2011 has been a roller-coaster year for the technology industry and the wider global economy. A tepid stabilization in the US was contrasted with the possibility of a Euro meltdown.
For the first three quarters of 2011, venture capitalists invested $21.2 billion into 2,725 deals, representing 20 percent more dollars and three percent more deals than the first three quarters of 2010. However, the technology industry showed a highly differentiated picture:
The Software sector, including social and mobile media have has seen increased competition among investors and enjoyed its strongest year in almost 10 years, fueled by the come-back of the IPO market: LinkedIn’s first day close put it north of a stunning $8.0 billion valuation, and players like Zynga and Groupon are trying to get out of the gate before the year’s end.
In contrast, the Life Sciences and Clean Technology sectors have been eyed by investors with increased suspicion, saw marked decreases in both dollars and number of deals and spectacular company failures, such as Solyndra.
Further, Silicon Valley’s tech stalwarts have seen dramatic change: Apple and the “iCommunity” mourn the loss of its CEO and visionary. HP is hoping for stability and a prosperous future with Meg Whitman on the helm. Google went back to its roots by tapping founder Larry Page as new CEO in April.
At this event, a panel of experts discusses what the New Year 2012 will bring and tackles questions such as:
• Which industries will benefit, which will suffer from the current market environment?
• What will be the favorite sectors amongst investors, public and private?
• Where will the money go? And do VCs still have any left?
• Is capital efficiency the way to go? And will there still be money for research and capital intensive sectors?
• Fluke or trend: Will LinkedIn, Groupon and Zynga bring back large, venture-backed IPOs in the US? (or is the exit market slowly moving elsewhere?)
• What role will emerging markets play in the recovery? Will they be the drivers to success or contribute to the increased uncertainty?
We will celebrate the close of this year in the beautiful surroundings of the German Consulate in San Francisco. Don’t miss this opportunity to share invaluable knowledge, learn key strategies for success, and for a unique networking experience.
Moderator:
Oliver Hanisch, VP Business Development & Operations at German Silicon Valley Accelerator; Co-Chair Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital, German American Business Association
Speakers:
- Mark Platshon, Advisory Board at BMW i-Ventures & Managing Director at Icebreaker Ventures
- Vibhor Rastogi, Investment Director at Intel Capital
- Carol Sands, Managing Member of The Angels’ Forum and The Halo Funds
- Bryant E. Fong, Managing Director at Burrill & Company