SVASE Security BIG

I am moderating SVASE's Security BIG on March 15th. Details follow:

SVASE BIG Event, March 15, 2007
Security: Private Security Companies’ Opportunities and Exits

Since 2001, the computer security industry has witnessed several notable private security companies being acquired while only one has gone public.

Private Companies taken off the IPO Track:
Cisco bought DOS attack toolmaker Riverhead in a $39 million cash deal
Novell bought security event management vendor e-Security in a $72 million cash deal
Verisign bought MSSP Guardent in a $140 million deal
Symantec bought MSSP Riptech in a $145 million deal
McAfee bought Wi-Fi network vendor Wireless Security in a $20 million deal
McAfee bought vulnerability management vendor Foundstone in a $86 million cash deal
CheckPoint bought encryption specialist Pointsec Mobile in a $586 million deal
Network Appliance bought secure storage vendor Decru in a $272 million in cash and stock deal

Private Companies that IPO’d:
NetScreen IPO’d in Dec. 2001 -- Juniper Networks subsequently acquired security appliance maker NetScreen for $4 billion in stock.

Gartner security analyst John Pescatore says, "For every merger, there will probably be a new startup backed by venture capital and seeking to address some new type of threat or market demand," (Source: eWeek 12/26/2006.)

Against this market landscape, SVASE has assembled an experienced panel of thought leaders and security industry insiders who will discuss current opportunities and exits in the security space. Theses distinguished panelists will share their experiences and insights on this unique market.

Specific topics include:
Is the security market over-invested?
What areas within security can a startup firm bulk-up around from a standing start?
What are the critical success factors unique to building a security company?
Should private security firms aim for acquisition or hold out for the IPO market?
What changes will an entrepreneur encounter if/when acquired?

The Panel:
Kevin Brown, VP Marketing, Decru
Asheem Chandna, Partner, Greylock Partners
Philippe Courtot, CEO Qualys
Srini Gurrapu, Vice President, Product Management, Facetime Communications


Moderator: Chad Salinas, Managing Director, Najdorf Capital

Thursday, March 15
6.00-7.00 pm: Networking and Business Showcase
7:00 – 8:00 pm: Panel discussion and Q/A
8.00-8:30 pm: Additional networking

Location:
Network Appliance, Inc., 495 East Java Drive (N. Fair Oaks becomes E. Java), Sunnyvale, CA 94089

Register now at http://www.svase.org/, Events > BIGs Event

PRE-REGISTERED RATES (All Rates Include Hors D’oeuvres):
Members - $20; Affiliates who advertise this event - $29; General Public - $49;
Business Showcase Exhibit Table - $149 (Includes exhibit table and two tickets to the event.)

WALK-IN RATES: Add $10.00 to the listed price

This event is co-sponsored by Network Appliance

Seating is limited, so early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment on the day.