Red Herring

THE BUSINESS OF TECHNOLOGY

2013 Top 100 North America: Agenda

Tuesday, May 21

7:15 – 9:00     Evening Welcome Cocktail & Registration

Wednesday, May 22

7:15 – 8:00            Breakfast & Registration

8:00 – 8:30            Opening Comments, Alex Vieux

8:30 – 9:00            Fireside Chat

9:00 – 9:30            Keynote Roundtable: Great Expectations

A pristine group of venture capitalists discuss opportunities in 2013. What sectors are hot? What geographies show the most promise? Where are they looking to invest now and where do they see their dollars going over the next 18 months? Is it better to be early than late to the game?

9:30 – 10:00         Fireside Chat – Managing Growth

Inflexion points 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?

10:00 – 10:30      Coffee Break

10:30 – 11:00      Keynote Session: Corporate Venturing

Being funded by a corporate venture group provides unique advantages. It validates your technology and business model. It provides deep pockets and “patient” capital.  It can provide customers and channels. It 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.

11:00 – 11:45     Keynote Roundtable: Know Your Sources

It is very simple. At every funding stage you will be at a crossroad.  You will need to make the right decision and dance with the right partner. It’s not just about the money. It’s about the right money.  How do you best vet your capital?

11:45 – 12:15     Snapshots

  • A Surprise Selection of  the Top 100 Finalists

12:15 -1:30          Lunch

1:30 – 3:30            Presentations: Red Herring North America Finalists

3:30 – 4:00           Coffee Break

4:00 – 6:15            Presentations: Red Herring North America Finalists

6:45 – 9:30            Cocktail and Dinner, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Thursday, May 23

7:15 – 8:00            Breakfast & Registration

8:00 – 8:30            Opening Comments, Alex Vieux

8:30 – 9:30            Keynote Presentations: State of the Union

9:30 – 10:00       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.  And of course, there is an entire ecosystem outside Silicon Valley.  Where should you look?

10:00 – 10:30      Coffee Break

10:30 – 11:15      Keynote Roundtable: Exits Strategies

Tech IPOs are rare – only 24 for all of 2012. On the other hand, hundreds of M&A deals are done in the tech sector each year.  What are some key M&A trends and metrics in terms of technologies, geographies and deal size? What are some of the best practices to follow if you are looking towards a trade sale?

11:15 – 12:00      Keynote Roundtable: 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 will face is doing a deal with a large corporate. It is a different culture, a 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?

12:00 – 12:30      Fireside Chat: Lessons Learned

12:30 -1:30          Lunch

1:30 – 3:30             Presentations: Red Herring North America Finalists

3:30 – 4:00            Coffee Break

4:00 – 6:15             Presentations: Red Herring North America Finalists

6:30 – 7:00           Roundtables

  • “Europe – You’re Up”So your next step is Europe – one of the wealthiest economies in the world, 750 million potential customers. Easy to do, right? Upon closer inspection with 50 countries, 60+ languages and with multiple currencies, legal and regulatory systems to manoeuvre, it can be daunting! Hear the experts offer insights to their decisions to enter the European market, the opportunities and challenges that presented and their ultimate success.
  • Creating Tangible Value Through Corporate and Personal BrandingHow important is brand to a start-up? Can a brand change the trajectory of a company? When should an entrepreneur make the investment in the corporate brand vs a personal brand? When do the investments pay-off and what’s the best way to build powerful, valuable brands? ·

7:15 – 10:00           Red Herring 100 North America Award Ceremony & Dinner