In something of a warm-up for the Web Summit, there will be big bucks in the room when the Kauffman Fellows European Venture Capital Summit arrives in Dublin on Monday and Tuesday, its first event in Europe.
Ninety-four funds with $40 billion of assets under management will attend the prestigious shindig run by the fellowship, which trains the next generation of tech investors. Most of the 250 attendees are expected to stay on for the Web Summit.
Among the fellowship highlights will be Will Prendergast, a fellow of Kauffman and partner at Dublin-based Frontline Ventures, who will grill Liam 'Mr China' Casey of PCH International at a fireside keynote.
Other notable attendees include Paul Thurk, managing director of Arch Venture Partners, Elaine Coughlan of Atlantic Bridge Capital and Tony Zappala of Highland Capital Partners. James Brennan of the NTMA will also be there, probably fending off free drinks as the agency steps up its tech investments.
Irish investors Tribal VC have produced a helpful guide for the money men and women that includes some tips on Dublin’s nightlife.
Nightclubs recommended include House, Everleigh Garden and The Lost Society. There is no mention of Coppers, which was graced during last year's Web Summit by the billionaire electrical cars-to-space travel guru Elon Musk.
Some venues are so classy they need no introduction.