengthen the links between university research, innovative businesses and investors, which will be profitable for everyone,” said François Gilbert, President and CEO of Anges Québec.
About Anges Québec
Anges Québec is a network of 130 private investors that identifies, finances and coaches innovative Quebec enterprises with high growth potential. In this capacity, Anges Québec works closely with a number of key Québec organizations interested in the development and growth of technological innovations. So far, Anges Québec members have invested and reinvested in 30 promising businesses in the seed and startup phases. www.angesquec.com
About Valeo Management (Valeo)
Valeo is a company whose mission is to commercialize the results of research carried out by its limited partners, namely the Université du Québec à Montréal, the École de technologie supérieure, the Université du Québec à Rimouski, the Université du Québec en Abitibi Témiscamingue, the Université du Québec en Outaouais, the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and Concordia University. www.gestionvaleo.com
About MSBi Valorisation (MSBiV)
MSBiV provides its academic partners and their affiliates the financial resources and additional expertise to accelerate and facilitate the commercialization of technologies with strong potential. MSBiV’s academic partners include McGill, Sherbrooke and Bishop’s universities and their affiliated hospitals, research centres and technology transfer groups. Through its knowledge of the industry, the scope and quality of its network, MSBiV contributes to efforts already in place to connect discoveries derived from research by universities and private companies. www.msbiv.com
About SOVAR
SOVAR is a company devoted to the development and commercialization of new technologies derived from university research and from partnering research centres. SOVAR also responds to the needs of businesses in search of innovation. Its team of seasoned experts works in close collaboration with researchers helping them through the complex process that transforms innovative concepts into concrete and marketable applications. At the same time, it develops partnerships with key players in the innovation system of both Quebec and Canada as well as with potential investors. www.sovar.com
About Univalor
Univalor is a university technology transfer organization. For over 10 years, Univalor has been commercializing the scientific discoveries and technological innovations of some 2600 researchers from the Université de Montréal and its affiliated health centres, Polytechnique Montréal and HEC Montréal in the fields of pure and applied sciences, engineering, information technology, social sciences, life sciences and human health. By creating ties between the university and the business world, Univalor contributes to making businesses more competitive, generate more revenue from research and, above all, enrich society. www.univalor.ca
Source :
Anges Québec
François Gilbert
Président-directeur général
418-261-0011