Welcome to the DEN Chicago Chapter!

2009 DEN Business Plan Competition

Congratulations to Clifton Charles Inc., the DEN Chicago representative at the May 8th DEN Business Plan competition, who made it to the final round of the competition.  In the end, the winner and receiver of the $50,000 prize went to Novoculi, a team of MD/MBA's working on a non-invasive blood glucose monitoring device that will help eliminate the need for diabetics to prick themselves. More information about the event and finalists from all DEN cities can be found here.

Below is an excerpt of an email from Clifton C. Berry (D'96) of Clifton Charles Inc:

"It was a gorgeous Dartmouth day so it made it just that much better to be back on campus after so long.  There was a lunch before the competition which started at Noon, so we had a chance to mingle and chat with the judges and other contestants.  There were 10 teams in total presenting.  Each team had 10 minutes (hard stop at 10 minutes) to present their plan, uninterrupted, and then 10 minutes of Q&A from the judges.  The four judges were all Dartmouth or Tuck alums, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs in their own right.  One had just sold his firm to Merck for $400 MM." 
 
"The finalists from each region all had stellar plans.  Each team/plan deservedly could have been funded.  I was very impressed with each succeeding presentation.  The competition was very stiff.  But I think the judges did a great job of understanding each plan, asking good questions and giving fantastic and constructive feedback."

"I was thoroughly impressed by the caliber of teams at the competition and realized just how talented and intelligent Dartmouth alums are.  The judges were very kind to generate their time and provide some very critical advice in executing our plan.  Indeed, they have agreed to advise and be a sounding board for us as we progress with our company." 

"Thank you again for allowing us to represent DEN Chicago in the Finals."

DEN Chicago Kickoff Event

DEN Chicago kicked off in style with an event on January 14th at Mesirow Financial's Conference Center, hosted by Sean P. Harte, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Mesirow Financial Commodities Management. Professor Gregg Fairbrothers D'76, Founding Director of the Darmouth Entrepreneurial Network and Adjunct Professor of Business Administration at the Tuck School of Business,  flew out for the Windy City's kick off event. After an hour of networking, Gregg presented an informative session on DEN and its impact on the Dartmouth community. Thanks to Gregg for making it out during a sever bout of Chicago weather! In the face of dreadful conditions, DEN Chicago kicked off with nearly 50 alumni in attendance. See photos from the event: