In addition to dozens of the region’s top companies on display and exclusive networking opportunities to 1000 of the region’s top executives and investment professionals, the Southeast Venture Conference will feature dozens of expert speakers discussing roundtable discussions on topics such as the State of Venture Capital, M&A, Liquidity Challenges, Industry Specific Topics, Early and Late Stage Centric Investment Trends to name a few.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more specifics on our specific panels, speakers and presenting companies or sign up for email updates by entering you email address in the field form at the left.

February 24

February 25

Announced Panels

2010: State of the Venture Market
2010 is an interesting time for the venture community. With the effects of the financial crisis still lingering, many questions remain about the future of the venture industry. Most see a contraction of funds and many questions remain about the sustainability of the of the current venture capital model. However, the risk/return equation still exists and historic opportunity knocks to those in the game. What sectors are heating up? Which sectors are underserved? Hear from top tier funds on where their placing their bets in the new world order.

Inside the Beltway: Winning Strategies for Government Contracting
As historic money continues to flow through the power brokers in DC, one big contract can be a major game changer for growing tech firms and their investors. Companies need to be aware of ever changing compliance, conflict of interest and transparency rules to come out on top. How should tech companies be positioned to tap into the mix? Find out what the pros know about getting through the red tape and get the inside scoop on what it takes to have a winning strategy.

Exit and Liquidity Strategies
As the ice on the IPO market shows signs of thaw, many roadblocks remain in place to going public. Fortunately, the M&A market is heating up and looks promising moving into 2010. How have investors and companies alike made adjustments to seek the returns they demand? How does the growth of secondary markets factor in? What multiples should investors realistically expect?

Sector Focus: Clean Tech
Billions in government funding being allocated globally in clean technology embolden private capital investing in this growing sector. The extension of tax credits for renewable-based power generation along with government stimulus and regulatory requirements to meet renewable portfolio standards are helping to drive even further investment. What are the implications and opportunities from pending green legislation and regulations here and abroad. What are investor expectations in the space? From managing the grid, to green materials, to biofuels and battery tech, which clean tech subsectors offer the greatest potential and which may be the biggest pitfalls?

Early Stage Investment Discussion
Opportunities and challenges exist for both investors and entrepreneurs in the 2010 early stage market. As the cost to build companies in numerous sectors continues to decrease, early stage investment dollars are stretching further downstream. What holes exist in the marketplace? What fund raising strategies should early-stage companies be considering? With tightening credit lines what debt options are available for early stage companies? Where do angels and angel groups fit into the equation? What strategies are investors using to reap homerun returns while minimizing strike-outs?

Limited Partner Viewpoint
As the fund raising climate remains extremely difficult, how are venture firms positioning themselves to remain relevant in 2010 and beyond. Not every fund will have returns of the top quartile... how do institutional investors view the large percentage of funds? Can larger funds compete in the new economic environment? What investment strategies are LPs planning and what are the short and long term implications for the venture community?