Abstract: The great frustration of the would-be entrepreneur is the gap between idea and execution, inspiration and the practical reality of what it takes to start and scale a business. Led by Mike Torto, the CEO of Raleigh-based rPath, this session will address the fundamentals of what it takes to validate a vision, negotiate venture funding, attract a world-class team, build a differentiated product, and partner with early customers. A four-time CEO with experience leading ventures through early revenue, growth and exit stages, Torto will relate his own experiences—and lessons learned—to what it takes to start and scale a high tech venture.

Short Bio: Mike Torto joins rPath as a three-time CEO with 20+ years of experience in enterprise software. As CEO of rPath, he leads the company's mission to dramatically reduce the cost and complexity of enterprise application delivery and system management. Prior to rPath, Mike served as CEO of Centive, a leader in on-demand sales compensation software, which was acquired by Xactly Corp. Before Centive, Mike served as president and CEO of InCert Software where he oversaw the company's growth and subsequent acquisition by Geodesic Systems. Previously, Mike was president and CEO of Swan International Inc, which he led to a successful IPO on the European EASDAQ. Earlier in Mike's career, he served in executive-level marketing roles for Interleaf, Intersolv and AICorp. Mike graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in mass communications and marketing from Emerson College in Boston.