Big Splash at the Marcum MicroCap Conference
Three years ago, my partner David Bukzin and I looked at each other and knew we were on to something. Those of you who are regular readers of this column have heard me tell the classic back-of-the-napkin tale about how the Marcum MicroCap Conference got started in 2012. We had an idea for bringing around 50 or so small public companies together with a group of investors looking for innovative new ideas, and since no other accounting firm was doing anything like this, we thought it would be a good way for Marcum to meet a real need in the entrepreneurial marketplace.
We knew the idea was viable, but we had no way of knowing back then just how responsive the microcap community would be. So we built it, and they came.
Well, this week was our fourth annual event. And what an event it was! More than 160 pre-IPO and microcap public companies in varied industry categories presented their business plans and visions over a day-and-a-half at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. Over 2000 investors and other market participants were there, and it was literally standing room only for our keynote luncheon, featuring the first public remarks by former Lehman Brothers Chairman Richard Fuld Jr., since Lehman folded in 2008.
Some may question why we decided to feature someone so controversial, so inexorably linked to the financial crisis, at an event that celebrates growth. Our answer is that Dick Fuld has a unique perspective on the economy of the times, both then and now, and is undeniably in a position to share very personal insight and wisdom for tomorrow’s market leaders. In fact, in his new venture as chairman of Matrix Advisors, Dick’s current focus is on helping new enterprises get off the ground. Which is what our conference is all about.
My guess is that by the time you are reading this today, you will have seen some of the news reports in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and almost every other media outlet, or perhaps CNBC’s live coverage of Dick’s remarks and their interview with David Bukzin from the conference meeting floor. If so, I hope it gave you a fresh perspective on the depth of Marcum’s commitment to our clients and the microcap community.
All in all, I have to say that I was very proud of the Marcum team for pulling off such an outstanding event of so much interest for entrepreneurs and investors alike. This was a great week to be wearing the Marcum badge.
