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Woodward Ballroom - 2nd Floor

Luncheon Panel Discussion: NextGen M&A: How Mobility and AI Impact Dealmaking Activity, Decisions, and Investments

The acceleration of technology — mobility, AI and automation — coupled with evolving industries in automotive, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, has created a different ecosystem in M&A for Michigan and beyond. Join us as an all-star panel of entrepreneurs, investors, and experts explores the effect of technology on investment decisions … and the opportunities being created.

Moderator:

Dustin S. Klein
Publisher
Smart Business

Dustin is an award-winning business journalist, bestselling author, and the publisher of Smart Business. Over the past 30 years, he has interviewed thousands of business and civic leaders, and helped more than 50 CEOs and entrepreneurs transform their ideas into books. A trained investigative politics reporter and former digital media entrepreneur, Dustin joined Smart Business in 1997 after serving as an editor at several daily newspapers.

Panelests:

Komal Doshi
Director, Mobility Programs
Ann Arbor SPARK

As director of Mobility Programs at Ann Arbor SPARK, Komal Doshi works with existing and new startups to identify and solve challenges, engage stakeholders and build relationships to advance the growth of the region’s mobility industry. She co-developed the Mobi Platform, a global platform for mobility entrepreneurs and industry players, and was recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of the Notable 25 Women in Technology 2018.

Sherwin Prior
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Blue Victor Capital

Sherwin is co-founder and managing partner of Blue Victor Capital LLC. Previously, he was managing director of GM Ventures LLC, the corporate venture capital arm of General Motors, where he managed over $250 million in assets. In 2017, Sherwin was ranked 14th in the Global Corporate Venturing Rising Stars publication, and in 2018, he was named one of the Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America by SAVOY magazine.

Dan Ratliff
Principal
Fontinalis Partners, LLC

Dan is a Principal at Fontinalis, where he is responsible for supporting the company’s efforts in numerous areas including new investments, existing portfolio companies, administrative and reporting, and fund raising. Dan currently serves as a board observer to two Fontinalis portfolio companies, Ouster and Autonomous Marine Systems. Prior to joining Fontinalis, Dan was an Analyst at P&M Corporate Finance (PMCF), an investment banking affiliate of national accounting and professional services firm Plante Moran. Dan earned his Master’s degree in Finance from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University, where he was a member of the Honors College. Dan is also a former Fellow in the Michigan Venture Capital Association’s Venture Fellows Program.

Sam Simon
Founder & Chairman
Simon Group Holdings

Sam is founder and chairman of Simon Group Holdings, which he formed in 1985 with the founding of Atlas Oil Company. Simon Group Holdings, directly and through its subsidiaries, has interests and is an active investment manager in a number of industry sectors. In 2007, Sam created Atlas Cares, which supports Detroit organizations and encourages employees to volunteer at charities of their choice.

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