The conference explored important issues facing emerging technology companies today, and was aimed at entrepreneurs, chief executives of start-up companies, managers responsible for growing technology businesses, and investors in and advisers to technology companies.

For more information, please contact Cheryl Winkowski at cwinkowski@foley.com or 312.832.5115.

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Foley Partner Marty Traber to Open 2008 Emerging Technologies Conference in Tampa
Marty Traber, Foley Emerging Technologies Partner, will kick off the conference with a few opening remarks. He will address the preliminary results of a soon-to-be released survey conducted by Foley on the trends in the emerging technology sector.
Growth Outlook: The Investor’s Perspective
This panel, moderated by Foley Private Equity & Venture Capital Partner, Curt Creely, along with panelists Tom Cardy of Hyde Park Capital Partners, Kirstie Chadwick of Winter Park Angels, and Richard Maclean of Frontier Capital will focus on the current investment environment, industries, and sectors currently receiving the most financing as well as the prospects for companies that fall outside the recognized “hot” sectors.
Financing for Growth
Moderator Steve Vazquez, Foley Private Equity & Venture Capital Partner, and other distinguished panelists including Kevin Gordon of Berenfeld Capital Markets, Penny Hulbert of Links Financial, Dean Tanella of GunnAllen Financial, and Monty Weigel of NorthStar Bank will discuss traditional and non-traditional means of financing growth. Topics will include traditional venture capital, private equity and public financing, state-of-the-art transaction structure as well as reverse mergers, SPACs, and venture debt.
IP Growth Strategies
Foley Partner John Garvey, member of the Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Practice and the Life Sciences and Nanotechnology Industry Teams, moderated a discussion on efficient management of your IP portfolio along with panelists Charles Armstrong of SparkLabs, Dr. Jan M.K. Jaferian of UTEK Corporation, and Rod Meli of Biometric Management Systems. The focus of the discussion was on enabling growth through IP asset protection, with a view to prioritizing and getting the most for your IP management resources. SESSION MATERIALS Listen to Session
Growing Your Business Through Acquisitions
Uncertain times can result in unexpected opportunities. Foley Private Equity & Venture Capital Partner, Steve Vazquez, will lead panelists Kevin Hourigan of Bayshore Solutions, Kerry McCane, Bill Porter of UTEK Corporation, and Charlie Uhrig of Raymond James in a discussion on strategies for determining when growth through acquisition is more cost-effective than organic growth. Topics will also include target valuations and transaction terms such as earn-outs, purchase price adjustments, and indemnification provisions.
Cultivating Strategic Partnerships
Curt Creely, Foley Private Equity & Venture Capital Partner, will lead panelists Dr. Michael Fountain of the USF Center for Entrepreneurship, Pam Kauten of the Emerging Companies Academy, and Gary Langton of Quadrant Software in examining the benefits of strategic alliances to jump-start and streamline your development pipeline. Topics include licensing or acquiring related or complimentary technology developed by others, stretching and supplementing your development resources, and making allies of competitors. SESSION MATERIALS Listen to Session
Growth Outlook: The Company’s Perspective
Growing your company in a down market can be a daunting task. Foley Emerging Technologies Partner, Marty Traber, will lead a discussion along with panelists Jim Bassil of Taylor White Specialized Staffing Services, Dick Buell of Catalina Marketing Corporation, and Alex Eckelberry of Sunbelt Software. The session includes real world examples of strategies that have enabled companies to not only persevere, but grow.