The Future of the Internet -- Insights and Observations of INSEAD's Technology Entrepreneurs

INSEAD's successful technology entrepreneurs, Kevin Ryan, Alexandre Douzet, and Paul Forster will gather with Bain Capital Ventures Group's Daniel Allen on a panel in New York on May 13, to discuss future business trends and successful strategies for the Internet. Moderated by Henry Blodget, CEO and editor-in-chief of Silicon Alley Insider, the panel will explore the Internet's future impact on business, and how understanding the Internet's future uses is essential to a company's successful strategy and execution.

Ryan, Douzet and Forster are graduates of INSEAD, one of the world's leading and largest graduate business schools located in France and Singapore, who bring a wealth of experience and insight in entrepreneurism, strategy and technology. Creating rich online user experiences, managing Internet advertising and digital marketing, discovering new methods of online content and delivery, business and social networking, innovative high-end fashion merchandising, and online media and music are just some of the various areas in which INSEAD's entrepreneurs have established strong, successful businesses.

Ryan, previously the founder and CEO of DoubleClick and one of Silicon Alley's most well-known Internet entrepreneurs, is chairman of AlleyCorp, a collection of six New York-based businesses -- Silicon Alley Insider, Gilt Groupe, Music Nation, Panther Express, ShopWiki and 10gen -- all of which he started in the last two years.

Alex Douzet, co-founder for TheLadders.com Europe, and Paul Forster both have pioneered different improved approaches to job search. Douzet is in charge of strategy, marketing, sales, product development and other business relationships for the U.K. and Continental Europe, as well as the fastest-growing resume service business line in the US. TheLadders.com is well known for being a leader in executive job searches with exclusive, six-figure candidates. Paul Forster is CEO and co-founder of Indeed, a search engine for jobs that gives job seekers free access -- instantly, in a single search -- to millions of jobs from thousands of company websites, job boards, newspapers, blogs and associations. Indeed was selected by Time Magazine as one of the Top 10 Websites in 2007 and by PC World as one of the Best 50 Websites.

Daniel Allen, a Principal with Bain Capital Ventures Group, adds his perspective on identifying successful business models and management teams, investing in and working with numerous venture-stage companies. The moderator, Henry Blodget, is the CEO, Co-Founder, Editor in Chief of Silicon Alley Insider, a well-known portal for insight and information on the fast moving world of digital business.

Seth Hidek, of the INSEAD USA Alumni Association organizing the event, said, "INSEAD has been well known for producing strategy professionals, and international, transcultural leaders. Not as many are aware of INSEAD's long history in entrepreneurship and venture capital. After all, Georges Doriot, one of INSEAD's founders, was a pioneer in the field. Many of INSEAD's most well-known alumni are highly successful entrepreneurs having created, in addition to the panelist's current companies, l'Occitaine, Vistaprint, Atom Entertainment, ActiveHotels.com, and ASmallWorld.

Entrepreneurship has always been a key focus area for INSEAD, and it has as its goal to become the premier business school in the world for global entrepreneurship. It offers courses in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and family-run businesses that offer a perspective on entrepreneurship that is truly based on a global mindset.

Garrick Utley, hosting as the president of the Levin Institute and former broadcast journalist for NBC, ABC and CNN, stated, "Four decades ago Marshall McLuhan prophesized that information technology would create a Global Village. Satellite television and telephony didn't quite achieve that. But the power and the intimacy of the Internet and social networking are finally bringing us closer to McLuhan's vision."

"At INSEAD, many of the alumni are intent on giving back -- both in their time and insights," Hidek added. "INSEAD is a special place, and we are very happy to hear from our exceptional alumni. This is another time where we can gather to hear interesting topics of professional growth from some of our most talented, while we enjoy each other's accomplishments and company."

About INSEAD, The Business School for the World

INSEAD, The Business School for the World, has campuses in Fontainebleau, France and Singapore. Last year over 800 MBA students received their degrees from INSEAD. As one of the world's leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures and ideas from around the world to change lives and transform organizations. The unique global perspective and multicultural diversity of INSEAD are reflected in all aspects of its research and teaching. Currently, at the school's two comprehensive and fully connected campuses in Asia (Singapore) and Europe (France), as well as at the school's centre in the Middle East (Abu Dhabi), 143 renowned faculty members from 32 countries inspire more than 882 MBA participants, 59 Executive MBAs, 59 PhD candidates and over 8,000 executives. On both campuses and at research centers in the Middle East (Abu Dhabi and Israel), faculty conduct leading edge research projects with the support of 17 Centres of Excellence. The INSEAD-Wharton Alliance, as well as the Tsinghua-INSEAD Dual Degree Executive MBA Programme, further extends the reach of INSEAD business education and research across three continents. More information on INSEAD can be found at www.insead.edu.

The INSEAD USA Alumni Association is one of 41 National Alumni Associations for graduates of INSEAD programs, including the MBA and other Executive Education programs.

Date:        Tuesday, May 13th

Time:        6:30 PM

Location:    The Levin Institute, 116 East 55th Street, between Lexington
             and Park Avenue

6:30 - 7:00  Arrival and Cocktail reception, Levin Institute
7:00 - 8:30  Panel, Moderated Q&A
9:00         Post Panel networking and discussion follow at Papillion,
             22 East 54th Street, 2nd floor

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