Registration for this event can be found in the club’s newly launched website. Register Now!

Silicon Valley's latest trend for creating new ventures is based on trial and error: test market needs with new product concepts and a minimum amount of capital, expect that the product may not meet the market need, so fail fast and try another product with the hope that a product-market fit will eventually emerge.

But this fail fast, step-and-pivot philosophy is like taking a random walk in the forest without a compass. If You Really Want to Change the World (Harvard Business Review Press, Oct. '15) is about helping entrepreneurs find true north. Henry Kressel and Norman Winarsky--technologists, inventors, and investors with stellar track records--provide a guide for those who wish to create a market-leading company that will have a real impact: a disciplined and staged approach they have used to launch, invest in, and develop scores of highly successful companies.

If You Really Want to Change the World leads entrepreneurs through the critical stages of venture development, from concept to acquisition or public offering to maintaining a rich culture of innovation in the company. It is a guide by innovators for innovators, with approaches that are practical and timeless. Drawing on the authors' experiences as well as those of their partners from around the world, Kressel and Winarsky share the stories of their triumphs and misses, demonstrate their method in action, and inspire their readers in the process. There are more opportunities now than ever before to build breakthrough companies that touch millions of lives.

Kressel and Winarsky will discuss entrepreneurship and the way to build world class, lasting ventures. A book signing will follow the discussion. Books will be available for sale at $20/copy.

“Kressel and Winarsky have created the definitive road map that injects sanity, creativity, and boldness into the venturing process. This is the book for serious entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors who want to use their time and resources most effectively to create truly breakthrough companies,” observed Kathleen M. Eisenhardt, Stanford W. Ascherman MD Professor, School of Engineering, Stanford University.

This is the first of three events we will present in support of the New Venture Competition. Apply now and learn more about the Competition online.

Speaker Biographies:

Henry Kressel served as a senior partner and managing director at Warburg Pincus for more than 30 years. During his tenure, he successfully led and managed investments, both domestic and international, in diverse fields of technology and services. Collectively, these investments generated many billions of dollars in enterprise value.

Norman Winarsky was President of SRI Ventures at SRI International, a world-renowned research institute. He cofounded and led SRI’s venture strategy and process, which has resulted in more than 60 ventures worth over $20 billion, including companies such as Nuance, Intuitive Surgical, and Siri.

Moderator Biography:

Chitra Nawbatt is an anchor for Reuters International TV. She covers the U.S. and global economy and markets, as well as interviews CEOs, business and political leaders. Previously, Chitra has also been an Anchor/Correspondent and contributor to various media organizations including Thomson Reuters, Huffington Post, radio broadcast and other platforms.

Prior to her career in broadcast television and digital media, Chitra worked for Deutsche Bank as a Chief Administrative Officer and in the areas of Global Banking, Regional Management and Finance. Chitra was also with CIBC in Risk Management and Ernst & Young in Advisory and Assurance.

Chitra has her Certified Public Accountant designation and was educated at Harvard Business School ('11) and Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.

Monday, February 8, 2016

Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm
6:00 to 6:30 - Registration & cocktails
6:30 to 7:30 - Discussion
7:30 to 7:45 - Audience Q&A
7:45 to 8:00 - Book signing

Venue: Grant Thornton, 757 Third Avenue, NY

Price:
$10/Member
10/Member guest (limit two)
$20/Non-member alumni
$30/Non-alumni
No refunds will be given. Program is off the record. Books will be available for sale; cash only - $20/copy.

Organizer: Avi Telyas '86