Richard Johnson, the founder of “dot com” wonder HotJobs.com, and Richard Randall, chief executive officer of TranS1, headline the speaker lineup for the Opportunity 2007 conference in Wrightsville Beach next month.
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development event is set for Sept. 10-11.
Johnson and Randall have ties to the Wilmington area. Johnson lives in the area, and TranS1 is based in Wilmington.
In 2001, Johnson sold HotJobs to Yahoo for $485 million. He had taken the company through an initial public offering before selling it in 2001.
Randall is in the process of taking TranS1, a medical device firm, through an IPO. The company recently disclosed plans to raise $80 million in a stock offering. TranS1 has developed a minimally invasive means of treating spinal disorders.
Randall also has been an executive with Incumed and Innovasive Devices as well as Target Therapeutics.
“I am pleased to announce that Richard Johnson and Richard Randall have come on board for Opportunity 2007,” said CED President Monica Doss. “The wealth of knowledge both of these seasoned entrepreneurs offer, serves to enhance the educational and inspirational atmosphere for which this conference is known.”
Opportunity 2007 will focus on a variety of entrepreneurial topics and includes early-stage company presentations as well as consulting sessions. A “speed dating” program matching entrepreneurs with potential investors is also on the agenda.
