Moderator:
Steve Bengston, Dir. Emerging Company Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

As we approach 2010, private equity and venture capital will play a key role in getting the economy back on track–and the Valley will lead the way. There are more than 2,000 private equity firms in the U.S., and nearly $450 billion in assets to invest, most of which originate in Silicon Valley.

Despite the eye of the storm passing, the days of easy exits and eye popping returns from average companies are over. The past two years of economic turbulence have forever changed the industry, imposing new standards for investing, capital raising and exiting. Even as the financial picture looks to be improving, given the “new order,” what will it take for private equity investors and venture capitalists to help their portfolio companies improve valuation and help entrepreneurs to maintain healthy operations? What investing sectors will get the most attention?

This diverse panel of experts will offer insights into challenges and opportunities for the year ahead.

Location:
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.-Research and Development Center
2655 Seely Ave
Building 10
San Jose, CA 94134