‘Great Idea or Real Business Opportunity?’ explored at WARF’s Gilson Series event

A panel featuring a venture capitalist, entrepreneur and angel investor will tackle the topic “Great Idea or Real Business Opportunity?” to kick off the 2008-09 Gilson Discovery Series presented by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF).

Scott Button, managing director Venture Investors LLC; Jan Eddy, retired president and CEO of Wingra Technologies; and Dick Leazer, principal in the Madison-based angel investing network, Wisconsin Investment Partners LLC, will speak on evaluating the potential use and markets for new technologies at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Fluno Center, 601 University Ave.

The panel will discuss evaluation as the first step in determining whether a great idea can be turned into a viable business. The event is free and open to the public as part of the Gilson Discovery Series hosted by WARF. The panel discussion is followed by a networking reception at 6 p.m. Complimentary parking is available online by contacting Devon Cournoyer at (608) 890-1621 or dcournoyer@warf.org.

In 2002, University of Wisconsin–Madison alumnus, faculty member and entrepreneur Warren Gilson bequeathed a generous gift to WARF to promote entrepreneurialism in Wisconsin. Since 2005, WARF has hosted a series of events in his name to help connect the university with the Madison community.