Intermountain Venture Forum – Boise mixes Business & Pleasure

Intermountain Venture Forum-Boise organizers announced that guests attending the October 1-2 event may sign-up for one of several outdoor adventures that are scheduled afterwards. Organizers negotiated special rates with guide companies for whitewater rafting, fly-fishing and mountain biking.

Sponsored this year by Holland & Hart (http://www.hollandhart.com), Intermountain Venture Forum-Boise brings together entrepreneurs and equity investors from across the West. Last year 14 early stage companies from 6 states made formal presentations at the event which was attended by 250 guests including approximately a dozen venture capital firms. New for 2003, special recreation opportunities will allow guests – many of which are from out of town – to make the most of their visit to Idaho and to do some networking in a unique and exciting outdoor setting.

“The event has evolved into a destination for the venture community,” explained Brent Thomas, Forum Director, “This year we decided to help broker some recreation opportunities because of feedback from last year’s guests. The rationale is that if you’re coming to Boise for the conference, why not float Idaho’s world-class rapids, tour Boise’s #1 ranked mountain bike trails, or go fly-fishing with the region’s top guides?”

For only $150/person, guests can sign up for an all-inclusive rafting adventure with Northwest Voyageurs (http://www.voyageurs.com). The trip includes round-trip transportation, a night stay at their bed and breakfast, dinner, breakfast and lunch on the river while rafting for a half-day.

Mountain biking with Idaho Mountain Touring (http://www.idahomountaintouring.com) is only $40 and includes a top-of-the-line bike rental and guide.

Idaho Angler (http://www.idahoangler.com) will guide the fly-fishing which costs only $100/person; this includes transportation, gear and equipment (there is a nominal charge per-fly).

“Boise is rapidly becoming the epicenter for entrepreneurs and investors in the region because of it’s approximate equal distance from Portland, Salt Lake City, Bozeman and Seattle,” explained Mark Solon, Managing Partner at Highway 12 Ventures, Idaho’s largest venture fund, “Aside from the sheer fun involved, the real value is in networking.

Successful entrepreneurs and investors know that this is a relationship business. Having a great business idea is one thing; knowing people that can help you turn it into a reality is something else entirely. This is an incredible opportunity to get to know venture-minded colleagues from across the West.”
Intermountain Venture Forum-Boise also features a networking reception sponsored by Comerica Bank (http://www.comerica.com) and an exclusive dinner for VC’s and featured companies sponsored by Bechtel/BWXT-Idaho (http://www.inel.gov).

Applications to be a presenting company at the event and other information are available at http://www.ventureboise.org. The presenter application deadline is August 8, 2003.

General guests can register through October 1. For additional information about this exciting event contact:

Brent Thomas, Forum Director, at (208) 472-5232 or email [email protected].