The Business Alliance of George Mason University

What is the Business Alliance Grubstake Breakfast program?

Three times each year, the Business Alliance Grubstake Breakfast brings together the region's brightest entrepreneurs, potential investors and business leaders in a highly innovative forum that shapes the growth and development of the entrepreneurial companies in the region.

The longest running networking and investors forum of its kind in the region, the Grubstake Breakfast provides early stage companies seeking focused growth capital in the range of $250,000 - $2 million a forum to present their investment opportunities to targeted audience of institutional and angel investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders and service providers. Additional firms frequently are invited to showcase their concepts as well at Spotlight Tables during the networking sessions at each Grubstake Breakfast program.

What Happens at Each Grubstake Breakfast?

At each Grubstake Breakfast, investors and businesses of all sizes come together to network; to stay abreast of the latest trends; to find strategic partners, investment opportunities, and customers; and to support the local entrepreneurial economy. Each event begins with a dynamic networking session, followed by a formal breakfast program during which four or five selected companies present their investment opportunities to an audience of investors, fellow entrepreneurs, potential strategic partners, and other interested parties. After each presentation, featured investors join other members of the audience to provide feedback to the presenters and ask questions. Networking continues again after the formal program providing an opportunity for attendees to query further the presenting companies and those featured at the Spotlight Tables.

Who Should Apply to Present at the Grubstake Breakfast?

Companies selected to present represent a diverse group of industry sectors and typically include a combination of IT, software, life sciences, telecommunications and government oriented products/services. Though there are exceptions, the majority of companies selected to present their investment opportunities at these breakfasts typically are locally based companies which fit the following parameters:

An entrepreneurial company seeking $250,000 to $2 million in focused growth capital;
A developed product idea that is ready for market;
With proprietary products or services that tap an unmet market need;
Which have developed a prototype with at least initial indications of market interest (Beta or beyond);
With growth potential beyond a small market segment.

2008 Investor Patrons and Sponsors:

Access National Bank, Amplifier Venture Partners, Belmont Partners LLC, CIT Gap Fund, Deloitte, Edison Venture Fund, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, Hogan and Hartson LLP, Jefferson Wells, johnsanders.com, Kelley, Drye & Warren, LLP, Koltun & King, P.C., KPMG LLP, KnowledgeBank, Latham & Watkins LLP, Leach Travell Britt pc, Longstreet Partners, L.L.C., Maryland Venture Fund, Miles & Stockbridge P.C., National Science Foundation, Opus8, Inc., Potomac Tech Wire, RedShift Ventures, Reed Smith LLP, Square1 Bank, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP, TEDCO, Updata Partners, Valhalla Partners, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, WWC Capital

Connection with George Mason University

The Business Alliance Grubstake Breakfast program is a Business Alliance partnership activity with George Mason University's School of Management and Mason Enterprise Center (MEC). Business Alliance member volunteers run the program selecting the companies, performing due diligence, providing advice regarding the pitches for investments, and feedback to declined applicants. Mason MBAs shadow the Business Alliance volunteers throughout the process. MEC clients have the opportunity to attend, learn and apply for funding.

More Information Regarding Past Presenters

Photos and Program – October 23, 2008 Grubstake Breakfast

Grubstake News

Video of Past Breakfast

2008 Grubstake Breakfast Series Corporate and Investor Patron

Sponsorship Opportunties