Immunicon Corporation of Huntingdon Valley — the first company in which BFTP Southeast made an investment ó was named by Small Times magazine as the Nanotechnology IPO of the Year for 2004. The magazine also selected Immunicon's Chairman, President and CEO Edward Erickson as 2004 Small Tech Business Leader of the Year.
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| Edward Erickson of Immunicon Corporation |
"Edward Erickson is a true Pennsylvania success story," said RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President and CEO of BFTP Southeast.
For 23 years, BFTP has served as the Commonwealth's "signature partner in the work of growing Pennsylvania's economy through science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship," Rosenthal said.
Pursuing a three-pronged strategy of capital, knowledge and networks, the four Ben Franklin offices collaborate in their respective regions to create an infrastructure for innovation that is receptive to the "next new thing." In addition, the four network centers support entrepreneurs willing to take the risks that transform ideas into new foundations for economic growth.
"With Ed Erickson and Immunicon, we see how this all comes together," Rosenthal said of the successful BFTP alumnus.
Immunicon develops and commercializes highly specialized human diagnostic products, pharmaceutical developmental tools and life science research tools using a wide range of proprietary platform technologies. The company's initial focus is the development of cell-based and molecular diagnostic products and systems for clinical use in the field of cancer.
Begun with scientific discovery, a good plan and a determined team, Immunicon represents the classic entrepreneurial success story. And Ben Franklin is proud to have played an early role.
"Over the years, we watched Immunicon pitch and rise as it held on through tough times and even more difficult markets," Rosenthal noted.
Today, Immunicon is a regional company listed on the NASDAQ. Erickson has guided Immunicon to a successful IPO and raised $43 million.
From the July/August 2005 issue
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