Welcome

• Adrian Herbert – Managing Editor, Private Equity Media

Challenges and opportunities post COVID-19

Outline of the economic effects of the pandemic and what it means for the Australian and New Zealand private capital markets over the year ahead.

• Paul Bloxham – Chief Economist Australia and New Zealand, HSBC

Running a growth fund – why it is different from venture or buyout

Outline of early (first year) experiences in developing a growth fund. Contrast with (primarily) buyout funds as well as venture funds. What should a growth investor look for in an investment and what should it offer in addition to potential for a cash return?

• Justin Ryan – Managing Partner, Quadrant Private Equity

Impact investing – the commercial lessons 

• James Burton – Senior Manager, Strategy, LeapFrog Investments

Can Growth Capital and Venture firms work together for mutual benefit?

It would seem to be natural for tech companies to progress from venture to growth funding as they develop. Are there opportunities to improve this process? Where and how should Growth Capital and VC firms work together?

• Genevieve Gregor – Partner, Colinton Capital
• Elaine Stead – Managing Director, Human VC
• Howard Leibman – Co-founder and Partner, Equity Venture Partners
• Moderator: Jared Connor – Senior Manager, EY

Why ESG considerations can make or break an investment

• Suzanne Tavill – Partner, StepStone Group – interviewed by David Potter – Head of Business Development, Apex Australia

Sources of funding – getting the balance right between debt and equity

Entrepreneurs need funding to convert ideas into viable businesses. Investors want security for their capital. How can the different requirements be balanced?

• Jason Georgatos – Managing Director, Partners for Growth
• Kelly Morton – Managing Director, Skye Capital
• Nicholas Sweeney – Division Director and Head of Macquarie Mid Market
• Melissa Widner – CEO, Lighter Capital
• Moderator: Tom Matthews – Partner, Pemba Capital

Scaling up a business – practicalities and pitfalls

Even with adequate funding, scaling up a business can be a challenging process. This session takes an inside look at why some succeed and some fail.

• David Odgers – Executive Director, IFM Investors
• Dai Williams – Chief Growth Officer, SiteMinder
• Barry Westlake – Veteran entrepreneur and investor
• Moderator: Kieren Parker – Managing Partner, Addisons

Opportunities for growth – new needs, new industries

In this session, the audience will be presented with three views of growth companies of the future.

• Peter Manettas – Founder, ShoreTrade
• James Brown – CTO, Bondi Bio
• Kylie Frazer – Founder, Eleanor Venture

Routes to Exit 

• Lindley Edwards – Group CEO, AFG Venture Group
• Melissa Widner – CEO, Lighter Capital
• David Willington – Co-founder, Bombora Group
• Moderator: Neil Bourne – Managing Principal, Sydney, Eaton Square