Venture capital forum will explore Valley opportunities

Business owners and executives, entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, professional service providers, consultants, educators and civic leaders should consider attending the third annual Central Valley Venture Forum on Friday in Fresno.

Experts in private equity investing, venture capital, angel investing and entrepreneurship will make presentations at a daylong forum presented by the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at California State University, Fresno, along with the Central Valley Business Incubator, Central Valley Fund and city of Clovis.

Keynote speakers will include Lt. Gov. John Garamendi and Bob Grady, managing director of the $89 billion Carlyle Group private equity fund. Grady will speak about how private equity and venture capital can transform a regional economy, such as that of the San Joaquin Valley.

Garamendi will address the region's economic downturn and what role government can play in improving economic conditions.

Panel discussions will cover such areas as investment banking and how to raise capital, building world-class companies in the San Joaquin Valley and what sectors in the region are ripe for investment during the next five years.

Five businesses will be selected to present ideas to panels of investors who are actively seeking investment opportunities in the region.

"The continued interest and expansion of venture-capital activity in the Central Valley underscores our ability to develop and present viable startups that have high potential growth with considerable rewards to investors," said Timothy Stearns, executive director of the Lyles Center. "The Lyles Center has been a leader in this effort, and the forum will showcase local talent across a wide variety of technology sectors."

Attendance at the Venture Forum costs $65 advance, $75 at the door. The forum will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the new Rex Phebus Veterans Memorial Building, 435 Hughes Ave., Clovis. A wine and cheese reception for conference attendees will immediately follow.

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Venture capital forum will explore Valley opportunities