Eastern NC - Investor Network

The Eastern NC – Investor Network (ENC-IN) is a group of “accredited investors” that meets monthly to examine and discuss equity investments in private companies. The network has met since the first ECU Venture Forum was initiated in January 2002 and was originally sponsored by Ward & Smith, SBTDC and ECU. For three years the Forum was an annual event that gave 5 companies an opportunity to present to investors. RSM McGladrey joined Ward & Smith as a co-sponsor from 2003 to 2004. During May 2005 the ENC-IN began meeting monthly for lunch on the 3rd Thursday of each month to review two company presentations per month. These meetings included only “accredited investors.” The monthly network meeting starts with lunch and while investors eat, updates are announced and the first company presents a 12 – 15 minute slide show followed by a 10 minute Q&A session. The company is asked to leave the room so investors can discuss their interest level and establish next steps. The discussion is followed by a short break and the next steps are delivered to the presenting company. This same format continues for the 2nd company. In 2007 it was decided to have stronger screening process and have only one company present each month. The ENC-IN meeting starts at Noon and usually ends by 1:30pm. No meeting is scheduled for August and December of each year. Since 2002, over $10 million has been invested by private individuals and networks in companies associated with ENC-IN seeking private equity in eastern NC.