Emerging Sectors in Cleantech Forum
China/U.S. Cross-Border Investment in Cleantech
November 11th, 2009 | 6:00-9:00 PM | 755 Page Mill Road | Palo Alto
Host & Sponsor: Morrison & Foerster
Series Sponsor: RoseRyan

Morrison & Foerster, in conjunction with the VC Taskforce, is launching a six-part panel discussion series entitled Maximizing Returns in Emerging Cleantech Sectors: The Interplay of Regulation, Intellectual Property and Investment. The series will aim to achieve three simultaneous goals:

• Provide an in-depth view into emerging sectors of the Cleantech economy
• Elaborate areas for VC consideration in due-diligence with regard to each sector
• Highlight areas for business planning/strategy development for emerging companies in the space

The events, to help held every other month, will cover various topics in other emerging sectors in the burgeoning Cleantech market.

The format for this series will minimize formal presentations and highlight audience interaction. Each forum is designed to gather experts who will delve into the details about the technology, challenges and opportunities. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge that will help in their strategic development and decision-making. Come to one event, all six or any combination thereof. This is a great opportunity to meet, mingle with, and learn from the luminaries and leaders of these emerging sectors. 

Our Fifth Forum: Cross-Border Investment

China/U.S. Cross-Border Investment in Cleantech

Through concerted governmental efforts, China has positioned itself to potentially become the first “green” superpower.  Not only has it set an ambitious goal of generating 15% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2020, it has supported that goal through a number of national incentive programs, including a nationwide feed-in-tariff program to incentivize wind power production, and programs to promote rooftop solar applications and award tariffs for utility scale ground mounted solar power plants.  In the area of energy efficiency, China has adopted fuel economy standards that outpace those of the U.S. and will be the first nation to roll out the use of electric vehicles through pilot programs in thirteen cities.  Further, China is expected to announce in the coming months plans to build an extensive smart grid by 2020.  Such policies are enabling the rapid growth of a domestic cleantech industry that some commentators have predicted could reach $1 trillion, or 15% of China’s GDP, by 2013.  

Where do foreign investors fit into this scheme, especially in light of the recent rebound in cleantech venture investment globally?  While China officially “encourages”  foreign investment in such areas as clean energy production and the manufacturing of clean technology equipment and products, recent regulatory changes have made it more difficult for foreign investors to utilize traditional “offshore” structures to invest in Chinese companies and signaled a preference for strategic or purely onshore investment by foreign investors.  The panel discussion will offer insights into the recent changes in the economic and regulatory landscape of the China cleantech sector, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.  

Topics include:

• The strategic significance of the cleantech industry for China’s economy.
• Current trends and opportunities for foreign investment in China’s cleantech sector.
• The significance of, prospects for and challenges in technology transfer and intellectual property protection in China’s cleantech sector.
• Key issues in structuring cleantech deals in China.
• Exit strategies -onshore or offshore?
• Similarities and differences between the cleantech industry in China and the U.S.

Moderator: Jaclyn Liu, Partner, Morrison & Foerster 

Panelists:
Courtney McColgan, Analyst, Draper Fisher Jurvetson   
Eric McCrath, Partner, Morrison & Foerster 
David Gong, Managing Director, Terraza Venture  
Tim Hennessy, President, Prudent Energy

Agenda:
Registration, Networking, Buffet 6:00 - 7:00 
Panel Discussion 7:00 - 8:00
Q&A 8:00 - 8:30
Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine and soft drinks

Location:
Morrison & Foerster
755 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto

Registration Fee:
VC Taskforce Member $55
Affiliate Organization Member $75
General $95

Emerging Sectors in Cleantech Series Committee