Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Eric Peffer
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
Presented by Chestnut Street Ventures
Join us for an exclusive session with Brian Keil, Managing Partner at Chestnut Street Ventures, as he shares insider perspectives on the venture capital world. With over 25 years of experience investing across industries, including leadership roles at Alumni Ventures, New York Ventures, and GE Capital. Brian brings deep expertise in spotting opportunities and guiding companies to scale. At Alumni Ventures, he leads funds for the Penn and Cornell communities as well as the firm’s AI & Robotics sector fund.
In this session, Brian will walk us through how professional investors evaluate early-stage companies: what they look for, common pitfalls, and real-world examples, and then highlight the emerging trends and sectors attracting the smartest capital in 2025–2026. Along the way, he’ll share lessons from deals such as Outlooksoft, Rubicon Project, and Ghost Robotics.
This is a unique opportunity to learn from an experienced VC and Wharton MBA about how innovation is being financed, where opportunities are headed, and what alumni should know if they want to engage with the venture ecosystem as investors, operators, or entrepreneurs.
Why Attend:
• Learn the VC Playbook – Understand the frameworks investors use to evaluate startups and spot red flags.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve – Gain insights on the sectors and innovations attracting investment in 2025–2026.
• Exclusive Alumni Access – Hear directly from Brian Keil and connect with fellow Wharton alumni interested in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Event Details:
• Date & Time: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
5:30 – 6:00 PM: Networking
6:00 – 7:00 PM: Presentation + Q&A
7:00 PM and after: More networking and informal discussion
• Location: On Campus
• Speaker: Brian Keil, Managing Partner, Chestnut Street Ventures
Cost:
Wharton Members are Free!
Non-members: $23
Light food and a complimentary glass of wine or bottle of beer will be served.
Special thanks to Chestnut Street Ventures for sponsoring our food and beverages!
