2011 - 2012 Curriculum

April 18, 2012, 12noon
UNDERSTANDING THE DILUTION IMPACT OF EARLY STAGE INVESTMENT: HOW TO BUILD A CAP TABLE
This working group lunch, moderated by one of Boston’s leading experts in the field, will first help you build your own capitalization table in a simple but powerful spreadsheet format and will then explain, in detail, how to use this tool to understand the dilutive impact of stock options, restricted stock, early stage angel or venture capital investment, “down-rounds”, anti-dilution provisions and other similar events. In today’s difficult investment climate, entrepreneurs should have the maximum understanding of the impact of a proposed financing – before they talk to investors. This session will not only explain terms like “pre-money ”, “fully diluted equity”, “option pool”, “percentage ownership,” “weighted average anti-dilution”, “full ratchet anti-dilution” and “per share price” – but will show you the exact numerical consequences of these difficult negotiating points.
Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN’s professional service sponsors to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process.

Topic Expert:
Jeremy Halpern - Partner, Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP

Venue:
Nutter McClennen Fish (TCN Venture Coaching Program Sponsor)

April 10, 2012, 7:30am to 5:30pm
TCN VENTURE FAST TRACK
Led by leading experts in the field of startup financing, the limited seat Fast Track is an intensive, interactive full-day seminar designed to provide entrepreneurs and investors an in-depth understanding of what it takes to raise early stage capital for a startup.

The Fast Track Boot Camp is a dynamic, fast-track version of TCN’s comprehensive roundtables and expert lunches.

Topics & Agenda:
see TCN Venture Fast Track home page

Venue:
Nutter McClennen Fish (TCN Platinum Roundtable Sponsor and Venture Coaching Program Sponsor)

Mar. 22, 2012, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
TCN UPSTART ROUNDTABLE
at the Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center
TCN UpStart Roundtables are monthly gatherings at the Venture Cafe that bring together Boston-area early-stage startups and seasoned entrepreneurs. This free series with The Capital Network, Venture Cafe, and Silicon Valley Bank is a great opportunity for you to ask burning questions about starting a company and meet other like-minded entrepreneurs in a casual cafe setting.

Hosted by:
Silicon Valley Bank (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Venue:
Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center

Mar. 13, 2012, 7:30 - 9:30am
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”.

Panelists:
Janet Kosloff - Co-founder & CEO, InCrowd
David Greenwald – Co-founder & Managing Director, Relay Technology Management
Mina Hsiang – General Catalyst (slides)
Barry Coffman - Launchpad Venture Group (slides)

Moderator:
Chris Cuddy - Launchpad Venture Group

Venue:
Emerging Enterprise Center at Foley Hoag (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Mar. 7, 2012, 12noon
ANGEL & VENTURE TERM SHEETS
This limited seat members-only luncheon brings some of Boston’s most experienced attorneys to provide 2 hours of deep instruction to entrepreneurs struggling to understand the complexity of high growth investments. Sample terms sheets will be provided and analyzed. This program is a fantastic follow up opportunity to those attending the prior Financing Roundtable.
Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN’s professional service sponsors to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process.
Topic Expert:
Paul Sweeney – Partner, Foley Hoag LLP

Venue:
Emerging Enterprise Center at Foley Hoag (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Feb. 23, 2012, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
TCN UPSTART ROUNDTABLE
at the Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center
TCN UpStart Roundtables are monthly gatherings at the Venture Cafe that bring together Boston-area early-stage startups and seasoned entrepreneurs. This free series with The Capital Network, Venture Cafe, and Silicon Valley Bank is a great opportunity for you to ask burning questions about starting a company and meet other like-minded entrepreneurs in a casual cafe setting.

Hosted by:
Silicon Valley Bank (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Venue:
Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center

Feb. 15, 2012, 12noon
COMPANY VALUATION METRICS AND ANALYSIS

In today’s economic environment, where investors are strapped for cash and looking for the lowest risk alternatives, the already difficult task of defending your corporate valuation to Angels & VCs is nearly impossible. This limited seat luncheon provides a 2 hours of deep instruction to entrepreneurs struggling to understand valuation methodologies, metrics, tactics and tips for early stage corporate valuations.
Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN’s professional service sponsors in New England to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process for Boston-area startups.

Topic Experts:
Michael Conza – Partner, Bingham McCutchen LLP (slides)

Event Sponsor:
Bingham McCutchen (TCN Platinum Sponsor)

Feb. 14, 2012, 7:30 - 9:30am
ANGEL GROUP & VENTURE CAPITAL TERM SHEETS
As an entrepreneur, negotiating an Angel or Venture Capital term sheet can be a daunting task. This interactive roundtable discussion led by venture capitalists, angels, entrepreneurs and attorneys explains the critical common business and legal terms used in these 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 will be reviewed and explained.

Panelists:
Bill Yucatonis - CEO, GoodTwo
Paul Sweeney – Partner, Foley Hoag LLP (slides)
Roger Walton - Partner, Castile Ventures (slides)
Bill Kantor - Member, Launchpad Venture Group (slides)

Moderator:
Jerry King – Serial Entrepreneur

Venue:
Emerging Enterprise Center at Foley Hoag (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Jan. 26, 2012, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
TCN UPSTART ROUNDTABLE
at the Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center
TCN UpStart Roundtables are monthly gatherings at the Venture Cafe that bring together Boston-area early-stage startups and seasoned entrepreneurs. This free series with The Capital Network, Venture Cafe, and Silicon Valley Bank is a great opportunity for you to ask burning questions about starting a company and meet other like-minded entrepreneurs in a casual cafe setting.

Hosted by:
Silicon Valley Bank (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Venue:
Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center

Jan. 25, 2012, 6:00 - 8:30pm
NEGOTIATION & VALUATION
Entrepreneurs have always struggled to develop and defend early stage corporate valuations as they seek to raise equity financing. In today’s economic environment, where investors are strapped for cash and looking for the lowest risk alternatives, the already difficult task of defending your corporate valuation is nearly impossible. In this new financial world, how do entrepreneurs and investors ever arrive at common ground?
To help answer this question, entrepreneurial Founders, CEOs, CFOs and private investors are welcome at this once-a-year TCN Roundtable wherevaluation methodologies, metrics, tactics and tips are discussed by successful entrepreneurs, angels, venture capitalists and industry experts. A case study of a recent successful financing is examined to test your valuation abilities and acumen in real time. This program has challenged (and amused) even the most experienced entrepreneurs and investors over the years.

Speakers:
Steve Papa - Founder and CEO, Endeca
Bard Salmon - Chairman of the Board, Perillon Software
Ryan Moore - Partner, Atlas Venture

Moderator:
Mike Conza - Partner, Bingham McCutchen

Event Sponsor:
Bingham McCutchen (TCN Platinum Sponsor)

Jan. 17, 2012, 12noon
WHEN IS VENTURE CAPITAL RIGHT FOR YOUR EARLY STAGE COMPANY
This limited seat luncheon provides entrepreneurs tips into what their company must look like to be appropriate for venture capital funding. You will have the opportunity to ask specific questions about your company’s situation.
Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN’s professional service sponsors in New England to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process for Boston-area startups.

Topic Expert:
Nick Pappas - Vice-President, MTDC

Hosted by:
Massachusetts Technology Development Corp. (TCN Silver Sponsor)

Jan. 11, 2012, 12noon
UNDERSTANDING D&O INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTS
This session will help attendees understand what (if any) D&O insurance and indemnification agreements are in place for their protection and learn how they and their investors are exposed from a personal level. We will review claim scenarios and corporate indemnification policies, and provide a basic overview of D&O insurance including critical “state of the art” coverage provisions for dealing with this risk.
Working lunch programs are hosted by TCN’s professional service sponsors to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate the fundraising process.

Topic Experts:
Phil Mason - President, Mason & Mason Technology Insurance Services
Jason Rodriguez – Counsel, Bingham McCutchen LLP

Venue:
Bingham McCutchen (TCN Platinum Sponsor)

Dec. 16, 2011, 8:00am to 9:30am
SPECIAL EVENT:
MINUTE TO WIN IT — NAILING THE ONE-MINUTE PITCH
Often you have only a minute to catch the attention of a potential investor. But one of the hardest things for many entrepreneurs to do is sum up what they do and why it’s interesting in just one minute. Come meet one-on-one with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts, and perfect your one minute pitch.
The best pitch wins a $100 American Express gift card.

Angel Investor Judges:
Members from the Launchpad Venture Group

Venue:
Emerging Enterprise Center at Foley Hoag (TCN Gold Sponsor)

View video clip

Dec. 15, 2011, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
TCN UPSTART ROUNDTABLE
at the Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center
TCN UpStart Roundtables are monthly gatherings at the Venture Cafe that bring together Boston-area early-stage startups and seasoned entrepreneurs. This free series with The Capital Network, Venture Cafe, and Silicon Valley Bank is a great opportunity for you to ask burning questions about starting a company and meet other like-minded entrepreneurs in a casual cafe setting.

Guest Speaker:
Paul Sonderegger - Chief Strategist, Endeca

Hosted by:
Silicon Valley Bank (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Venue:
Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center

Dec. 7, 2011, 12noon
FUNDING THROUGH IP LICENSING
This limited seat luncheon helps you explore whether your IP portfolio could be licensed to add cash to your business. The discussion will also touch on the advantages and pitfalls of licensing as well as the various kinds of licensing possibilities.
Working lunch programs are hosted by The Capital Network’s professional service sponsors in New England to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate entrepreneurial development and fundraising processes for Boston-area startups.

Topic Expert:
Steve Frank – Partner, Bingham McCutchen LLP

Hosted by:
Bingham McCutchen (TCN Premium Sponsor)

Dec. 1, 2011, 12noon
FOUNDER EQUITY ISSUES: STRUCTURING FOUNDER RELATIONSHIPS, STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENTS AND CHOICE OF ENTITY
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 The Capital Network’s professional service sponsors in New England to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate entrepreneurial development and fundraising processes for Boston-area startups.

Topic Expert:
Paul Sweeney – Partner, Foley Hoag LLP

Venue:
Emerging Enterprise Center at Foley Hoag (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Nov. 30, 2011, 8:00 - 10:00am
TCN WOMEN’S BREAKFAST
CATALYZING GROWTH: INCREASING THE SUCCESS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN IN HIGH GROWTH STARTUPS

More women than ever are launching high growth start-ups. TCN and Boston’s Entrepreneurial Community invites you to join us for a special Women’s Breakfast Roundtable focused on the challenges around women’s entrepreneurship in Greater Boston.
The panel of experts will examine some of the key issues facing start-ups and why women may face extra challenges in creating a high growth start-up. Topics include:
• Building a strong network and using that network to propel your company
• Team-building for growth and for investor expectations while communicating expertise
• Aiming high enough and learning to communicate high potential and realistic short-term plans
• Thinking beyond starting a couple million dollar business to building a business with high growth or extreme growth potential

OPENING REMARKS AND INDUSTRY OVERVIEW BY:
Lisa Adams - Partner, Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP
• IP Counsel to clients on diverse technology portfolios
• President, Boston Patent Law Association
• Vice Chair, Education Committee, United Way Women’s Initiative
• Selected as Massachusetts Rising Star 2005-2008

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION:
Following the panel discussion, there will be three breakout sessions:
• The World of IP and growing your company
• Getting to a Term Sheet
• What Stage is Your Business - where to go next…

FEATURING:
Bettina Hein - Founder and CEO, Pixability, Inc.
• Previously cofounded Swiss based SVOX AG and led venture backed speech software to profitability
• Initiator of START, an organization that advocates entrepreneurship among college students
• START received the Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Dayna Grayson - Principal, North Bridge Venture Partners
• Led investments in Awareness, Currensee, and Viximo
• Previously led new product development efforts at Blackbaud (BLKB)
• Was a previously a consultant with Cap Gemini Ernst and Young

MODERATED BY:
Katie Rae - Managing Director, TechStars Boston
• Founder of Project11
• Previously, Head of Product atMicrosoft Startup Labs
• Was SVP of Product at Eons

Venue:
Microsoft New England R&D Center (Cambridge, MA)

Nov. 15, 2011, 12noon
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING 101 FOR LIFE SCIENCE ENTREPRENEURS

Entrepreneurial founders, CEOs and CFOs of high growth startups will want to attend this event and hear the experts at MFA – Moody, Famiglietti & Andronico as they guide you through an exploration of the unique accounting challenges and tax opportunities facing life sciences companies. Walk away with an understanding of how to best navigate the complex life sciences financial reporting, accounting and tax requirements along with practical advice on how to avoid pitfalls that could affect everything from cash flow to your ability to raise capital.
Working lunch programs are hosted by The Capital Network’s professional service sponsors in New England to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate entrepreneurial development and fundraising processes for Boston-area startups.

Hosted by:
Moody Famiglietti & Andronico (TCN Platinum Sponsor)

Nov. 8, 2011, 7:30am to 5:30pm
TCN LIFE SCIENCE FAST TRACK:
Unique Challenges for Life Science, Medical and Health Entrepreneurs in 2011
Building on the success of TCN’s Fast Track Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs, the Life Science Fast Track is an intensive, interactive half-day seminar designed to provide entrepreneurs and investors an in-depth understanding of what it takes to raise early stage capital for a life science startup.

Topics & Agenda:
see TCN Life Science Fast Track home page

Venue:
Nutter McClennen Fish (TCN Platinum Sponsor and Venture Coaching Program Sponsor)

View video clip

Nov. 1, 2011, 12noon
DEBT FINANCING OPTIONS: WORKING CAPITAL, FACTORING, LEASING AND VENTURE DEBT
This limited seat luncheon discusses how to use sophisticated debt instruments to leverage company equity and reduce dilution. Topics to be discussed include the types, costs and benefits of debt products for technology and life sciences start-ups, the prerequisites for negotiating and closing on a debt financing, and how to calculate the leverage, risk and returns on your equity. The lunch will also include tips on how to form relationships with lenders before you actually need the cash.
Working lunch programs are hosted by The Capital Network’s professional service sponsors in New England to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate entrepreneurial development and fundraising processes for Boston-area startups.

Topic Expert:
Brad Holt - Relationship Manager, Silicon Valley Bank

Hosted by:
Silicon Valley Bank (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Oct. 20, 2011, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
TCN UPSTART ROUNDTABLE
at the Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center
TCN UpStart Roundtables are monthly gatherings at the Venture Cafe that bring together Boston-area early-stage startups and seasoned entrepreneurs. This free series with The Capital Network, Venture Cafe, and Silicon Valley Bank is a great opportunity for you to ask burning questions about starting a company and meet other like-minded entrepreneurs in a casual cafe setting.

Guest Speaker:
Rob May – CEO & Founder of Backupify
Hosted by:
Silicon Valley Bank (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Venue:
Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center

Oct. 19, 2011, 7:30 - 9:30am
BUILDING A HIGH GROWTH BUSINESS FOR ANGEL AND VENTURE CAPITAL
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.
Join our capital-raising experts and veterans in an interactive panel discussion and post-panel networking reception to explore the funding options available.

Speakers:
Hardi Meybaum - CEO, GrabCAD
Kent Bennett - Vice President, Bessemer Venture Partners (slides)
Joshua Herzig-Marx - Founder, VP of Products & Services, Incentive Targeting (contact us for slides)
Eric Hjerpe - Partner, Kepha Partners (slides)

Moderator:
Jennifer Lum - Founding Partner, Apricot Capital

Venue:
Emerging Enterprise Center at Foley Hoag (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Sept. 27, 2011, 12noon
CURRENT INVESTMENT TRENDS IN MOBILE
This limited seat luncheon explores the trends in investment in the mobile industry. This expert lunch will feature a mobile VCs and will explore which business models, sectors, and industries are getting funded and suggestions on how to catch the eye of an investor. #TCNmobile
This working lunch program is hosted by Critical Mass, New England Venture Capital Association and The Capital Network and will provide tactical level information designed to accelerate entrepreneurial development and fundraising processes for Boston-area startups.
[ Twitter Hashtag: #TCNmobile ]

Speakers:
David Beisel – Co-Founder and Partner, NextView Ventures
Sean Dalton – General Partner, Highland Capital Partners
Jeffrey Glass – Managing Director, Bain Capital Ventures, Boston
Sean Marsh – Co-Founder and General Partner, Point Judith Capital
Ryan Moore – Co-Founder and Partner, GrandBanks Capital

Moderator:
Jerry King – Chief Operating Officer, Where.com

Event Sponsors:
Bingham McCutchen LLP - TCN Platinum Sponsor
Critical Mass
MobileMonday - Boston
New England Venture Capital Association (NVCA)

Venue:
Cambridge Innovation Center

Sept. 22, 2011, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
TCN UPSTART ROUNDTABLE
at the Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center
TCN UpStart Roundtables are monthly gatherings at the Venture Cafe that bring together Boston-area early-stage startups and seasoned entrepreneurs. This free series with The Capital Network, Venture Cafe, and Silicon Valley Bank is a great opportunity for you to ask burning questions about starting a company and meet other like-minded entrepreneurs in a casual cafe setting.

Guest Speaker:
Dave Balter - Founder & CEO, BzzAgent

Hosted by:
Silicon Valley Bank (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Venue:
Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center

Sept. 13, 2011, 12noon
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 Wolf & Co., 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 in New England to provide tactical level information designed to accelerate entrepreneurial development and fundraising processes for Boston-area startups.

Topic Experts:
Scott Goodwin, CPA - Member of the Firm, Wolf & Co., P.C.
Jean Hammond - Member, Hub Angels, Launchpad, & Golden Seeds

Hosted by:
Wolf & Co., PC (TCN Gold Sponsor)

Sept. 7, 2011, 6:00 - 9:00pm
FUNDING OPTIONS:
What is the Right Path for You?
This panel-led program provides an essential overview of early stage capital sources including Angels, Angel Groups, Venture Capital, Bank Debt, Venture Debt, Grants, Strategic Partners and Bootstrapping approaches. Topics covered will include investment criteria, time to closing, investment range, success rates, control features, compliance requirements and the overall costs of capital from each such source.
Join our capital-raising experts and veterans in an interactive panel discussion and post-panel networking reception to explore the funding options available.

SPEAKERS:
VC: Matt Witheiler - Principal, Flybridge Capital Partners (slides)
Angel: Ham Lord - Managing Director, Launchpad Venture Group (slides)
Commercial Debt: Dan Allred - Sr Relationship Manager, SVB (slides)
Gov’t Aid: Larry Nannis - Partner, Katz, Nannis & Solomon, PC (slides)
Bootstrap Entrepreneur: Tim Jones - Founder & CEO, Buzzient, Inc.

MODERATOR:
Matt Cushing - Partner, Bingham McCutchen LLP

Sponsored by:
Bingham McCutchen LLP (TCN Platinum Sponsor)

2011 - 2012 Curriculum

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