The Vancouver Enterprise Forum is hosting a 2009 Venture Capital Outlook panel discussion n Tuesday, January 27th during what is turning into Vancouver's 'unofficial' Venture Capital week.
In a break from our Technology Legends theme, the VEF is presenting a panel discussion on the outlook for venture capital financing in 2009. Every day we hear about how the economic crisis is affecting the technology sector and causing the retreat of venture capital financing. But against this backdrop, everyone knows that great companies and great returns emerge from troubled financial times. How has the current environment changed how and where VCs invest? Will this slowdown affect all technology sectors? What can companies do to increase their chance of raising money? What creative financing strategies are emerging on both sides of the border?
VCs from both sides of the border will get to the bottom these questions and more. The evening will be moderated by VEF Board Member Jonathan Bixby, CEO of Strangeloop Networks. Panellists include John Albright of JL Albright Ventures, Mike Satterfield of Yaletown Venture Partners, Anthony Lee of Altos Ventures, and Bill Bryant of Draper Fisher Jurvetson.
The week of January 26th - 30th is shaping up to be a good one for VCs and those in search of venture capital. On Monday the Angel Forum is hosting an Angel Capital Overview for Investors & Entrepreneurs, on Tuesday, Rocket Builders is hosting thier annual Ready to Rocket 25 for 2009 in advance of the above event, and on Thursday the 12th Canadian Financing Forum is taking place at the Hyatt Regency. Click on the event links to register for any of the events.
This was one of the best moderated panels that I have ever attended. The VEF is really kicking butt right now, they have some great motivated entrepreneurs on the board and a great new Executive Director (Catherine). They had the entire theater at capacity and a further 100 people watching from the lobby. Jonathan did a wonderful job and the content was spot on. It is a tough time and people better understand this as they set their 2009 budgets.
