Keiretsu Forum Barcelona, a network of professionals for professionals
On December 3, I participated in the XIV Investment Forum organized by Keiretsu Forum Barcelona , which demonstrated how things can be done really well, with willingness and know-how. Keiretsu Forum is the most renowned network of private investors in the US, originated in San Francisco and currently with 18 offices around the world, from Silicon Valley to Beijing, 3 of them in Europe, i.e. Paris, London and Barcelona.
Their motto is “Great Association with Quality Deal Flow”. After participating in the meeting, I can confirm this. It is a great association for many reasons, including the high percentage of investors amongst the participants; the relevance (and absence of arrogance) of the questions put to the entrepreneurs; the level of foreign investors participating in the session; the network of contacts provided; and, in general, for its excellent organization. The presentation of projects (6 in this case) was also excellent. Consciously filtered and well prepared projects: sound business propositions, advised by high-level senior counsellors and led by agile entrepreneurs with good communication skills and in many cases, with track record in start-ups creation.
I was also amazed by the participative and direct approach followed by Xavier Casares, president of Keiretsu Forum Barcelona and moderator of the forum: “American style” to encourage participation and discussion among attendants, combined with a close interaction with both investors and entrepreneurs.
Keiretsu Forum Barcelona has a short but fruitful history since it began operating in Spain. It will hold its fifteenth forum in February 2010, having presented more than 50 companies with high growth potential and closing nearly a dozen operations to date. During the session it was announced that Keiretsu Forum will open its second Spanish office in Madrid in 2010. Good luck!
