JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – New private venture capital firms are joining with Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan to increase potential investment funding for creators at One Spark to $3.25 million, according to festival organizers.
Khan pledged up to $1 million during the inaugural One Spark 2013 event and converted that pledge into over $1 million of actual investment in six qualified One Spark 2013 creator projects through his investment corporation. He is repeating that pledge this year.
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"One Spark has my support again this year because it showcases Jacksonville, particularly downtown, and everything we have here to offer an entrepreneur," Khan said. "We will definitely show a preference to qualified creators who have a quality idea that perhaps needs financial support to become reality, and then would be willing to do business here in Jax. I wish the participants good luck."
This year, Khan is joined by Arsenal Venture Partners, Florida Blue, Healthbox, Palm Vetures, PS27 Ventures and UE Investors to offer up to $3.25 million in combined potential investment opportunities. One Spark creators can also receive individual contributions from the public and $310,000 in guaranteed crowdfunds and awards.
"Connecting great ideas to investment dollars is a critical component of a successful event," said One Spark co-founder Elton Rivas. "The caliber of capital partners who will be at One Spark 2014 looking for the next big thing is truly remarkable."
One Spark 2014's creator registration deadline has been extended to Feb. 21, 2014 to give interested creators the opportunity to register and apply for the additional potential capital investment. Details about how registered creators can apply can be found at One Spark's website.