VENTURENET: AN INVESTOR'S PERSPECTIVE
By David Cremin, managing director, Draper Fisher Jurvetson Frontier

There is no doubt in my mind that networking is a critical skill when it comes to entrepreneurship and venture capital, so I go to my share of events each year. However, I like to follow one key rule when I am thinking about putting anything on my calendar or when advising companies in the DFJ Frontier portfolio: participate in actions that will create the most extraordinary results.

That's why I decided to serve as chair of the evaluation committee for the annual VentureNet conference in Newport Beach. The event, hosted by the Software Council of Southern California, includes an amazing group of the most active Southern California investors along with representatives from Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth and Delotte & Touche. These representatives drive in each year to help find the top technology companies looking for funding. Last year, the event was a huge success, and companies like Meaning Master and CrystalVoice Communications (now a DFJ Frontier portfolio company) received funding after presenting at the conference - a great result!

This year, we evaluated more than 40 worthy companies in order to choose the top ten or so that were ultimately invited to present. I was struck by the quality of the entrepreneurs and businesses seeking capital. Many entrepreneurs presenting this year have become well known to the venture capital community, and VentureNet will provide a focused, professional environment where they can present their business case supporting new investment or growth capital.

I am also struck by the interest and participation level of the investors as we anticipate the chance to see the entrepreneurs in action, and interact with them during the event. Many investors keep an eye on companies for several months, or even years prior to making an investment, as attitude and action speak louder than PowerPoints and promises. Those companies selected to present at VentureNet have to meet a very high bar so investors are assured they are only meeting with the most promising organizations. In addition, each company is given focused mentoring by our evaluation committee prior to presenting, thus ensuring the best possible outcome for companies and investors alike.

VentureNet ends up providing several important benefits to the southern California community. First, the networking is fantastic. Second, the companies who come to present are the best of the best raising money at the time. Third, investors from all over California and the nation attend, so there is a captive, hungry audience. Finally, companies invariably receive funding as a result of VentureNet so it's a win for everyone. Great companies and great investors gathered in a controlled environment always make for what I like to call the primordial soup of innovation and entrepreneurship. VentureNet is a top pick when it comes to providing an environment where everyone can achieve extraordinary results.

David Cremin is a founder and managing director of DFJ Frontier, a Draper Fisher Jurvetson affiliate and venture capital fund focused on seed and early stage technology companies in California. At Frontier, he leads fund management, fundraising and portfolio management efforts. Mr. Cremin has significant entrepreneurial and venture capital experience. He also spent several years touring as a professional musician and recording artist for RCA Records, Atlantic Records, Elektra Records and EastWest Records. Mr. Cremin is currently a board director of OnTech, ProLacta Bioscience, Digital Campaigns, vMusicSystems and The BizWorld Foundation. For more information visit www.dfjfrontier.com or email David at david@dfjfrontier.com

Register now to meet the most active investors from San Diego to the Silicon Valley, please join us at VentureNet 2005, held on September 8th at the Four Seasons, Newport Beach. For more details, visit www.VentureNet.org.

Want more VentureNet visibility? A limited number of VentureNet exhibit spaces are still available, so act now to reserve your space. Even if you're not looking for funding, by exhibiting at VentureNet you meet those who have the experience, tools and connections to help you grow your business. The exhibit fee includes a tabletop exhibit space, a full access conference pass, and a company listing and hotlink on the conference Website.

The Software Council wishes to thank the VentureNet Planning, Selection & Mentoring Committee Members:

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