Propellant Ventures is pleased to provide an engaging virtual discussion to talk about the 2024 outlook of the investment and startup landscape. We will kick-off the event with a Breakout Room so attendees can get to know one another. Make sure to dial-in at 3pm CST. Zoom dial-in instructions below.
Agenda
3:00-3:20pm: Check-In / Breakout Room
3:20-4:00pm: Panel Discussion
4:00-4:30pm: Open Discussion
For the past handful of years, the venture market has been on a wild ride. From the cheap money days of 2020 and 2021 to the market recalibration in 2022 to some rocky times in 2023, the private market has had its ups and downs. However, venture capitalists view 2024 pretty optimistically — although with caveats — with funding likely already hitting its low, the exit markets coming back, and a coming to terms with the new normal of work. While there may be some more pain — startups shuttering and layoffs will likely continue, they say — investors seem hopeful most of the troubles of the past couple of years are behind them. They also see a handful of significant trends evolving in 2024.
Between the rapid ascendance of AI and the often dramatic downfall of startups large and small, 2023 was an action-packed year for tech and venture. In many ways, 2024 is expected to be the year when things settle down a bit. The buzz around AI will likely wane, but so, hopefully, will layoffs. The IPO markets may make a tepid comeback and we expect that after nearly two years of falling funding, venture investment will level off.
Join us for an engaging discussion with experts, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss the outlook of the investment and startup landscape for 2024.
Mark Birch, Co-Founder of Founders in the Cloud; Global Startup Advocate at AWS
Mark is a community builder, author, software entrepreneur, business development expert, and startup advisor based in New York City, but most often on a plane traveling the globe. Currently, he works at AWS sharing the stories of how founders across the globe benefit from building and scaling their startups on AWS. In that capacity, he creates content, speaks and presents, and enables his colleagues to build thriving startup communities. In addition, he is the founder of DEV.BIZ.OPS, a long standing community for technology leaders about coding, developers, engineering enablement, and the power of communities. Further, he founded the Enterprise Sales Forum, a global community of 25,000 B2B sales professionals that meet in-person and virtually through local chapters to share ideas, network with peers, and learn new skills.
Zane Carmean, Lead Research Analyst, Quantitative and Funds Research at PitchBook
Zane is a quantitative research analyst at PitchBook, where he conducts data analysis, creates financial models, and authors research reports and thematic analyst notes covering private markets. Carmean helped launch PitchBook’s Quantitative Perspectives series, a new report style that provides a fully quantitatively-driven narrative of the current and future states of private markets. In addition, he helped build PitchBook’s proprietary valuation models to analyze the GP stakes market as well as cash flow forecasting tools to assist allocators in estimating future cash flow and commitment pacing needs. Carmean also helps build new capabilities for clients to leverage PitchBook data sets. Prior to PitchBook, he was a senior associate at Green Street Advisors where he conducted the research and analytics behind many of the firm’s strategic research reports in the commercial real estate industry. He is also a CFA charterholder and CAIA charterholder.
Chris Clepp, Founder & President of Building Towards Wealth
Boasting 23 years of experience in financial services, Chris is the founder of Building Towards Wealth, a wealth management practice specializing in serving Gen X & Gen Y business owners. His unique approach to wealth management goes beyond asset management; it's about enriching lives through strategic planning, aimed at achieving financial security and personal fulfillment for his clients. Chris has achieved the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations. His perspective on market and economic conditions is grounded in a pragmatic and data-driven approach. He regularly engages with resources like the JP Morgan Guide to the Markets and the Schwab Quarterly Chartbook, ensuring he stays informed with up-to-date and relevant economic data. Consciously avoiding sensationalist financial news, Chris focuses on data and insights from professionals who prioritize wealth creation, regardless of the broader market sentiment. Chris is not just a wealth management advisor; he is a seasoned analyst of market and economic trends, making him an ideal candidate for discussions on current market conditions. His blend of practical experience, academic knowledge, and a balanced lifestyle positions him as a credible and insightful voice on any panel addressing financial markets and economic conditions.