We think the Business of Software conference is probably the most valuable event in the US that CEOs and Founders of software companies can participate in. Successful businesses are not all obsessed with coming up with a new and exciting idea, raising venture capital then exiting. This event is for people who want to build sustainable software businesses.
We are delighted to host a workshop at the conclusion of this event for a small group of delegates who want to discuss practical ways to fund the growth of their businesses without selling equity. Venture Capital is often seen as being the obvious choice for funding the growth of software businesses. In fact venture capital probably represents the most expensive money that can be put into a business and should in most cases be viewed not as the first, but the last resort for funding growth.
So how can you fund growth without selling the company or ceding control? This workshop, for a maximum of 18 participants, will help you think through your growth strategy, subsequent funding requirements and the various finance options you have to achieve these goals.
To offer an insider’s view on why you should think very hard about selling equity in your business, and to highlight some of the alternative sources of capital available to you, we are pleased to be joined for this workshop by Mark Gallagher, Senior Vice President, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). SVB has investments in 405+ venture funds with more than 600 venture capital firms are SVB clients so they have an almost unique inside track on the market.
Mark will spend a little time explaining how banks and venture capitalists make money in order that he can show you how to exploit them, and other sources of cash, to fund your growth. The principal aim of the session will be to use the issues faced by entrepreneurs participating in the workshop to illustrate some alternative ways of financing your business.
Places are limited and will be awarded to those individuals who are likely to receive most value from the session. To apply, please register here by 30th September. We will notify all applicants within 24 hours of this deadline in order that you can make necessary travel arrangements.
Hope to see you there. More info: Business of Software
About Mark Gallagher
Mark has provided financial services to venture capital funds and technology and life science companies for the majority of his career. Today, having spent the last 10 years with the company, Gallagher is Silicon Valley Bank’s senior sales and business development professional in the Northeast, working primarily with new, growth-stage technology companies in the region. Most recently, Gallagher led SVB’s Life Science practice in the Northeast with great success. Prior to this, Gallagher held a senior role in the Boston technology practice for SVB. Gallagher earned a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from University College in Dublin, Ireland and an MBA from Trinity College, also in Dublin. He is fluent in Italian and received a diploma in Italian from Scuola Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy. He is married with three young children, all of whom run rings around him.
About SVB
Today, half of all venture-backed companies in the U.S. are SVB clients and SVB has investments in 405+ venture funds with more than 600 venture capital firms are SVB clients. Forbes ranked SVB #5 among America’s Best Banks in 2010.SVB Financial Group provides diversified financial services to emerging, growth and established technology companies and the life science, venture capital and premium wine markets. Through its focus on specialized markets and extensive knowledge of the people and business issues driving them, SVB Financial Group provides a level of service and partnership that measurably impacts its clients’ success.
The company has created innovative solutions for some of the world’s most successful technology and life sciences companies. These companies face unique challenges and require special services, such as finding the right venture capitalist or angel investor, securing capital to support rapid growth, or driving overseas expansion. Today, SVB Financial Group has more than 1,200 employees and $12.5 billion in average assets. The company operates offices throughout Silicon Valley in Pleasanton, Menlo Park – the center of California’s venture capital community, Santa Clara and Palo Alto. Other regional offices within California include Irvine, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, St. Helena, and Sherman Oaks. Across the country, SVB Financial Group operates in Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; Beaverton, Oregon; Broomfield, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Minnetonka, Minnesota; Morrisville, North Carolina; New York, New York; Newton, Massachusetts; Radnor, Pennsylvania; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Washington; Tempe, Arizona; and Vienna, Virginia. International subsidiaries are located in Bangalore, India; Mumbai, India; Herzliya Pituach, Israel; Shanghai, China; and London, United Kingdom.