This article by Louis Lehot originally appeared on FOLEY on September 26, 2024: The Outlook for M&A Activity in Q4 2024In a highly anticipated move, the Federal Reserve announced an interest rate cut on September 18, reducing rates by 50 basis points to a range of 4.75–5%. This is the first rate cut in four
This article by Louis Lehot originally appeared on FOLEY on August 16, 2024: What To Expect for the IPO Market in the Second Half of 2024The market for initial public offerings (IPOs) in the United States has exceeded expectations in the first half of 2024. According to Renaissance Capital, 69 IPOs were priced by June
This article by Louis Lehot originally appeared on FOLEY on August 16, 2024: Stay Private or Go IPO?Public investors have become more discerning about Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). Instead of chasing speculative high-growth stories, they are leaning towards companies that showcase established profitability and sustainable growth. This shift is driven by ongoing economic concerns and
AI Visual Media Increasingly Draws Investor AttentionAuthor: Louis LehotAI visual media is having a moment, with PitchBook reporting that “startups are raising record sums to bring AI-generated visuals to enterprise clients.” This subset of generative AI saw VC funding surge 90% in Q1 of this year, bringing in an impressive US$402.7 million in investment, up
Authors: Louis Lehot and Natasha AllenBusiness leaders, from CEOs to CIOs to project managers, are rapidly adopting generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to transform their organizations, harnessing the technology to drive efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance operational capability.A KPMG survey revealed that nearly 65% of U.S. executives “believe generative AI will have a high or extremely
Friends,In last month’s newsletter, we looked at the dealmaking landscape so far this year by reviewing the CB Insights State of Venture Q1’24 report, which showed a “mixed bag” for VC dealmaking to start the year. We also reviewed Pitchbook’s Q1 Venture Monitor Report.This month we will review some sectors where investment is trending
Authors: Louis Lehot and Andre ThiollierWhile artificial intelligence (AI) may occupy all the limelight from media, stock markets, large and small corporations, not to mention political figures, futurists and modernists know that the mainstreaming of quantum computing will enable the next real technology paradigm shift.From its beginnings in the speculative musings of physicist Paul Benioff in
Authors: Louis Lehot, Natasha Allen, and David W. KantarosAmid a period of recalibration, the artificial intelligence industry is experiencing a transformational phase.According to a recent report from Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence[1] that closely monitors AI trends, there’s been a notable adjustment in global investment patterns within the sector.Despite a decline in overall AI private
Author: Louis LehotThere are many pressing issues in front of our public company and board director clients in 2024.From increasing global uncertainty, ever-evolving regulations, late-breaking technologies, and increasing competition, not to mention deafening calls for more transparency and accountability. It’s no wonder there is a dearth of initial public offerings and a decrease in the number
Authors: Louis Lehot and Alan PateThis article was originally published in Law360 on May 10, 2024, and is republished here.In recent months, there has been an onslaught of negative news surrounding startup investment. However, recent reporting from The Information points to two specific sectors where investment is actually on the rise.The first is generative artificial intelligence — a recurring