Creative Loafing, our corporate parent, is getting some statewide attention as part of a venture capital conference that will take place Feb. 6-7 in Boca Raton. So what exactly is CL looking to raise equity financing for?
CL chairman Ben Eason said he is writing a pitch that will highlight some new media ideas the company wants to experiment with. That two-page proposal will be posted in full on our Creative Loafing website once it is complete in the next few days. Eason said:
“We’re thrilled to be able to showcase the company’s migration from a traditional publishing company to a media company that is looking forward to the future with excitement. The convergence of traditional print with the web and all its dimensions has given companies like CL a unique opportunity to enrich lives and strengthen communities.â€
CL is one of 24 Florida companies selected to present their stories at the 2007 Venture Capital Conference, which is a networking partnership between private companies, academic institutions and the state’s venture capital firms. The 22-year-old agency says its forum is designed “to showcase approximately 20-25 later stage, high growth private companies before a national audience of venture capitalists, private equity investors and investment bankers. These entrepreneurial companies should have talented management teams, proprietary technology, high growth potential and should be currently seeking later stage funding. Please note that even if a company is not currently seeking funding, they are encouraged to present at the Conference to showcase their company for marketing purposes.â€
Eason said his pitch won’t include any expansion of the print products at CL, which include alternative weekly publications in Tampa, Sarasota, Atlanta and Charlotte.
CL’s selection as a forum presenter was announced in a news release this week and first reported locally by the Tampa Bay Business Journal online.
