by Julie on August 26, 2010
It is a risky world out there and we hope that we have been able to shed some insight on how technology firms can make it more manageable.
The first step is to determine your exposure to risk. Yet, so many technology and life science firms believe that their exposures are unique, but few are tuned into the full 360-degree view of their current risks and those emerging risks on the horizon. The reality is that risk factors vary from sector-to-sector. But we have noted that there are a few inherent macro risks that few firms are considering. Examples include regulation, legislation, access to credit and more.
RiskCommunitities is currently conducting a study on 100 technology firms, accross industry sectors. If you would like to participate in our Fall/Winter project, please send a brief email to info@riskcommunities.com. The volunteers at RiskCommunities will publish the findings later this year.
Check out our Video Interview section periodically. We serve up some advice on understanding your company’s exposure to risk, and discuss new emerging risk factors to consider. We will continue to publish our broadcasts frequently.
Today, RiskCommunities received a mention in various news publications and you can find that information in our news section.
Please drop us a line. The volunteers at RiskCommunities would love to hear your thoughts about “risks” in today’s environment.
by Julie on August 25, 2010
So much talk in the news about the risk factor of slow recovery and double-dip recession. But that risk factor does not apply equally to all industries. Certainly the cyclical industries. But what about the Technology sector?
Innovative industries have always had an un-equal impact from recessions. So how does a firm manage this macro risk? Certainly there is no one magical answer, but RiskCommunities has a few ideas to mitigate the risk:
- Have a proactive approach in the way you manage your clients and continue to scan the marketplace for untapped niches.
- Execution management couldn’t be more important in this economic environment. But adjust your expectations.
- Flexible cash management is important. Make sure to preserve the value of your liquid assets.
- Continue reasonable cost-cutting measures.
- Continue to find ways to invest in new products and ideas. Chances are the marketplace will be different as the economy begins to rebound. Your clients will have different needs and new niches will emerge. The future winners will be those that were able to keep innovation alive during this challenging period.
- Scenario planning can play a large role and making sure that you are sensitive to any shifts that may need to occur in your vision and mission.
- Lastly, keep flexible. We will get through this. So many firms have been focused on survival for sometime now. We believe the changes that emerge will be long lasting.
We’d like to hear from you. What are your thoughts as you look on the horizon?
by Julie on August 24, 2010
Technology and Life Science firms need access to credit to fund current and future innovation. Along with concerns about Regulatory and Compliance, access to credit continues to be a concern by many of the firms we have worked with.
So we wondered if Chief Risk Officers of major Technology firms were including this risk factor as they scan the horizon for emerging, or growing, risks.
We would like to hear from you. Is access to future capital, risks that you are monitoring?
