Breakfast Workshop Bootstrapped Companies: Case Studies & Discussion
February 22, 2006
Event Sponsor: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati
Bootstrapped companies represent a large percentage of M&A exits. While bootstrapping often creates stronger businesses than those raised on capital, bootstrapped companies may face significant challenges as they mature. The key for these companies is to raise money at the right time, when there is opportunity to transform a company's growth rate. Javier Rojas, managing director of Kennet Venture Partners, and Sal De Trane, vice president of corporate development and finance for MedeFinance, will discuss the dos and don'ts of bootstrapping - from managing growth and building the right team to choosing external partners and even investors. Sal will also present a case study on the MedeFinance journey from bootstrapped start-up to a successful venture. Learn not only when to raise capital, but why capital is essential to scaling a company for success and how to secure smart money the right way. The last 45 minutes [or, Up to one-half of this workshop] will be devoted to discussing three specific situational case studies offered by the audience**. This is your opportunity to both listen and share experiences with an investor who focuses on helping companies boostrap and a financial executive who has steered one bootstrapped company toward success.
**If you have a relevant situation you would like to present/ or have presented for discussion please e-mail your case study write-up to
Moderator: Javier Rojas, Managing Director, Kennet Venture Partners Guest Financial Executive: Sal De Trane, Vice President of Corporate Development and Finance, MedeFinance
WHO SHOULD ATTEND Much of the discussion will be focused on bootstrapped companies and the entrepreneurs who lead them. This SEMINAR/WORKSHOP will be particularly helpful for early-stage technology companies (entrepreneurs) who are bootstrapping or considering it as an option. CEOs, CFOs, and other company decision makers will benefit most from the interactive nature of this discussion and the case studies presented by both MedeFinance and the audience.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES Discover the dos and don'ts of bootstrapping, including whether it is the right path for you, how to manage growth and build the right team, and choosing external partners and investors. Understand the nuances of bootstrapping and when it makes sense to enter the funding process. Interactive dialogue, case studies, and audience participation in presenting their own situations to the moderators will make this a highly interactive and informative learning environment.
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND If you are bootstrapping your business, or even thinking about it, then you probably have questions about how to do it right and when it is time to seek guidance and support - financial and operational. This is your opportunity to talk with people who have gone through the process and have learned from their successes (and maybe even a few mistakes). Date: February 22, 2006 Program: 7:30-10:30 a.m. Location: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati, 950 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA
Agenda: 7:30 Registration & Informal Networking 8-8:30 Bootstrapping Imperatives: Javier Rojas, Managing Director, Kennet Venture Partners 8:30-9 Case Study Discussion: Sal/MedeFinance 9-9:15 Networking break 9:15-10:15 Guided discussion on audience situation cases & Q&A
Registration Fees: VC TaskForce Members $79, Affiliates: $99, General $135 Register now! Continental Breakfast included.
