Silicon Valley into the Next Decade: The Center of Global Transformation
VC-Entrepreneur Connection

AAMA's VC/Entrepreneur Program aims to showcase entrepreneurs to interested investors, while increasing their exposure and shortening their time to capital. The aim of the program is to create innovative forums in which entrepreneurs and VCs have the opportunity to make strong and long-lasting connections designed to help entrepreneurs expand business sources and contacts among the venture capital firms. It is our hope and continued goal that the success of the VC/Entrepreneur Program will lead to a continued acceleration in entrepreneurial activity and new company formation.

Entrepreneur Workshop Pre-Conference Entrepreneur Workshop
(by application and invitation only)

Thursday, October 2, 2008
12:00 - 6:30pm

Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel
625 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA  94301

Application Deadline:
SOLD OUT!

Click to view Workshop Agenda


This event is limited space and by application only to ensure maximum ¡®interactivity¡¯ and participation - driving the most benefit for your time.  This is a workshop not to be missed!  Last year¡¯s event was sold out, so apply early to ensure your spot.

Accepted applicants will pay a $99 participation fee, which includes admission to the Entrepreneur Workshop and the AAMA Connect 2008 conference (a $499 value!).

SOLD OUT!

Apply Now   Apply now to attend AAMA’s Entrepreneur Workshop!

What to Expect
AAMA¡¯s Entrepreneur Workshop brings to you practical information from seasoned entrepreneurs, knowledgeable investors and legal experts that will help you create and grow a successful start-up. Whether you are planning to start a company or just launched one, this event will lead you through the new venture creation and funding process, as seen through the eyes of serial entrepreneurs who have "done it before" and VCs who evaluate companies every day.

  Opening Keynote Address and Kickoff Lunch by Venture Capital Luminary:

Kevin Fong

Kevin Fong
Managing Director of GSR Ventures
(previously with Mayfield Fund from 1988 to 2008)


Workshop Panels:
   Session 1
      Presenting Your Company in 30 Minutes or Less
   Session 2
      Top 10 Fundraising Mistakes
   Session 3
      Picking the Right Investment Partner

  Confirmed Workshop Panelists include:

Session 1: Presenting Your Company in 30 Minutes or Less
The "Pitch" is the first - and too often the last - document that a potential investor sees. Entrepreneurs face extreme time pressure to communicate the excitement of their technology, product and business opportunity to venture capitalists. Renowned "Pitch Doctor" Steve Bowman will run a scrub session where two startup CEOs will pitch their company to you and a distinguished panel of VCs. Through this interactive session, you will learn the key to making a good first impression to get your company off the ground.

  • MODERATOR: Steve Bowman, President of BizClarity
  • Katherine Barr, Partner of Mohr Davidow Ventures
  • Bambi Francisco, Founder of Vator.tv
  • Pete Moran, General Partner of DCM

Session 2: Top 10 Fundraising Mistakes
The fundraising process is a long and arduous path, filled with uncertainty and little margin for error. Many entrepreneurs make mistakes along the way and some of those mistakes can be costly in the form of lower valuations, stricter terms and even a failed process. Join a group of successful entrepreneurs and investors for a lively discussion about the fundraising process and how to avoid the most common - and costly - pitfalls.

  • MODERATOR: Eric T. McCrath, Partner in M&A and Private Equity Group, Morrison & Foerster
  • Michael Chang, CEO of Greystripe
  • Peter Gardner, Managing Director of Wavepoint Ventures
  • Laurie Lumenti Garthy, Manager - Emerging Technologies, Silicon Valley Bank
  • Steve Larsen, CEO of Krugle

Session 3: Picking the Right Investment Partner
Accepting an investment is a long-term commitment for both entrepreneurs and investors. Board meetings, strategy sessions, follow-on investments, and general management issues can put a strain on relationships at even the most successful companies to the point that many have compared the partnership between VCs and entrepreneurs to that of a marriage. A team of seasoned venture capitalists and entrepreneurs will provide insights on how to pick the best investment partner for your growing enterprise.

  • MODERATOR: Mike Rose, President & CEO, Rose Ryan
  • Jim Connor, Board Director of Sand Hill Angels
  • Ajit Deora, Venture Director - U.S. of Lightspeed Venture Partners
  • Thomas J. Toy, Co-Founder and Managing Director of PacRim Venture Partners
  • Tim Wilson, General Partner of Partech International

Apply Now

If you have any questions regarding the Entrepreneur Workshop, please contact Lianne Hope at lianne@aamasv.com.

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AAMA Connect 2008