This conference will explore an increasingly complex dealmaking environment shaped by volatile markets, selective buyers, and evolving capital structures. With private capital influencing both exit timing and transaction strategy, the event will focus on the strategic and operational decisions that drive successful outcomes. The agenda blends small group discussions for varying experience levels and dynamic mainstage panels. Attendees should expect to receive practical insight into how GCs are approaching transactions in 2026 and how legal strategy can create value throughout the deal lifecycle.
This event brings together General Counsels at venture-backed startups and PE-owned companies pursuing exit opportunities through M&A or IPO, alongside GCs at funds, portfolio companies, and public companies evaluating take-privates or acquisitions. It’s designed for GCs and CLOs focused on growth, exits, and strategic transactions seeking actionable insight and peer connection.
February 3: The Summit kicks off with afternoon workshops, followed by an opening reception at Nasdaq’s iconic MarketSite in Times Square (151 W 43rd St.), offering a direct view into the CNBC studio during Fast Money’s live broadcast (5–6 PM ET). Attendees can explore the interactive gallery showcasing Nasdaq’s most celebrated milestones and memorabilia before continuing into the evening with intimate dinners across New York City—fostering meaningful connections with your closest peers.
February 4: At The St. Regis New York, the Summit convenes leading voices shaping growth, exit, and acquisition strategies. The day features mainstage discussions, small-group roundtables, and curated networking designed to unpack the evolving landscape of liquidity events—from IPOs and M&A to take-privates and strategic investments.
The program concludes with a reception celebrating a day of insight and connection among the GCs driving today’s most significant strategic transactions.
Pre-Conference Workshop
IPO, M&A, or Wait: Late-Stage Exit Decisions
This workshop focuses on legal considerations for late-stage companies evaluating IPO and M&A outcomes. The discussion will explore how legal decisions differ across public and private exit scenarios, and how companies manage tradeoffs when timing and direction remain unsettled.
Mark Mushkin, Partner @ Orrick
David Schwartz, Partner @ Orrick
Mainstage 1
Dual Track Strategies: Maintaining Momentum Toward an Exit
This panel will examine how dual-track processes typically emerge, why IPO preparation often begins well before M&A becomes realistic, and how early planning preserves flexibility when unexpected opportunities arise.
Panelists will discuss practical timeline drivers, the GC’s role in guiding board conversations, advisor and banking coordination, and the differing liability and governance profiles of IPOs versus M&A transactions. The session will also address industry-specific considerations, founder dynamics, and less obvious complexities that can materially affect readiness and outcomes.
David Cohen, Partner & General Counsel @ Collaborative Fund
Aly Love, Partner @ Freshfields
Bill Roegge, Partner @ Cooley
Moderated by Laura Belmont, General Counsel at Civis Analytics
Mainstage 2
Navigating Secondaries: Common Pitfalls and Market Realities
This discussion will explore why the secondary transaction market exists, how it has evolved across company stages, and the strategic considerations companies should evaluate before launching a liquidity program. Panelists will walk through practical challenges around employee communication, stakeholder coordination, tax and accounting readiness, and structuring decisions, drawing on real examples from repeat tender offers.
The conversation will also cover current market dynamics, including third-party versus buyback structures, pricing and price discovery trends, and what legal teams are seeing in today’s secondary environment.
Inna Barmash, Chief Legal Officer @ Amplify
Kevin Gsell, Managing Director & Head of Company Solutions @ Nasdaq Private Market
Steve Ranere, Partner @ Latham
Alastair Wood, CEO @ Raisin US
Mainstage 3
M&A Today: Where Strategy and Reality Meet
This discussion explores the practical realities GCs face when navigating modern M&A transactions, with a particular focus on how diligence has evolved around AI, data rights, privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory scrutiny. Panelists share firsthand lessons on managing internal and external counsel, preparing teams and documentation for intense diligence, and balancing confidentiality with the need to involve the right stakeholders.
The conversation also covers board and investor dynamics, employee communications, retention considerations, and the emotional and operational load placed on lean legal teams during a deal. The session closes with market-level insights on current deal activity, regulatory posture, and how experienced advisors can help companies move through uncertainty with greater confidence and efficiency.
Nir Dagan, General Counsel @ Wiz
Stephen Fisher, Partner @ Fenwick
Omair Kahn, Former General Counsel @ Iodine Software
Alison Preiss, Partner @ Simpson Thatcher
The Conference will take place at The St. Regis New York.
We have secured an accommodation option at The Luxury Collection Hotel, with rates starting at $379 per night, plus applicable taxes and fees. This option provides a more flexible price point while maintaining a high standard of comfort and service.
The room block will close on Friday, January 23, or once availability is exhausted, whichever occurs first. Rooms are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Email Jon at The Luxury Collection at jreveille@luxurycollectionnyc.com to book your room by Friday, January 23
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