The event will feature discussions between small businesses and venture capital investors on the successes and challenges they have experienced in raising capital and investing outside of the more traditional financing “hot spots” along the U.S. coasts. Venture-backed companies in the U.S. raised over $99 billion across over 5,000 deals in 2018, yet companies in just three states accounted for over three-quarters of that funding. Participants will explore ways to encourage the efficient flow of capital and expand investment opportunities.