Takeaways from Foley & Lardner’s Silicon Valley VC and CEO Dinner

On March 27, 2023, Foley & Lardner LLP’s Louis Lehot, Natasha Allen, Lyman Thai, Andre Thiollier, and Alidad Vakili proudly hosted an evening with founders and funders at the historic British Bankers Club in Santa Cruz, in partnership with Anthony Pedrotti, West Coast Leader, Deloitte Services LP, and David Wright, President, Silicon Valley Risk & Insurance Services.

Together we shared diverse perspectives on cutting-edge developments across the business landscape. Here are our key takeaways:

• Despite rising inflation and volatility, hidden gems are still to be uncovered for savvy buyers. Look to spaces like fintech, generative AI, blockchain and crypto, and SaaS.
• Due diligence is the name of the game. Regulations are becoming increasingly complex, from the state and regional to global level. Funders should be on the lookout for companies with strong balance sheets who are taking proactive steps to manage risks, from fraud and abuse and antitrust to corporate.
• Pay attention to ESG. Leadership and boards should align their methods to attract investors who are asking more questions about environmental, social, and governance impact. There are many ways management and oversight functions can be strengthened, from tech tools to legal counsel.

If you are interested in further insights on what moves Silicon Valley leaders will be making in the near term, we encourage you to explore our Foley Forward: Trends 2023.