Keiretsu Forum
3466 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
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Lafayette, CA 94549
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Welcome to the October issue of KeiretsuNews.
This Newsletter is from, and for our members. Please enjoy reading about our "mind-share” and best practices in investing, due diligence, market trends, as well as the activities of the Keiretsu Forum Charitable Foundation. KeiretsuNews goes out to investors and entrepreneurs who are either members of Keiretsu Forum or friends of the family.
Founded in September 2000, Keiretsu Forum now has chapters in: Northern California (San Francisco East Bay and Silicon Valley), Southern California (Westlake Village and Long Beach), Hawaii/Pacific Rim, Boston/New England, Chicago/Midwest and Calgary, Canada. Our mission statement is “Great Association with Quality Deal Flow”.
Randy Williams, Founder & CEO, Keiretsu Forum.
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Portfolio Companies |
Cannuflow
Cannuflow markets cost-effective devices that address chronic problems faced by surgeons during arthroscopic procedures. The company’s flagship product, the ClearVu ™ flexible cannulae provides a unique, patented solution to fluid management and enjoys a loyal clientele.
[FULL STORY]
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Stream Theory
We are pleased to announce that one of Keiretsu Forum's portfolio companies, Stream Theory, is being acquired this month by UK-based Tadpole Technology at a valuation of US$25MM. Stream Theory has created patented technology enabling any software to be streamed in real time over broadband networks.
[FULL STORY]
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By And For Members |
Public Stock and Bond Markets Uncertain
By Harvey Rowen, Keiretsu Forum Northern California Member
Markets hate uncertainty. The stock and bond markets are no exception. Given the highly uncertain world in which we currently live, it has taken increasingly more effort to make money in those markets. 2004 was to be the year in which the stock markets went up, propelled by a strengthening economy, and the bond markets went down, pushed by rising interest rates. In fact, just the opposite has occurred.
This article will discuss the current state of affairs and describe some strategies which you can consider for your own portfolios.
[FULL STORY]
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Chapter Updates |
Keiretsu Forum Silicon Valley
We are pleased to announce the launch of Keiretsu Forum Silicon Valley. The inaugural meeting will be held on October 15th in Mountain View.
[FULL STORY]
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Charitable Foundation |
The Smarter You Give, The Greater The Gift
Upcoming projects of the Keiretsu Forum Charitable Foundation are: Completition of the Habitat for Humanity home, Food Drive, Christmas Gifts for Needy Families, Warm Coat Drive and Ski/Snowboard Event for Charity.
[FULL STORY]
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Member Profile |
Don Esters: Profile of an Experienced Mentor
For Westlake Village Keiretsu Forum Member Don Esters, mentoring entrepreneurs has become a passion. Don is an experienced businessman with a background in working with large companies and start ups.
“I am not a teacher, but a mentor - there is a difference. People call to bounce ideas off me, but I don’t tell them which specific steps to take. They need to learn that on their own,” says Esters. “You have to trust in people whom you mentor and give them your support to make it happen. You need to encourage them to go out and make decisions…”
[Full Column by John Dilts, Managing Director of Keiretsu Forum Westlake Village]
(photo: Don Esters, Westlake Keiretsu Member)
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Keiretsu Forum Committees |
How Software Entrepreneurs can be Successful Presenters to Investors (Part 3 of 3)
Ed Harley’s open letter to software entrepreneurs began in the Keiretsu April 2004 Newsletter. In the previous issues Ed covered some general do’s & don’ts about giving a presentation to investors (customer's situation, the seriousness of that situation, the solution, the value to the customer, market, competitive differentiation, marketing strategy, sales strategy, product strategy, management and Board of Directors). In this issue Ed covers presenting the financials and the needed resources of money, management and introductions.
[FULL STORY]
(Photo: Edward P. Harley, Chairman, Keiretsu Forum Software Committee)
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Market Trends in Private Equity Investing |
PwC MoneyTree VC Survey - Q2 2004 Summary
VC investment in the US increased 12% in Q2’04 to $5.6 Billion, vs Q1’03, and was up 17% vs Q2’04. Silicon Valley remained the #1 area for investment in Q2’04, getting 38% of the dollars. Software remained the #1 category with roughly 22% of the vc dollars, although Biotechnology was a strong #2.
Later stage investment still commands a high percent of the vc total, with roughly 27% of vc dollars going to Series E or later. Median deal size has remained between $4-5 Million for 14 consecutive quarters. Venture firms appear to have settled into two camps...
[FULL STORY]
(Photo: Steve Bengston - Managing Director, Emerging Company Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers)
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