Venture capitalists descend on Naples

Let's hope the mood at the Florida venture capital conference early next year is better than the last time the same group of investors gathered in Naples.

You'll recall that the last time Naples hosted the statewide venture capital confab was in early 2009, just months after the implosion of Lehman Brothers. The long faces and depressing panel discussions told the story of the financial crisis in full bloom.

The forum, which is scheduled for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at the Naples Grande hotel, will showcase about 25 privately held growing companies that are seeking investors. A good sign: In 2011, the forum had 800 attendees, including 200 from venture-capital firms from around the world.

So keep your fingers crossed that the financial markets don't ruin another fine party in Naples.