Our first event for this new year focuses on one of the perennial issues facing SMEs in the ICT industry – how go about raising capital to fund development as organisations progress along the path from start-up to major international competitor. A highly qualified panel including SMEs which have made the transition as well as capital providers will participate with the audience in a moderated discussion.

Our guests are:

John Murray, Partner at Technology Venture Partners, one of Australia’s leading venture capital firms based in Sydney. TVP’s team has collectively fifty years experience in the information technology and new media sector and its funds under management includes TVP#3, the largest ICT/ICM fund raised in Australia.

Bill Shew, Director at Grant Thornton, part of the fifth largest accounting, advisory, tax and business consulting network in the world. Bill is a specialist in privately-held business services.

Michael Pym, Principal at Pyms Technology Lawyers. Michael has a background in both legal practice and in-house roles with global consulting firms, focused on technology transactions, ‘deal making’, IP and outsourcing.

In addition to their traditional presentations, there will be a high degree of discussion and interaction with the panel. Bring your questions relating to:

• what angel/VC investors look for
• vendor and legal due diligence
• understanding the value drivers in the business
• cleaning up the balance sheet and P&L statements pre-sale

We will also have our regular segments:
• ‘Five Minutes of Fame’, where two member organisations will give a brief overview of their company’s products and services
• Speed.Net.Working, where you get to exchange 2-minute ‘elevator pitches’ with half-a-dozen of your peers in the .Net community, outlining your company’s capabilities as well as the types of partnerships which you seek – who knows what collaboration opportunities may result!

Over refreshments afterwards, network with our guests and other .Net focused companies to identify skills and synergies, share knowledge and pool resources.

Further information contact: