Silver & Gold a Success!

The companies presenting this year at the annual Silver and Gold Venture Capital Conference were varied in their product but not in their determination. On October 21, 2008 at the Peppermill in Reno, NV we had 31 companies presenting to over 50 investors evaluating not only the businesses but the presentation itself. Gayle Crowell, a Warburg Pincus partner and host for the Silver & Gold finalist showdown said, “Even though everyone’s a little nervous about the markets and venture investments are down about seven percent last quarter, remember that investors have limited partners behind them and they have to invest that money.” See the video link of intro comments by Jon Gregory, president and CEO of GCN, and Gayle Crowell, Warburg Pincus. Warburg Pincus, one of the world’s largest venture capital firms, just closed its most recent $15 billion fund.

The award for Silver & Gold Overall Presenter went to Administrative Systems, Inc. (ASI) which is based out of the Sacramento area and are with the Software/Information Technology industry. The award for the Silver & Gold Best Nevada Company went to Ionic Water Technologies, Inc. from Reno, NV who are involved in Clean Technology. View the presentations and feel free to give some feedback. Just because the competition is over doesn't mean that these companies don't need your input! Check them out and let them know what you think!

Read up on the conference if you missed it and get an idea of what goes on at venture capital conference. Bill O'Driscoll wrote an article in the Reno Gazette, entitled Reno's Silver & Gold conference: Small Businesses Urged to Adapt Amid Turmoil.

Adapt. In tough times like these, it's the key to survival for small business.

That was the message to 125 business leaders and others Tuesday at the eighth annual Silver & Gold Venture Capital Conference in Reno.

"Small businesses are struggling. You see a lot more vacant spaces as you drive by strip malls," said keynote speaker Steve Mills of DCA Capital Partners, an investment firm in Roseville, Calif.

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