Programs
Past/Archives
June 25 , 2008, 6:30 - 10:00 pm
When More Than Money Is On The Line
John Crowley’s Story of Funding, Running & Selling
a Life Sciences Company
The challenges to raising capital and building a successful business are extraordinary to first time entrepreneurs as well as many seasoned entrepreneurs. For those in life sciences, the capital requirements — and the stakes — are high. No one knows this better than John Crowley, a Harvard Business school graduate and marketing executive who started Novazyme Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge MA. In a little over a year, he went from a small amount of start up capital from friends and family to capturing $27M from venture capitalists in an extraordinary race to develop a cure to treat Pompe disease. John’s passion to succeed did not come from his accountability to his board or investors but from his own family. Two of John’s young children had been diagnosed with Pompe disease and would not survive for long without treatment.
Within two years of its inception, John successfully sold Novazyme to Genzyme for $137.5M. More important, he moved the progress of clinical trials from fitful missed starts to reality. In doing so, in record time he achieved an outcome many entrepreneurs and their investors dream of.
John is now CEO of Amicus Therapeutics (which he brought to an IPO) and he has graciously offered to share his thoughts, lessons learned and experiences about funding, running and selling a life sciences company with The Capital Network’s community. John’s story is one that will resonate for entrepreneurs in any industry as well as those who run their businesses with a passion to make a difference. We warmly invite entrepreneurs, those who work with them, investors and anyone who is touched by John's story to join us for this remarkable evening.
Keynote:
John Crowley, CEO of Amicus Therapeutics, former founder and CEO of Novazyme
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May 22 , 2008, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Networking for Fundraising Success
A Special Event from TCN and NEVN
A special event organized by the The Capital Network (TCN) and New England Venture Network (NEVN) to bring together Entrepreneurs, Venture Capitalists, and Angel Investors for an evening of wine, food, and more important of all, networking. With introductory remarks by Don Dodge (serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and member of Microsoft's emerging business team) on the power and value of networking in the fundraising process.
Keynote:
Don Dodge – Investor, Entrepreneur and Head of Microsoft’s Emerging Business Team
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May 14, 2008, 12 noon
EQUITY COMPENSATION PRICING AND THE PERILS OF 409A
This limited seat members-only luncheon provides attendees a deep dive into equity compensation issues and an opportunity to ask specific questions about your company’s needs. If you are a CEO or a CFO of a high growth startup, this is your chance to join an expert panel from Levine Katz Nannis & Solomon, one of the area’s premier accounting firms, to discuss the issues confronting your use of stock, options, SARs, and other equity compensation plans. Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN's professional service sponsors to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process.
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May 6, 2008, 7:30 - 9:00 am
Growth & Exits
Always start with an exit in mind. This roundtable offers a founder's, investor's and lawyer's perspective on critical factors in creating a successful company and planning for a valuable exit event. This interactive discussion will also address the legal logistics, timetables, regulatory challenges and pitfalls to avoid as you approach your exit. You'll learn a spectrum of options to help you navigate through your path to success.
Panelists:
Janet Kraus - Spires, Inc. and founder of Circles
Matt Nichols - Highland Capital Partners
Moderator:
Paul Sweeney - Foley Hoag, LLP
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Apr. 16 , 2008, 12 noon
Founder Equity Issues
This limited seat members-only luncheon provides attendees invaluable information on structuring founder equity to avoid the pitfalls that can harm a company's ability to attract investment capital. Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN's professional service sponsors to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process.
Luncheon Host :
Foley Hoag LLP (TCN Gold Sponsor)
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Apr. 8, 2008, 7:30 - 9:00 am
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
Early Stage Companies can often be financed through various strategic alliances with vendors, customers, distributors, OEMs, VARs, universities, technology partners, or third parties with complementary products and services. This can be a great way to help build early technology and help an early stage company get through certain development milestones that can increase the likelihood of equity financing. The roundtable discusses benefits and burdens of funding your company through Strategic Partnerships and how to identify and make these relationships work for your Company.
Program Panelists:
Tom O'Donnell - TIAX LLC, formerly of Cisco
Alex Shah - GetSolo, Inc. (download slides)
Moderator:
Pete McDonald - Silicon Valley Bank (download slides)
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Apr. 7-9, 2008
Venture Summit East
A Special Event Co-Sponsored by TCN
Like its sister event in Silicon Valley, Venture Summit East is a two-day gathering that highlights the significant economic, political and technology trends impacting the global growth investor. Venture Summit East features the most influential institutional investors, venture capitalists, corporate buyers, investment bankers and research analysts in the Eastern US in keynote presentations and panel debates.
See: Venture Summit East for More Information and Agenda
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Apr. 1, 2008, 7:30 - 9:30 am
How to Help Start a Company When You are a Doctor / Entrepreneur
A Special Event Sponsored by: Mintz Levin, Partners Innovation Fund, and Partners Research Accelerator Program
The special event presents a high level overview of the pros & cons of the various options for early stage MDs-turned-entrepreneurs. In this panel discussion, moderated by Bill Whelan of Mintz Levin, the panelists selected from a spectrum of entrepreneurs and investors will touch on the criteria for making it – from winning business plans to creating effective teams.
Moderator:
Bill Whelan - Co-Chair, Life Sciences Practice, Mintz Levin
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Mar. 19 , 2008, 12 noon
CRITICAL DEAL TERMS
This limited seat luncheon provides an in-depth examination of critical angel and venture capital financing terms that directly influence valuation, capital structure, Board composition and corporate control. Leading venture capital attorneys will explain terms dealing with anti-dilution protection, liquidation preference, drag-along rights and negative covenants.
Luncheon Host :
Foley Hoag LLP (TCN Gold Sponsor)
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Mar. 11 , 2008, 7:30 - 9:00 am
Negotiation and Valuation
This program features an entrepreneur who has recently raised equity financing and who will use his experience as a case study in an interactive format to get you to collaborate to set his valuation and defend it. As in the past, this roundtable challenged (and amused) even the most experienced entrepreneur and investor, and provides the inside perspective needed to set valuation.
Program Panelists:
Bard Salmon - Perillon Software
Ben Saren - City Squares Online
Moderator:
Jerry Kehoe – Bingham McCutchen (download slides)
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Mar. 6 , 2008, 8:00 - 10:00 am
Is Your Company Ready to Attract Growth Capital?
A Special Event from TCN and the Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship at Babson College
At this event, the head of two of Boston’s major sources of early stage funding, and the CEO of an angel and venture backed software company, discuss what makes a company well positioned to attract Angel or Venture Capital. This esteemed panel leads an interactive session that provides attendees with essential guidance about which of today’s early stage ventures can be successful in the current fundraising environment.
Panelists:
Lou Volpe - Kodiak Venture Partners (download slides)
Dan Von Kohorn - Beacon Angels (download slides)
Ed Mallen - Time Trade Systems (download slides)
Moderator:
Jeremy Halpern - Evolution Advisors (download slides)
Event Sponsor:
Mason & Mason (TCN Silver Sponsor)
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Feb. 13 , 2008, 12 noon
Finding Funding in your IP
This limited seat members-only luncheon helps you explore whether your IP portfolio could be licensed to add cash to your business. We'll talk about the the advantages and pitfalls of licensing as well as the various kinds of licensing possibilities.
Luncheon Host :
Bingham McCutchen (TCN Gold Sponsor)
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Feb. 5 , 2008, 7:30 - 9:00 am
TERM SHEETS
Negotiating an investor term sheet can be a daunting task. This interactive roundtable discussion led by an expert venture capital attorney and Boston’s most active angel investor explains the common business and legal terms used in Angel and Venture Capital term sheets. The roundtable also discusses common practices and pitfalls surrounding the use of term sheets and the current market terms for early stage angel and venture investments. Some sample term sheets from 2007 are also be reviewed.
Program Panelists:
John Hession - Cooley Godward Kronish, LLP (download slides)
Jean Hammond - Hub Angels, Launchpad Venture and Golden Seeds
Moderator:
Laila Kassis - Key Venture Partners
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Dec. 4 , 2007, 7:30 - 9:00 am
Pitching the Plan
Early stage ventures seeking investment need to know how to target, locate, approach and close with venture capitalists, angels and strategic investors. Through an interactive panel discussion with an entrepreneur and leading area entrepreneurs, attendees learn how to maximize their chances of identifying the right investors and securing the capital they need to grow their business. Attendees learn how to create an "Elevator Pitch" and what to include in their "Investment Deck".
Program Panelists:
Dr. Jay Schwartz - Boston Harbor Angels (download slides)
Carl Stjernfeldt - Castile Ventures
Bob Lenz - PermissionTV
Moderator:
Laila Kassis - Key Venture Partners
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Nov. 8 , 2007, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Funding Options
An Essential Overview of Early Stage Capital Sources: Angels, Venture Capital, Debt, Grants and Strategic Partners. This session presents a high level overview of the pros & cons of the various options for early stage entrepreneurs. Using expert panelists, angel capital, venture capital, strategic capital, bank financing, friends and family investors, and state and federal grant programs are discussed.
Program Panelists:
Chris Sheehan - Common Angels (download slides)
Dr. Andrew Jay - Siemens Ventures (download slides)
Kevin Greene - Flagship Ventures (download slides)
Dan Allred - Silicon Valley Bank (download slides)
Dr. Abigail Barrow - MTTC (download slides)
Moderator:
Jeremy Halpern - MobileTek Corporation
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October 17 , 2007, 12 noon
SECURITIES LAW BASICS: How to Keep your fundraising legal
This limited seat members-only luncheon provides a basic understanding of how to complete your fund raising in compliance with securities laws. Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN's professional service sponsors to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process.
Luncheon Host :
Bingham McCutchen (TCN Gold Sponsor)
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Oct. 2, 2007, 7:30 - 9:00 am
KEYS TO MAKING YOUR BUSINESS FUNDABLE
Only a select few early-stage companies will have what it takes to get growth capital from outside investors. This session outlines some of the characteristics of fundable companies - from business model fundamentals to rule-of-thumb metrics used by angel and venture capital investors.
Program Panelists:
Stephanie Khurana – Higher Aims, LLC (download slides)
Josh Kanner – Vela Systems (download slides)
James Woodward – Launchpad Venture Group (download slides)
Elliot Katzman – Commonwealth Capital Ventures (download slides)
Moderator:
Jeremy Halpern - MobileTek Corporation
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July 19, 2007, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
The Entrepreneur's University: Choosing the Right Sales Strategy
This next session of the Entrepreneurs' University explores the fundamental challenges and questions involved in choosing the right approach for your business. Stephen Davis of the CXO Advisory Group leads a 2-hour session covering the landscape of various sales strategies.
Speaker:
Stephen Davis – The CXO Advisory Group
Venue: The Entrepreneurs' University at MWE
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June 14, 2007, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
The Entrepreneur's University: Bulding a Business Plan
John Hession of McDermott, Will & Emery and his colleagues - lawyers, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs who have read hundreds of business plans - teach the "do's and don'ts" of writing a concise and effective business plan. This class kicks off the Entrepreneur's University at McDermott, Will & Emery (MWE).
Speakers:
John Hession – McDermott, Will & Emery
Jack Derby – Derby Management
Venue: The Entrepreneurs' University at MWE
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May 8, 2007, 7:15 - 9:00 am
Growth and Exits
What color is your exit? Hear a founder's perspective and an investor's perspective on critical factors in creating successful companies. This interactive discussion will also address the logistics, timetables, and pitfalls to avoid for a valuable exit. You'll learn a spectrum of options to help you choose the right color or rainbow of colors for you.
Program Panelists:
Harry Ruda – Desktone, Inc. (download slides)
Rod Randall – Vesbridge Partners (download slides)
Paul Sweeney – Foley Hoag, LLP (download slides)
Moderator:
David S. Safaii - Windspeed Ventures
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April 26, 2007, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
The Black Box Of Valuation
This program lets you participate in real world scenario that will test your ability and acumen to arrive at the right valuation for your business. The evening roundtable features an entrepreneur who offers his business as a case study in an interactive format where you are asked to collaborate to set his valuation and defend it.
Program Panelists:
Bard Salmon – Lexent Technologies, Inc.
Aaron Freedman – Untravel Media, Inc. (download slides)
Jerry Kehoe – Bingham McCutchen
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April 11, 2007, 12 noon
How to Structure Co-Founder Relationships
This limited seat members-only luncheon provides attendees invaluable information on defining Co-Founder relationships to avoid the pitfalls that can harm a company's ability to attract investment capital. Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN's professional service sponsors to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process.
Luncheon Host :
Foley Hoag LLP (TCN Gold Sponsor)
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April 10, 2007, 7:15 - 9:30 am
Strategic Alliances: how to identify and make THESE relationships work TO GET MONEY for your company
Strategic alliances can offer an efficient and effective means to capital. If that isn't good enough, there is another hidden gem -- a potential exit strategy when the time is right. During this session, expert panelists will consider how relationships with vendors, customers, distributors, OEMs, VARs, universities, technology partners or others with complementary products and services could lead to funding and more.
Program Panelists:
Don Dodge – Microsoft (download slides)
Marc Recht – McDermott Will & Emery LLP (download slides)
John Gargasz – DRS Codem System (download slides)
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March 21, 2007, 12 noon
Creating Deal Velocity: Financing Terms that Really Matter
This limited seat luncheon discusses the types and sources of debt capital available to start-ups, as well as how banking relationships can accelerate the growth of ventures. Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN's professional service sponsors to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process.
Luncheon Host :
Silicon Valley Bank (TCN Gold Sponsor)
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March 7, 2007, 12 noon
OPTION PRicing: How to value options and stock grants to minimize obstacles to liquidity
This limited seat luncheon shows how early stage companies should value equity grants to employees to ensure that both parties are protected during a later acquisition, IPO or audit. Sophisticated entrepreneurs who understand the importance of these issues will build credibility and trust with early stage investors.
Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN's professional service sponsors to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process.
Luncheon Host :
Deloitte (TCN Premium Sponsor)
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March 1, 2007, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
FUNDING OPTIONS: VCs, Angels, Bootstrapping, Grants, Loans & other sources of Early-Stage Capital
We brought back this popular session to again give the audience an in-depth view of the pros/cons of the possible funding options for their business. Using expert panelists, we describe SBIR/STTR grants, bank or technology partner financing/investment and the inside story on what angels will fund or if you should go directly to a venture firm. For each option, the panelists discuss the investment criteria, time to closing, investment range, success rate, control rate, control issues, compliance features and economic cost of financing a company.
Program Panelists:
Dr. Abigail Barrow – Mass Technology Transfer Center
Steve Hallowell – Commonwealth Capital
Dr. Jay Schwartz – Boston Harbor Angels
Oscar Jazdowski – Silicon Valley Bank (download slides)
Larry Nannis – Levine, Katz, Nannis, and Solomon PC (download slides)
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February 13, 2007, 7:30-9:30 am
Team Building: Assembling an A-Team that will Attract Financing
It is an oft repeated truism that angels and venture capital firms invest in teams more than they invest in ideas and technologies. This roundtable will provide investors’ perspectives on this dilemma, along with a discussion of other team-related topics, such as:
- What is a founder’s role on the management team?
- Is there a right time is to bring in “professional” management?
- What are industry norms for management team compensation?
Program Panelists:
John Barrett - Cook Associates (download slides)
Kirke Curtis - Pamet Systems (download slides)
Laura Barker Morse - Atlas Venture
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February 7, 2007, 12 noon
Creating Deal Velocity: Financing Terms that Really Matter
This limited seat luncheon provides an in-depth examination of actual angel and venture capital financing terms that influence valuation, Board composition, financial structure and liquidity options. Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN's professional service sponsors to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process.
Luncheon Host :
McDermott Will & Emery LLP (TCN Gold Sponsor)
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February 6, 2007, 7:30- 12 noon
OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY: FINANCING OPTIONS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
A morning program in partnership with The Commonwealth Institute. With an aperture toward the challenges that specifically face women and their businesses, this interactive roundtable is intended to help entrepreneurs assess which source of capital is right for their company based upon their business needs, goals and type of business. After a brief presentation by those who have “been there”, seasoned entrepreneurs and investors will be on hand to lead a guided discussion to help navigate the journey towards getting money.
Program Panelists:
Jean Hammond - Golden Seeds
Stephanie Khurana - Higher Aims, LLC
Kathy Sherbrooke - Circles
Ken Itrato - Wilmer Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
Rose Saia - The Capital Network
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January 10, 2007, 12 noon
Revenue Recognition iN Financial Projections
This limited seat luncheon provides CEOs and CFOs of early stage ventures insight into revenue recognition issues in financial models that can make or break outside investment opportunities in their ventures! Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN's professional service sponsors to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process.
Luncheon Host :
Levine, Katz, Nannis & Solomon, PC (TCN Gold Sponsor)
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January 9, 2007, 7:30-9:30 am
Term Sheets and Market Terms in Early Stage Investing
An interactive roundtable discussion about the terms applicable to Angel and Venture Capital investments, and some sample term sheets from 2006. This roundtable provides attendees an explanation of the business and legal terms used in term sheets, the common practices and pitfalls surrounding the use of term sheets, the current market terms for early stage angel and venture investment and the current market for valuations.
Program Panelists:
Alex Wilmerding - Citigroup Private Bank
Jon Gworek - Morse Barnes-Brown and Pendleton (download slides)
John Hession - McDermott Will & Emery (download slides)
Steve Zamierowski - Deloitte & Touche - MODERATOR
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December 12, 2006, 7:30-9:30 am
PITCHING YOUR PLAN
Entrepreneurs who successfully secure funding will tell you that the path to funding starts with a personal introduction to a potential investor. This is an interactive panel discussion of angels, VCs and successful entrepreneurs whose insights will help you find a community of investors. Hear what you need to get the process right and connect with people who’ve done it!
Program Panelists:
Chris Greendale - Kodiak Venture Partners (download slides)
Jay Teich - Seahorse Bioscience
Hambleton (Ham) Lord - Launchpad Venture Group (download slides)
Mark Terrell - SepSensor, Inc. - MODERATOR
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November 29, 2006, 12 noon
HOW TO STRUCTURE FOUNDER AND EMPLOYEE EQUITY
This limited seat luncheon allows TCN members to get invaluable information on avoiding mistakes that can impact a start-up venture's ability to attract Angel and VC funding. Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN's professional service sponsors to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process.
Luncheon Host :
Bingham McCutchen, LLP (TCN Gold Sponsor)
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November 14, 2006, 7:30-9:30 am
The BLACK BOX OF VALUATION
Get your head out of your business and put it to work on a real world scenario that will sharpen your ability to set a realistic valuation and get money. This is an interactive session that gives you a chance to collaborate with peers and determine if you can figure out the right valuation given the circumstances presented.
Program Panelists:
Bard Salmon - Serial Entrepeneur, CEO & Investor (download slides)
Jean Hammond - Angel Investor, Launchpad & Golden Seeds
Richard Trembowicz - CEO & President, EdNets (download slides)
Jerry Kehoe - Partner, Bingham McCutchen (download slides)
Natascha George - Partner, Bingham McCutchen
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October 10, 2006, 7:15-9:30 am
CREATING A FUNDABLE HIGH GROWTH BUSINESS
Only a select few early-stage companies will have what it takes to get growth capital from outside investors. This session will outline some of the characteristics of fundable companies - from business plan fundamentals to rule-of-thumb metrics used by angel and venture capital investors.
Program Panelists:
James Woodward - Launchpad Angel Group (download slides)
Stephanie Khurana - Higher Aims, LLC (download slides)
Alan Hanover - Navigator Technology Ventures (download slides)
Kirke Curtis - Pamet Systems - MODERATOR
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September 18, 2006, 6:00-9:00 pm
Funding Options for Entrepreneurs
An essential overview of all the possible options for early stage capital — from SBIR grants through VC financing. It is ideal for entrepreneurs who are still sorting out these options, those who are looking to expand their funding as well as for investors who want to understand the portfolio of possibilities available to entrepreneurs. Topics include: investment criteria, time to closing, investment range, success rate, control issues, compliance features and economic cost of financing a company.
Program Panelists:
Bob Kispert - Mass Technology Collaborative (download slides)
Oscar Jazdowski - Silicon Valley Bank
Larry Nannis - Levine, Katz, Nannis & Solomon (download slides)
Geoff Mamlet - DFJ New England (download slides)
Chris Sheehan - Common Angels (download slides)
Jeremy Halpern - Evolution Advisors - MODERATOR
