1. finance
2. investing
3. venture capital

AGENDA DAY 1
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Registration Open
7:30 A.M. – 5:00 p.m.| Regency Foyer
Continental Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. | Grand Ballroom
CFO & General Counsel Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. | Ralston Room
General Session
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Welcome
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Gold Ballroom
VentureScape 2015 Chairman Mark Leschly will officially kick off VentureScape 2015 with a short
introduction and overview of activities. In his final address as Chairman of NVCA, Scott Sandell will recap
his tenure as Chairman of NVCA and set the stage for Chair-elect Jon Callaghan who will share his
thoughts for the year ahead. NVCA President & CEO Bobby Franklin will cap things off with an update
from the organization and an overview of the state of play in Washington, DC.
Examining the Interplay Between Politics and the Economy
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Gold Ballroom
Through his many decades spent working in finance and government, Roger Altman knows firsthand the
ways of Washington and the impact politics and policy can have on the U.S. economy. During this
fireside chat with NVCA’s Bobby Franklin, the former Deputy Treasury Secretary and Founder and
Executive Chairman of investment advisory firm Evercore Partners will offer his insights on the current
state of the financial markets, discuss how he sees the 2016 presidential campaign shaking out, and
share his thoughts on what he believes Washington policymakers should do to help the entrepreneurial
ecosystem thrive.
Innovators in Venture: Exploring Syndicates, AngelList and Other Innovations in Startup Investing
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gold Ballroom
Award winning journalist and author Sarah Lacy, Founder and Editor in Chief of PandoDaily, will
moderate a panel discussion with Naval Ravikant, CEO and Co-Founder of AngelList, and angel investors
Dave Morin, Gil Penchina and Sumon Sadhu to explore new and innovative strategies in venture
investing. These innovators will discuss their unconventional approach to startup investing and share
their thoughts and insights on what is happening with syndicates, AngelList and other unique startup
investing ideas and dynamics.
Break
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Gold Ballroom
Women Entrepreneurship and Diversity: An Interview with Jennifer Lopez
10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | Gold Ballroom
Over the course of her extensive career, Jennifer Lopez has emerged as a very successful artist of Puerto
Rican descent who has transformed herself into a successful businesswoman with many diversified lines
of business and interests. As shareholder and Chief Creative Officer at NuvoTV, and a partner in several
major branding initiatives, Jennifer knows firsthand what it takes to break through the glass ceiling to be
a successful businesswoman. From movies and music to branding and books, the “American Idol” Judge
will sit down for a conversation with Emmy-award winning journalist turned entrepreneur Jenni Hogan
to discuss the arc of her career and share her experiences and insights as a Latina businesswoman
creating relevant, authentic content, establishing and engaging a large audience, creating a valuable
brand and building partnerships.
The Business of Sports: How Success in Professional Sports Translates to the Innovation Economy
1:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Gold Ballroom
The business of professional sports is a multi-billion dollar industry that plays a major role in our
economy and our society. As more and more fans opt to watch their favorite teams from the comfort of
their home, front office executives have had to develop innovative ways to bring fans back to the
stadium by creating a total consumer experience. To get a better sense of this changing dynamic of
sports entertainment and what it takes to be successful in major league sports, we’ve gathered three of
the most successful sports executives around for a dynamic panel discussion. Led by veteran network
sportscaster Bill Macatee as moderator, Larry Baer, CEO of the San Francisco Giants; Jed York, CEO of
the San Francisco 49ers; and Joe Lacob, Majority Owner of the Golden State Warriors, will share their
insights on what it takes to be successful in professional sports and how those lessons can translate to
success in the innovation economy.
General Session Lunch
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Gold Ballroom
CFO & General Counsel Lunch
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Ralston room
Bull Market for Biotech Stocks: Is It Sustainable and How Long Will It Last?
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Gold Ballroom
While tech companies grabbed all the headlines last year, biotech companies were quietly leading the
race to the public markets with 55 of the 115 total venture-backed IPOs for the year. Clearly there is a
strong appetite in the public markets for biotech companies, but is it sustainable and how long will it
last? To get a better look at the viability of this trend, we recruited veteran biotech stock analyst Eric
Schmidt, Ph. D, Managing Director and Senior Research Analyst at the Cowen Group, to moderate a
discussion with Nick Leschly, President and CEO of Bluebird Bio, and David Schenkein, M.D., CEO of
Agios Pharmaceuticals. During this informative conversation Eric will discuss with Nick and David what
this trend means for the biotech industry as well as a broader discussion about how emerging trends in
value assessment are challenging traditional approaches to drug development and market access to
these new and innovative treatments for patients.
Rise of the Unicorns: Breaking into Tech’s Most Exclusive Club
1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Gold Ballroom
The term “unicorn” was once used exclusively to describe a mythical animal defined by a pointed,
spiraling horn on its forehead. Increasingly, however, unicorn has taken on new meaning to describe
privately-held, billion-dollar tech startups. Although few in number when compared to the broader
ecosystem of venture-backed startups, a substantial number of high-growth technology companies
valued over $1 billion have emerged in recent years. To get a better sense of this emerging trend, we’ve
recruited a top-flight panel of CEOs from three unicorn tech startups to discuss the prevalence of billiondollar startups and what it takes to build a unicorn from the ground up. Moderated by Venky Ganesan
of Menlo Ventures, Apoorva Mehta of Instacart, Adam Goldenberg of JustFab and Aaron Vermut of
Prosper will peel back the curtain to offer a glimpse into the world of tech unicorns and discuss how
they were successful in breaking into the exclusive unicorn club.
Adjournment
2:30 p.m.
Deep Dives
12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Developed to deliver in-depth insights in a collaborative atmosphere, our world-renowned Deep Dives
will explore the currents and trends shaping the future of innovation and venture investing. Learn more
about Deep Dives.
CFO & General Counsel: Leading Your Firm Forward in Today’s Increasingly Complex Environment
(Part 1)
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Ralston Room
NVCA again offers this popular, multi-day education session to venture industry financial and legal
professionals. The topics, group discussions and panels are planned and organized by senior CFOs and
in-house counsel to reflect the most important issues and opportunities to attendees. Content is geared
for both experienced venture CFOs as well as colleagues newer to the industry. NVCA grants up to 9 CPA
CPE hours for this session. Eligibility requirements apply. A sponsored CFO/GC reception follows.
Download the agenda with speakers
Young VCs: Current and Emerging Legends – Wisdom from Today and Tomorrow’s Leaders
2:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. | Napa
Venture capital is largely an apprenticeship business which is why most successful VC’s take the time to
learn from leaders in our industry. We’ve curated two dynamic panel discussions to highlight key lessons
learned from past and present industry leaders. Our first panel will comprise a fireside chat with legends
in the venture industry while the second panel will concentrate on hearing from emerging industry
leaders who will share their stories on how to get off to a great start in venture.
Panelists:
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Brian Dovey, Domain Associates
Dave Strohm, Greylock Partners
Ray Rothrock, Venrock
Ethan Kurzweil, Bessemer Venture Partners
Rebecca Lynn, Morgenthaler
Max Mitschwiller, Meritech Capital Partners
Moderator:
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Jason Green, Emergence Capital
Life Sciences Investing: Integrating the Value of Medical Innovation into a New Healthcare Cost
Conscious Environment
2:45 pm – 4:45 pm | Twin Peaks
Over the last three decades, U.S. medical innovations have revolutionized healthcare worldwide by
curing or preventing serious healthcare conditions. These advancements bring tremendous value to
patients and saves costs across the entire healthcare system. Concurrently, healthcare systems are at a
critical inflection point with increasing fiscal constraints. As our nation moves to new healthcare models
decision-makers must think not only about how to optimize the healthcare system but how to harness
and value the enormous potential of science to deliver better medicine and technologies for tomorrow.
The panel will discuss how emerging trends in value and evidence are challenging traditional approaches
to the development of innovative drugs and medical technologies and market access.
Panelists:
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Marina Bozilenko, William Blair
Tanisha Carina, Avalere Health
Alex Bastian, Market Access, GfK
Jo Carol Hiatt, National Product Council, Kaiser Permanente, Assistant, Medical Director, SCPMG
Business Administration
Marc Boutin, National Health Council
Ross Jaffe, Versant Ventures
Alexis Borisy, Third Rock Ventures
Incubator/Seed Managers: Discovering Ways to Accelerate a Young Company’s Growth
3:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Sea Cliff
Angels, micro-funds, and accelerators are having the largest impact on startups and venture capital than
any time in history. This timely Deep Dive will focus on the origins of this change and what might unfold
in the next few years. Come hear from Josh Kopelman of FirstRound Capital, Naval Ravikant of AngelList,
and David Lee of SVAngel in what promises to be an interesting discussion about trends in the vital
early-stage investing environment.
Panelists:
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Mike Maples, Floodgate Fund
Naval Ravikant, AngelList
David Lee, SV Angel
Growth Equity: Discussion and Collaboration around Growth and Later-Stage Investing
3:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Pacific Heights
Growth Equity is increasingly playing an outsized role in the venture ecosystem and is a critical
component of the financing continuum. This important session will engage growth equity and other
investors to solicit thoughts on the current status of this investment category and provide insights from
LPs, advisors, and other leaders in the industry. Components will include a discussion around the trends
and current state of growth equity, the impact and future of taxes and regulations on registered
investors, and a conversation around the best practices and “value-add” of growth equity investors to a
company’s evolution and success.
Panelists:
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David Lincoln, Element Partners
Anu Sharma , William Blair
Colin Blaydon, Tuck School of Business
Peter Mooradian, Cambridge Associates
Brian Rich, Catalyst Investors
Amanda Outerbridge, HarbourVest
John Coelho, Stepstone
Chuck Davis, Prodege
Jason Jenkins, Pathway Capital Management
Office Hours
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Office Hours links entrepreneurs from across the U.S. and around the globe with venture capitalists and
seasoned entrepreneurs for collaborative workshops and networking to build the next generation of
game-changing companies. Learn more about Office Hours.
Venture Capital Workshop
2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Marina
Leading venture capital investors who invest across a range of sectors and stages will host a 45-minute
workshop to discuss the fundraising process and answer your biggest questions about pitching,
valuations, and working with investors in your company. Workshop leaders will include: Jeff Clavier,
Founder and Managing Partner at SoftTech VC, Nina Kjellson, General Partner at InterWest Partners, Jim
Scheinman, Founder and CEO of Maven Ventures, and Hamet Watt, Partner at Upstart Ventures.
Panelists:
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Jeff Clavier, SoftTech VC
Nina Kjellson, InterWest Partners
Jim Scheinman, Maven Ventures
Hamet Watt, Upfront Ventures
Wendy Lung, IBM Venture Capital
Entrepreneurs Workshop
3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. | Marina
Connect with venture capital investors from a range of industry sectors, including software, life sciences,
energy, education, healthcare IT and more. Our open floor format provides additional opportunities for
connection and conversations with the leaders of the venture capital industry. Workshop leaders will
include: Marcela Sapone, Co-Founder and CEO of Alfred Group, Nick Weaver, Co-Founder and CEO of
Eero, and Michelle Zatlyn, Co-Founder of CloudFlare.
Panelist:
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Marcela Sapone, Alfred Club
Nick Weaver, Eero
Michelle Zatlyn, CloudFlare
Networking by Industry
4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Presidio
Connect with venture capital investors from a range of industry sectors, including software, life sciences,
energy, education, healthcare IT and more. Our open floor format provides additional opportunities for
connection and conversations with the leaders of the venture capital industry.
After Hours
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Tank18, San Francisco
Enjoy an evening of wine, food and fun with your colleagues and peers at Tank18. Learn more about
After Hours.
AGENDA DAY 2
Thursday, May 7, 2015
7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Breakfast Discussion on Exits and Alternative Funding Strategies
Thinking About Going Public? Now, Later, or Never
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Gold Ballroom
The start-up mindset in Silicon Valley has long been: “Go public, get bought by a tech behemoth, or go
home.” But today venture-backed companies are staying private longer and raising money in private
markets at greater valuations than their public company comparables. Thanks to the wide array of
funding alternatives and exit strategies, it’s a great time to be a promising growth company. But could
crossover investors be creating a late-stage bubble and spoiling the party for post-IPO investors? Todd
Speece, Managing Director and Head of West Coast Equity Capital Markets at William Blair will
moderate a panel discussion on funding dynamics with Raul Vazquez, CEO at Oportun (formerly
Progreso Financiero), Mike Dinsdale, CFO at Docusign, Mike Stark, Founder of Crosslink Capital, Andrew
Garcia, Portfolio Manager at PineRiver Capital.
Deep Dives
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Developed to deliver in-depth insights in a collaborative atmosphere, our world-renowned Deep Dives
will explore the currents and trends shaping the future of innovation and venture investing. Learn more
about Deep Dives.
CFO & General Counsel: Leading Your Firm Forward in Today’s Increasingly Complex Environment
(Part 2)
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Ralston Room
NVCA again offers this popular, multi-day education session to venture industry financial and legal
professionals. The topics, group discussions and panels are planned and organized by senior CFOs and
in-house counsel to reflect the most important issues and opportunities to attendees. Content is geared
for both experienced venture CFOs as well as colleagues newer to the industry. NVCA grants up to 9 CPA
CPE hours for this session. Eligibility requirements apply.
Download the agenda with speakers
The Changing Landscape of Venture Investing: The Rise of Corporate VC and China
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Rose
Corporate venture remains one of the fastest growing segments of the venture ecosystem, representing
11% of all venture dollars deployed to startup companies in 2014. Their growth and subsequent impact
on a global level has propelled them into the role of “innovation change agent” within the parent
organization and beyond. During this two-part session, attendees will receive an overview of CVC’s
performance and growing role in the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. The second portion will feature
a panel discussion on the rapid growth of venture investment in China and examine whether it is
sustainable for the future.
Panelist:
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Michael Brigl, The Boston Consulting Group
Jimmy Lu, WI Harper
Darren Cai , Legend Capital
Moderator:
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Claudia Fan Munce, IBM Venture Capital
Diversity: Crowdsourcing Solutions to Increase Inclusion in the Ecosystem
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Telegraph Hill
As part of NVCA’s commitment to diversity, we launched the NVCA Diversity Task Force to develop a
clear and measurable path to expand opportunities for women and men of diverse backgrounds to
thrive in venture capital and entrepreneurship. As part of this long-term discussion, we are convening
stakeholders across the startup ecosystem to be a part of this important conversation and help advance
the cause of inclusion. This interactive, two-part deep dive will feature a panel discussion with industry
leaders who have been advancing the conversation around diversity as well as a breakout session where
deep dive attendees will participate in brainstorming solutions to increase inclusion in venture and the
broader innovation economy.
Venture Philanthropy: the Power of Social Innovation
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Telegraph Hill
Venture philanthropy borrows directly from the venture capital model to help address some of society’s
most complex social problems. Since 2002, the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation has invested in more
than 77 social entrepreneurs across the globe working on issues of systemic poverty, access to
healthcare, food and water safety, literacy and financial inclusion, to name just a few. During this
informative session, the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation team will share its model and lessons. Come
prepared with questions, comments and reflections for this interactive session based on open dialogue.
Office Hours
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Sea Cliff
Office Hours links entrepreneurs from across the U.S. and around the globe with venture capitalists and
seasoned entrepreneurs for collaborative workshops and networking to build the next generation of
game-changing companies. Learn more about Office Hours.
Pivotal Moments Panel led by Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
While much time is spent on understanding the art of fundraising, very little time is spent exploring the
fundamental shift that happens the moment you raise that first outside dollar and realize there is a
change in control. While this pivotal moment opens many doors, including access to much-needed
capital and great mentorship, it also brings with it responsibilities and expectations from shareholder
with information, communication, active engagement and control. Join us for a real-life look at what this
actually means as our panel shares their experiences on living through this moment of growth;
highlighting how they navigated critical issues, the importance of diligence, and lessons learned along
the way.
Resources from IBM Global Entrepreneur program
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
NVCA Post-event Survey
10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Closing Lunch
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Gold Ballroom