IRVINE CA -- (Marketwire) -- 05/12/09 -- During the 2008 election, President Obama received an unprecedented level of support from the venture capitalists. His largely Internet-based campaign appeared to champion the role of innovation in transforming American society. However, it's still unclear if the Obama Administration's overall policies will help to enhance or diminish investment in entrepreneurial ventures. The upcoming "Obamanomics" panel discussion, hosted by Orange County Venture Group (OCVG) on May 19, 2009, will help entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and their professional advisors better understand and navigate the public policy environment.

Who: Orange County Venture Group, a volunteer-driven community networking organization focused on fostering the venture capital ecosystem in Orange County.

What: "Obamanomics: What it means for Venture Capital." Featured speakers include four of the nation's top public policy experts in the venture community: Mark Heesen, Washington, D.C.-based president of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA); Mitchell Kertzman, managing director of Hummer Winblad Venture Partners, a leading Bay Area venture capitalist and former chair of the American Electronics Assn.; Robert Kibble, co-founder and managing partner of Mission Ventures and NVCA board member; and Trevor Loy, managing partner of Flywheel Ventures and NVCA board member. The panelists will address topics of utmost concern to Orange County's venture capital and entrepreneur communities:

--  The Obama Administration has proposed or enacted new policies that may
    well help companies in the IT, pharmaceutical, healthcare information
    systems and medical device sectors, but will they translate into enhanced
    returns for venture capitalists who invest in these companies?

--  The administration has proposed nearly tripling the federal tax rate
    on venture capitalists' "carried interest" -- the bulk of their
    compensation. Will such a large "success tax" impact the level of venture
    investment?

--  How aggressively will the Administration's education reforms address
    the instructional shortcomings in K-12 math and science given the
    importance of public school teacher unions as a core Democratic
    constituency group?

--  Despite prominent language in the America Recovery and Reinvestment
    Act emphasizing the role of technology and innovation as essential drivers
    of renewed prosperity, why do policy makers in the Administration and
    Congress seem more willing to spend bailing out failing auto companies than
    fostering investment in tomorrow's growth companies?

--  The Obama Department of Treasury has proposed requiring major venture
    capitals firms to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
    submit regular reports to reduce "systemic risk." How will this proposed
    additional regulation encourage venture capitalists to fund risky start-ups
    such as Intel, Amazon, Genentech, Cisco, Amgen and Google?
    

Where: The breakfast will be held at the Pacific Club, 4110 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, Calif.

When: May 19, 2009, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Cost and How to Register: Pre-registration is required for all attendees. The event is free for OCVG members. For non-members who register by Friday, May 15, the cost is $50, after that date the non-member cost is $60. Visit http://www.ocvg.com/calendar.html to register.

About Orange County Venture Group

The Orange County Venture Group (OCVG) is a volunteer-driven community networking organization focused on venture capital activities in Orange County, Calif. Its Board of Directors is comprised of venture capitalists and other local business leaders who fund, manage and advise venture and post-venture stage companies throughout Southern California. Through monthly programs, including educational, networking and other special events, the group offers entrepreneurs and VCs unique opportunities to learn more about the venture capital process and expand their business networks. Learn more at www.ocvg.com.