Jun. 13--At a time when credit markets remain tight and investors are cautiously analyzing deals, technology industry groups are helping entrepreneurs surf for dollars and click with financiers.

The Connecticut Technology Council and the New Haven Innovation Cell will present "Ten Tips for Start-Ups Trying to Raise Capital" at 5:30 p.m. June 24 at the New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Ave.

The guest speaker is Michael Garau, founder and managing general partner of the Clear Venture Partners Inc. venture capital fund in Maine.

His experience includes seven years with the private equity firm Advent International, with offices in Boston and London, and six years with CEI Community Ventures, a fully invested, $10 million early-stage fund for which he continues to serve as president.

While at Advent Europe, Garau led investment opportunities with companies in early, development and later stages and in diverse sectors including information technology, media, Internet and chemicals/industrial.

At CEI Community Ventures, he developed the fund's investment strategy and plan, led investments in eight companies and oversaw fund operations.

Admission is $25 for CTC and Innovation Cell members and $35 for nonmembers. To register, visit www.ct.org or call (860) 289-0878.

CTC also is accepting entries for the 2009 Cantor Colburn LLP Innovation Pipeline Awards, which recognize early stage and startup technology companies judged to have an outstanding technology product or service. The deadline for applications is July 10.

The Connecticut Technology Council of East Hartford is a statewide association of technology companies and institutions.

The group represents more than 2,000 companies that employ about 200,000 workers.

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