Xconomy Forum: The Power of the Pivot December 4, 2012

Almost every successful Silicon Valley company has pivoted at least once. In fact, the ability to pivot successfully might just be the single greatest talent a company can have. But can this ability be learned? What's the right time to change your product or your business model—and what are the ingredients of a great pivot?

At this special half-day Xconomy event, you'll hear stories of pivots that worked—and a few that failed—from entrepreneurs and investors in the thick of the Bay Area's startup ecosystem. We'll bring founders and leading startup gurus on stage to share frank, insider stories that hit on the big questions: What's the difference between a product pivot, a business model pivot, and a whole-company pivot? When is a pivot justified, and when is it just a "mulligan," to use Mike Maples' term? Can a startup pivot too frequently, or too many times? How do you hold on to your higher purpose through a pivot? We hope you'll join us for a productive afternoon of conversation and close analysis.