Should we party like it's 1999? Indeed, Dave Kellogg from MarkLogic said that the current environment resembles 1998, when Y2K fever increased the demand IT services and the dotcom bubble was nearly fully-inflated. There's lots of money available to be invested in innovative companies. The distinct difference between now and then, however, is that investors are smarter about where to invest their money.

Larry Kramer from MarketWatch already has reason to party, since his company was acquired by Dow Jones for $548 million just a couple of weeks ago.

Tom Clarke from TheStreet.com, a company that survived the dotcom bust, but is now on the block, emphasized that in today's market, a company seeking investors needs to have a "proof of concept" not just an idea on paper. Capturing eyeballs isn't a good enough business plan any more. One has to have a fully-conceived business plan--ideally with some existing customers who find value in the model--to gain the attention of most VCs.

Shoba Purushothaman from The Newsmarket added that companies should also be smart about whom they accept financing from. Some investors may understand the content markets better than others, but they may also want to have more control. Choose investors based on their track record with other companies and their fit with your outlook on how the company should grow and be managed. A lower valuation may be acceptable from an investment partner who allows you to run the company the way you want.

Overall the timeframes for investors is short. Funding in stages is popular to ensure that company is on the right track. Meet objectives and the next stage will be forthcoming. Fall short, and there may be a change in CEOs!