Harvard Business School Campus where 31st Annual Conference will be held

The gathering brings together top experts and influencers in venture capital and private equity.

Harvard Business School’s Venture Capital & Private Equity (VCPE) Club is hosting its 31st annual conference on Saturday, February 1, 2025, on its Boston campus. Widely regarded as one of the most influential gatherings in the alternative investment space, this year’s event promises to bring together thought leaders from across the venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) sectors, providing a unique opportunity for professionals, academics, and students to connect and exchange ideas on the rapidly evolving investment landscape.

The conference will feature an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, each a recognized leader in their fields of venture capital and private equity. These include Alisa Amarosa Wood, Partner at KKR and Co-CEO of KKR Private Equity Conglomerate LLC; David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group; Mamoon Hamid, Partner at Kleiner Perkins; and Sean Klimczak, Global Head of Infrastructure and Senior Managing Director at Blackstone.

Together, these speakers represent some of the most influential names in global finance, offering invaluable insights into the current state and future direction of private equity and venture capital investments. Their remarks will set the tone for the day that includes in-depth panel discussions and networking opportunities aimed at aspiring and seasoned professionals in the industry.

A Diverse and Engaging Agenda

The 31st annual VCPE Conference is set to feature more than 20 panels, covering a wide range of topics that reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of the private equity and venture capital industries. The panels will delve into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in specific sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotech, climate change, and real estate, as well as broader themes such as the state of VC and PE today.

Amongst the highlighted discussions are topics such as “Alternatives in Alternatives,” “Artificial Intelligence and Its Investment Potential,” “Emerging Markets,” and “Private Credit.” Other panels will address operational considerations, including “Launching Your First Fund” and “Portfolio Operations.” These panels are designed to provide actionable takeaways for professionals at all levels of the industry.

One of the standout features of the conference will be its deep dive into investment opportunities in cutting-edge sectors. Panels on AI and biotech will explore how these transformative technologies are reshaping industries and how investors can best navigate these high-growth sectors. Meanwhile, the climate-focused panel will highlight investment strategies addressing global sustainability challenges, a growing priority for VCs and PEs.

In addition to sector-specific sessions, the conference will explore key questions about the future of VC and PE. “State of PE” and “State of VC” panels will provide attendees with up-to-the-minute insights on current landscape, trends, and sector shifts.

An Opportunity to Network and Learn

With more than 80 senior partners and principals from some of the top investment firms across the country attending, the event offers top networking opportunities for students, professionals, and industry experts. Whether you’re an emerging investor, an entrepreneur seeking funding, or simply interested in the latest trends, the conference will provide ample opportunities to connect with key players in the industry.

“We are thrilled to announce such an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and panelists who will offer their perspectives on a wide range of topics, from sector-specific opportunities in AI, biotech, and infrastructure, to big-picture discussions on the future of VC and PE,” said Irtaza Ali, Xiangyun Chen, and Nitya Hinduja, the co-presidents of the VCPE Conference. “This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most engaging and informative gatherings in the alternative investment world, and we are excited to bring together such a distinguished group of speakers and attendees.”

The VCPE Conference has long been a staple of the Harvard Business School community and the wider investment world. With its combination of expert insights, in-depth discussions, and networking opportunities, it continues to be an essential event for anyone involved in or interested in the fields of venture capital and private equity.

For more information about the conference agenda, panel discussions, and speaker lineup, visit the official website at www.thevcpeconference.com. Tickets can be purchased at vcpe2025.eventbrite.com.

January 24, 2025