Program

Wednesday 24 February 2021

9:00am

Registration and networking

9:30am

Welcome

Adrian Herbert – Managing Editor, Private Equity Media

9:35am

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

10:00am

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

10:25am

Impact investing – the commercial lessons

LeapFrog Investments has directly improved the lives of disadvantaged people in developing economies in Africa and Asia while generating private equity level returns for its investors. This presentation explains the firm’s ‘profit with purpose’ concept and its lessons for all growth investors.

James Burton – Senior Manager, Strategy, LeapFrog Investments

10:50am

Networking Morning Tea

11:20am

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

12:00pm

Why ESG considerations can make or break an investment

While many private capital investors now accept that environmental social and governance considerations should be included in due diligence on deals, some still see ESG as risk issues to be dealt with at the compliance level. In this discussion, we will look at reasons why ESG considerations are important for investment teams.

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

12:30pm

Networking Lunch

1:20pm

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

2:00pm

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

2:40pm

Networking Afternoon Tea

3:10pm

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

3:50pm

Routes to Exit

This session looks at the alternative routes to find a return on investment that may be considered by growth businesses, their investors and advisors.

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

4:30pm

Closing remarks

4:45pm

Networking drinks

* This program is subject to change

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