Many technology and science start-ups that require outside capital have found investor groups with open doors but closed wallets this past year. But not everyone has struck out. Come hear how two early stage new ventures have closed their Series A rounds and are well on their way with Series B rounds. Also on the panel will be two early stage VCs who have their finger on the pulse of the changing investor market and can give the inside scoop on what to expect for 2010.
The panel will include Gerry Langeler of OVP Venture Partners, an early stage VC firm based in Portland and Seattle, with a focus on cleantech, digital biology, and information technology. The panel also will include Gregg Semler, co-founder of Pivotal Investments, the Northwest’s first venture capital firm focused on innovations enabling the sustainable economy.
The panel also will include CEOs of two early stage companies that have had a very successful year attracting investor dollars. S-Ray is a medical device company with its first technology targeted at the dental industry. Giftango provides a web platform and virtual card services for the multi-billion dollar gift card industry.
Our panel of investors and entrepreneurs will address questions like:
- What products, services, and technology sectors are investors most excited about now?
- What do investors want to see for company growth and exit strategies?
- What strategies are entrepreneurs using to successfully find and attract investments?
- What are the strategies VC firms are using to manage risk and increase return in the current environment?
- How has the VC/venture partnership shifted focus in the current economic climate?
- What’s the longer term prediction about the VC/venture relationship?
Speakers:
Moderator: Carol Mason, Director, Portland State Business Accelerator
Panelists:
Steve Baird, CEO, S-Ray Corp
Gerry Langeler, Managing Director, OVP Venture Partners
David Nelsen, CEO, Giftango Corporation
Gregg Semler, Co-founder and Managing Director, Pivotal Investments
Sponsor: The Portland State Business Accelerator (PSBA)
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Time: 12 noon to 1 pm
Where: Portland State Business Accelerator, Mt. Hood Conference Room - 209
Mapping directions to parking lot entrance: SW Corbett Ave and SW Meade St, Portland, 97213 (use this vs. street address for workable directions)
Cost: No charge, bring your lunch if desired
RSVP requested: Send email to jdalton@pdx.edu with "Early Stage VC Investing: What to expect in 2010?" in the subject line.
Parking: In PSBA lot; at no charge.
Questions: call 503-725-2312 or email PSBA office.
