Connecticut Innovations Names David Wurzer Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer

Rocky Hill, Conn. (PRWEB) April 28, 2014

Connecticut Innovations (CI), the leading source of financing and ongoing support for Connecticut's innovative, growing companies, today announced that David Wurzer, formerly a senior managing director at CI, has been appointed to chief investment officer and executive vice president. As part of his new role, Wurzer will be responsible for the management of the investment function, staffing needs, portfolio and risk management, outreach to stakeholders, budget planning and performance measurement.

Wurzer, 55, joined CI in 2009. During his tenure at CI, he has led syndicates for new investments, strengthened connections with investors, angels, portfolio companies and universities, and managed a team of associates and senior associates.

Wurzer has more than 30 years of senior-level experience in operations and finance, including more than 10 years as executive vice president, treasurer and CFO of CuraGen Corporation, a former CI portfolio company. He guided the biotech company through its initial public offering and helped raise more than $700 million in investment capital.

"Dave's background, experience and connections, in Connecticut and outside the state, make him an ideal fit for this position," said Claire Leonardi, CEO of CI. "He has demonstrated his ability to lead, pursue strong deals and manage his team in a way that strengthens the entire organization and portfolio at CI. He also serves as a valued member of many of our CI portfolio company boards, sharing insights and strategies that help the companies we support reach their goals."

Wurzer began his professional career with Coopers & Lybrand in Hartford, Conn. (now part of PricewaterhouseCoopers), where he held various accounting and managerial positions. He is a certified public accountant and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in accountancy.

"As one of the nation's most active early-stage investors, CI has the opportunity to help high-tech companies at a time when our funding and strategic guidance is the most critical," said Wurzer. "I'm honored to have been selected for the position and look forward to continuing the good work the organization has already accomplished."

Wurzer currently sits on the following boards: Axerion Therapeutics, Inc.; CyVek, Inc.; Emme; E2MS, LLC; NovaTract Surgical, Inc.; SmartPay NewCo, LLC; Thetis Pharmaceuticals, LLC; ZetrOZ, Inc.; Response Genetics, Inc.; and Special Diversified Opportunities, Inc.

About Connecticut Innovations Inc.
Connecticut Innovations (CI) is the leading source of financing and ongoing support for Connecticut's innovative, growing companies. To maximize the growth potential of each business, CI tailors its solutions and often combines its funds with resources from other financial leaders to provide venture capital and strategic support for early-stage technology companies; flexible loans for established companies with new innovations; grants that support innovation and collaboration; and connections to its well-established network of partners and professionals. Through all these initiatives, CI has helped bring $4 billion in financing to Connecticut companies. The state's most active early-stage investor, CI has created more than 26,000 jobs. For more information on CI, please visit http://www.ctinnovations.com.

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