Program
Tuesday 27 February 2024 • Ivy Ballroom, Sydney
8:30am
Registration and networking
9:00am
Welcome
- Adrian Herbert – Managing Editor, Private Equity Media
9:10am
(Presentation) Australia’s Economic Outlook in 2024
In 2023, the global economy demonstrated greater resilience than initially anticipated and inflation has been coming down quickly, reducing the risks of recession. This presentation will assess the possible repercussions of global and local developments on business conditions in Australia for the upcoming twelve months.
- Dan Fabbro – Lead Global Economist, Macquarie
9:40am
(Panel discussion) Unveiling Opportunities and Risks in Private Equity’s Growing Role in Healthcare
Private equity’s increasing involvement in the healthcare sector is influenced by lower-risk scale-up strategies with substantial return potential. This discussion will explore sector developments and highlight risks that may elude investors lacking specialisation in the field.
- Dr Michael Caristo – Co-Founder, Genesis Capital
- Daren McKennay – Partner, Crescent Capital
- Dr Silvia Pfeiffer – Founder and Director, Coviu
- Moderated by: Adam Lindell – Founder, Polar 993
10:20am
Networking Morning Tea
10:50am
(Case Study/Fireside chat) The Riverside Company: Energy Exemplar
Join us for an illuminating interview delving into the dynamic journey of Energy Exemplar, which saw Riverside’s Australia Fund exit in a groundbreaking deal valuing the company at over $1.6 billion. Discover how this collaboration fueled Energy Exemplar’s meteoric 30% compound annual growth rate since 2018, transforming it into a global powerhouse serving 500+ utilities and power companies worldwide.
- Nicholas Pejnovic – Principal, The Riverside Company
- Glenn Drayton – Founder and Chief Scientist, Energy Exemplar
- Interviewed by: Patrick O’Day – Managing Director, Lazard Australia
11:20am
(Panel discussion) Exploring Investment Opportunities in Decarbonisation
As Australian industries embrace the path towards decarbonisation, numerous challenges emerge, each presenting unique opportunities for strategic investment. Join us for an insightful session that delves into the landscape of decarbonisation investment opportunities and explores how the private capital industry can leverage these challenges to foster sustainable and lucrative investments.
- Fiona Holyoake – Partner, Tasman Capital Partners
- Daan Oranje – Co-managing Partner, Stafford Capital Partners
- Malcolm Thornton – Head of Impact Capital, Clean Energy Finance Corporation
- Julian Turecek – Co-Founder and CEO, AspiraDAC
- Moderated by: Rachel Slattery – Director, Slatterys
12:05pm
(Case Study/Fireside chat) Five V Capital: Automic Group
This conversation will offer a unique insight into the pivotal moments that have sculpted the extraordinary evolution of Automic Group, a leading cloud-based share registry services provider slated to be Five V Capital’s premier listing on the ASX.
Explore the transformative journey of Automic Group, from its inception to becoming Australia’s fastest-growing share registry boosted by the strategic partnership formed in September 2021 with Five V Capital.
- Justin England – Managing Director, Five V Capital
- Paul Williams – Executive Chair, Automic Group
- Interviewed by: Virginie Maikim – Origination Lead – Corporate and Leveraged Finance, Macquarie Group
12:35pm
Networking Lunch
1:20pm
(Panel discussion) Navigating Growth Transitions – Are Venture Investors the Right Partners?
As companies navigate the challenging shift from loss-making startups to profitable growth entities, a crucial question emerges during the transition to the growth stage: Are venture investors still the most suitable partners? Join our panel discussion as we assess the best strategies to support companies during this critical phase and explore how to strike the optimal balance between growth and sustained profitability over the long term.
- Josie Gorter – Investment Director, Potentia Capital
- Tom Humphrey – Partner, Blackbird Ventures
- Kell Reilly – Partner, AirTree Ventures
- Moderated by: Jared Connor – Director, EY
2:05pm
(Case Study/Fireside chat) Exploring Global Growth: Australian Business Growth Fund’s investment in INSKIN COSMEDICS
ABGF’s recent minority investment into INSKIN COSMEDICS will be used to support the business as it continues to grow. This discussion will explore how this partnership is set to drive the founder-led skincare retailer to new heights on the global stage.
- Maria Enna-Cocciolone – Founder and Chief Executive, INSKIN COSMEDICS
- Ghazaleh Lyari – Co-head of Investments, Australian Business Growth Fund
- Interviewed by: Jonathon Pruden – Managing Director, 333 Capital
2:30pm
Networking Afternoon Tea
3:00pm
(Panel discussion) The Allure of the Growth Sector for Major Investors
Let’s delve into the rationale behind mid-size and large private equity firms’ steadfast maintenance and in some cases expansion, of their focus on the growth sector. Why are these firms drawn to the growth sector? Is their attraction based on the potential for enticing returns, a strategic shift towards prioritising profitability in investment strategies or the prospect of long-term opportunities?
- Victor Ha – Partner, Quadrant Private Equity
- Aaron Tan – Principal, KKR
- Jacob Van der Wiel – Director, EQT Partners
- John White – Founding Partner, Next Capital
- Moderated by: Fiona Pak-Poy
3:45pm
(Presentation) Breeding Unicorns and Teaching Them to Fly
Les Szekely, a luminary in the investment and startup sphere will share his pearls of wisdom on the ever-changing investment climate. Get ready to hear his unique insights drawing upon the wealth of diverse experiences and hands-on involvement that only a true industry icon like Les can offer.
- Les Szekely – Co-founder and Chairman, Equity Venture Partners
4:15pm
Closing remarks
4:30pm
Networking drinks
Upstairs in Ivy Penthouse (level 5)
Kindly note speakers and session times are subject to change.
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