Tuesday, November 27
19:15 – 21:00 Welcome Reception & Registration
Wednesday, November 28
07:15 – 08:00 Breakfast & Registration
08:00 – 08:30 Opening Comments, Alex Vieux
08:30 – 09:15 Keynote Session: The Spirit of Entrepreneurialism
09:15 – 09:45 Keynote Session: Exits Strategies
Headlines abound for tech IPOs such as Facebook, Jive Software, LinkedIn, Pandora, Zillow, Zynga, and Yelp. Yet at the same time, there are far more M&A deals than IPOs. How do you make the right decision? When should you take the plunge? Is there a clear map you can follow to make your way towards an exit?
- Beat the Traffic, Andre Gueziec
- GCA Savvian Advisors, Steve Fletcher
- KPMG, JP Ditty
- Raymond James, Jerry Darko
09:45 – 10:15 Keynote Session: Managing Growth – $100m and Counting
Inflexions point happen at different times and lead start-ups to reconsider how to adapt their execution plans. Companies cross invisible lines with visible effects. How can companies pivot and adapt? Is there a secret sauce or just good old elbow grease? Most importantly, how do you mage growth?
10:15 – 10:45 Coffee Break
10:45 – 12:00 Keynote Session: Lessons From Building Successful Tech Companies
Four exceptional, battle-tested CEOs share their experience and war stories.
12:00 – 12:30 Keynote Session: Is There a Secret to Getting Funded?
VC money is flowing to companies in Silicon Valley and beyond. However, you still need to have a great tech play that can scale. You need to meet the right people and say the right things. Hear from an insider who has been on both sides of the fence many times before. You just might be surprised at what you hear.
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 15:30 Presentations: Red Herring Global Finalists
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee Break
16:00 – 18:30 Presentations: Red Herring Global Finalists
19:00 – 21:00 Cocktail & Dinner Party
Thursday, November 29
07:15 – 08:00 Breakfast & Registration
08:00 – 08:30 Opening Comments, Alex Vieux
08:30- 09:30 Keynote Session: Investment Strategies for a Global Market
Technology is a global play, with many start-ups having to think beyond their local markets from day one. At the same time, there are huge markets such as the US and China where companies can live happily ever after in their pond. How do venture capitalist look at you, the entrepreneur, when they wake up each morning? Are you an exotic international dish or just good old home cooking? Where do they see the trends in terms of geographies and technologies? What should you have in your briefcase when you knock on their door?
09:30– 10:00 Keynote Session:
10:00 – 10:30 Coffee Break
10:30 – 11:00 Keynote Session: David and Goliath: Opening the Door to the Corporates
There is a point when every entrepreneur must step out of the nest and navigate unchartered waters. One of the most daunting hurdles many face is doing a deal with a large corporate. It is a different culture, different speed, and certainly a different set of priorities. How does a private company reach out to the giants? What is their vetting process? How can they make sure to make a good first impression?
11:00 – 11:30 Keynote Session: Going Global
11:30 – 12:15 Keynote Session: Corporate Venture Capital – Too hot, too cold or just right?
Funding by a corporate venture group provides unique advantages. They validate your technology and business model. They provide deep pockets and “patient” capital. They can provide customers and channels. They can even be your ticket to an exit. However, not all corporate funds are created equal. Learn how they operate, what they look at, and how you can be the next deal on their plate.
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 15:30 Presentations: Red Herring Global Finalists
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee Break
16:00 – 18:30 Presentations: Red Herring Global Finalists
19:00 – 21:30 Cocktail & Dinner Party