With the fallout in the dot-com sector leaving investors and entrepreneurs shaking their heads, business leaders are taking a critical look at the challenges facing future high-tech startups. Success in the new economy will depend on a sophisticated understanding of the dynamics of venture capital financing, retaining employee loyalty and protecting intellectual property.
To address these issues, the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ at Boulder's Silicon Flatirons Telecommunications Program will host a forum on "The Future of High-Tech Startups" on Feb. 19 from 3 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the CU School of Law. Some of the top lawyers and businesspeople involved in the local high-tech community are expected to attend, including Steve Wallman, a former commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission and founder and CEO of Foliofn.
"We are excited to turn the spotlight on what to expect in the high-tech startup sector and how future entrepreneurs -- and the lawyers who represent them -- can navigate the hurdles ahead," explained Phil Weiser, SFTP's executive director.
CU-Boulder established the program last year with the help of a number of companies and law firms, including a founding grant from Qwest Communications. SFTP brings together experts from the telecommunications community to discuss cutting-edge legal, technical and business issues facing the industry and to help prepare students for entry into the field. In addition to putting on conferences, SFTP sponsors a paper competition and a mentorship program for law students interested in entering high-technology and telecommunication jobs after graduation.
"From the initial enthusiasm among students from around campus, local telecom companies and law firms, I believe the program is off to a great start in building a community of smart, energetic and innovative professionals who are interested in high-quality programming and exposing students to Colorado's telecom and high-tech sector," said Weiser.
In addition to the "Future of High-Tech Startups," SFTP will hold three more programs this spring beginning with "Public Values and the Architecture of the Internet Age" on March 15, followed by "The New Economy, Intellectual Property and the Challenges for Antitrust: An Address by Former Acting Assistant Attorney General Doug Melamed" on April 4 and "The Role of Localities and States in Telecom Regulation" on April 16.
The program's events are free to CU students, faculty and SFTP members. For others there is a $50 fee for each event or $25 for members of the Colorado Bar's technology or communications sections, Denver Telecom Professionals, FCC Bar Association and CU Law School or ITP alumni.
For more information call Weiser at (303) 735-2733 or register online at by clicking on "conferences."