Self-serve ads now account for 50% of the site’s revenues. Elevation Partners places a valuation of $23 billion on the company.

EMarketer: Facebook Ad Sales to Hit $1.2 Billion This Year – Advertising Age – Digital.

Gotham Media’s panel of experts recently spoke about investment opportunities and economic risks for the year ahead at our Economic Forecast 2010 panel. Amid questions about whether the Federal Government should be a regulator or investor, it appears that there are great opportunities in the healthcare and greentech spaces. One major issue is that venture capital has increasingly become risk averse. Funds are eager to invest, but only when their returns can be guaranteed in late state investments.

Many thanks to Eisner LLP for sponsoring this event.

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    I’m at the 2010 Gridley & Co. conference this morning, actually typing away during a presentation. It’s a packed house at NYC’s Essex House. It’s interesting to note that there is very little Tweeting and I’m the only laptop I see.

    Linda Gridley’s predictions for 2010

  • • M&A and IPO Activity pick up significantly
    • Significant growth in private equity growth investing
    • Deleveraging likely of some 2006/2007 large LBO’s
    • Internet services will be the most active sector by far
    • Organic growth and market leadership will be key areas for building value

    Linda also sees big media returning to the marketplace. Microsoft, Apple and Google will be duking it out for acquisitions this year….