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CED venture – Stock market woes bringing ‘retired’ entrepreneurs back to work

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Editor’s note: Jason Caplain, a venture capitalist with Southern Capitol Ventures, blogged and “tweeted” from the Council for Entrepreneurial Development’s annual venture capital conference.

PINEHURST, N.C. – It’s interesting to see how the stock market downtown impacts the "retired" entrepreneurs. Some of them are getting back in action.

Just caught up on emails. Amazed by all the talented people on the sidelines.

Heard attendance is 500+ including entrepreneurs VCs, service providers and entrepreneurs.

Lineup of speakers is one of the strongest I have ever seen at Venture.

Highlight was Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook. I didn't realize he grew up in Hickory, N.C.

Conference is missing some familiar faces but lots of NEW faces here, which is great!!

Everyone is cautiously optimistic about the future of the economy. Most say nothing will recover until 2010. Some say beyond that.

All service providers say fees are down (lawyers, accountants, investment bankers).

VCs continue to be cautious. They are still poking around though. Clearly, the best companies and the best entrepreneurs are still able to raise money. Many times those entrepreneurs are getting inbound interest.

The second tier companies are struggling finding capital and are getting really frustrated with the process.

I am surprised to see the number of new entrepreneurs here. And they aren't just from N.C.

The conference feels more professional. More suits, ties, jackets, less jeans. :)

The competition to present this year was tougher. 1 out of 4 companies were selected. So this is the best of the best.

Note: For more on the conference, follow Caplain on Twitter.

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