Exponent, a new group of women dealmakers, brought together 200 women from private equity funds, investment banks, entrepreneurs and advisors for the Exponent Exchange, featuring Sallie Krawcheck as the keynote speaker. Previously the CEO of Wall Streetbanks, including Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Citi Private Bank, Krawcheck serves as the CEO of Ellevest, an online investing platform for women. Mergers & Acquisitions participated in the event as an in-kind sponsor, and editor-in-chief Mary Kathleen Flynn moderated Spotlight Panel, From Startups to Showtime: Investment Case Studies. In addition to drawing top speakers who discussed compelling content, Exponent Exchange attracted an impressive group of sponsors, including Apollo, Baird, BDO, Merrill Corp. and Moelis & Co., demonstrating high interest in initiatives aimed at providing dealmaking opportunities for women as well as recruiting and retaining women in the M&A industry. The July 12 event was held at Second, a sleek venue in midtown Manhattan. After her talk, Krawcheck networked with the group’s founders: Cortney Stapleton, Bliss Integrated Communication; Marilyn Adler, Medley Management; Michelle Van Hellemont, Accordion; Justine Mannering, Alantra Partners; Sallie Krawcheck, Ellevest; Amy Ludwig Weisman, Sterling Investment Partners; Astrid Soto, Agro Imports U.S.; Sarah Robson, Comvest Partners; Nanette Heide, Duane Morris LLP; and Lou Halstead, Exponent Women LLC.

Exponent founders Nanette Heide of Duane Morris and Michelle Van Hellemont of Accordion kicked off the event.

Sallie Krawcheck, CEO of Ellevest, an online investing platform aimed at women, delivered the keynote talk. Krawcheck previously served as CEO of several banks, including Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and the Citi Private Bank.

Cortney Stapleton of Bliss Integrated Communication enjoyed Sallie Krawcheck’s keynote address.

After her keynote, Ellevest CEO Sallie Krawcheck networked with Nanette Heide of Duane Morris.

Ellevest CEO Sallie Krawcheck spoke with Exponent Exchange attendees.

Dealmakers discussed Me, Myself, and I… and My Firm – Preserving Your Personal Brand While Building a Professional One, in a panel sponsored by Apollo: Patricia O’Connell, Aerten Consulting; Natalia Oberti Noguera, Pipeline Angels; Lisa Bernstein, Apollo Global Management LLC; Janet Cowell, Girls Who Invest; and moderator Veronica Dagher, host of WSJ’s Secrets of Wealthy Women podcast.

Dealmakers discussed Who’s Going to Create That Value? The Operating Partner Paradigm, in a panel sponsored by Trewstar:: moderator Mei-Mei Tuan, Trewstar LLC; Jill Wight, Carlyle Equity Opportunity Fund; Sarah Bradley, Kainos Capital; Sarah Foley, Swat Equity Partners; and Rachel Wagner, Atairos.

Mei-Mei Tuan, Trewstar LLC; Jill Wight, Carlyle Equity Opportunity Fund; Sarah Bradley, Kainos Capital discussed the role of operating partners.

Astrid Soto of Agro Imports U.S introduced speakers.

Entrepreneurs and investors discussed Tech Investing Isn’t Just Investing in Tech, sponsored by Baird: Meghan Asha, FounderMade; Rica Elysee, BeautyLynk; and Sarah Foley, Swat Equity Partners.

Meghan Asha, FounderMade and Rica Elysee, BeautyLink spoke on a panel.

Dealmakers discussed Show Me the Money – Where and How are Funds Raised Today?, in a panel sponsored by Owens Group: Seble Tareke-Williams, Pipeline Angels; Jennifer Liu, Moelis & Co.; and Deepa Madhani, One Rock Capital.

Deepa Madhani, One Rock Capital; and Jennifer Signori, Neuberger Berman spoke on a panel.

Entrepreneurs and investors discussed Spotlight Panel, From Startups to Showtime: Investment Case Studies: Thu Do, Tastemakers Africa; Lorine Pendleton, Pipeline Angels, Portfolia; Mary Kathleen Flynn, Mergers & Acquisitions, moderator.

Adrianne Shapira, Eurazeo Brands; Nancy McKay, Nest Fragrances; and Thu Do, Tastemakers Africa spoke on a panel.

Exponent Exchange provided opportunities for women dealmakers to network.

Dealmakers new to the field had opportunities to meet more experienced M&A professionals at Exponent Exchange.

The mood was upbeat at Exponent Exchange, with many attendees expressing optimism about the potential for the M&A industry to become more inclusive.

Seble Tareke-Williams, Pipeline Angels; and Lorine Pendleton, Pipeine Angels, Porfolia; discuss dealmaking.

Exponent Exchange fostered a sense of community among women dealmakers.

Mary Kathleen Flynn, Mergers & Acquisitions, met with dealmakers.

Exponent Exchange welcomed younger dealmakers.

Many of the 200 Exponent Exchange attendees had a good time.

Exponent Exchange was held at Second, a sleek venue in midtown Manhattan, that featured a courtyard display with images from the event.

Exponent was founded by a wide array of influential female dealmakers.

Exponent Exchange attracted an impressive group of sponsors, including Apollo, Baird, BDO, Merrill Corp. and Moelis & Co. Mergers & Acquisitions was an in-kind sponsor.