For organizations like Astia, an organization whose results are built upon the efforts of a rich community, each step along the strategic plan needs its rallying cry - the message that will direct the resources and motivate the individuals who make up the organization - the destination and focus that will inspire the community and resonate with the entrepreneurs we serve - and at the end of the day, the course that will deliver the results envisioned in our plans.  To that end, I hope you will join us as we:

As many of you know, our success is already a national story, with more than 40% of our participating companies coming from outside of California.  And yet, we remain the best kept secret for high growth startups.   No more!

What will this take? 

Getting our message out will require a well orchestrated effort as it is imperative that we do this work while still maintaining our hallmark for high-caliber companies and exceptional services.   I am confident the time is right for Astia to claim the national stage as the leader in programs that accelerate the funding and growth of women-led start-ups.

Here is just a highlight of what you can look forward to participating in this year:

1)    Astia Conference - this year the Astia Venture Conference will take on a slightly modified name and extended form.  No longer just a one-day event, the Astia Conference will become a two and a half day, premier, national conference for exceptional women-led companies.  Read More

2)    Astia program in NYC in partnership with Golden Seeds - Astia's unique model of pairing seasoned experts with entrepreneurs in high touch relationships as the entrepreneurs participate in a structured program, has proven to be an exceptional strategy for attracting capital and growing high-growth businesses.  This spring, Astia will partner with the NYC-based Golden Seeds angel group to extend this program, in mini version, to entrepreneurs on the East Coast and as a feeder to the Astia Conference in the fall.

3)    PR and Marketing - Astia has engaged the services of a PR group and a national brand manager to better showcase the success of our clients and extend the message of our work.

And of course we could not be contemplating any of this without the continued and generous support of our sponsors and donors - many of whom have increased their support in 2008 to make this national work possible.  

We are also pleased to announce that in 2008 we will be working in partnership with leading organizations that include FWE&E, SDForum, Golden Seeds, and BayBio.  These strategic partnerships will allow us to continue to expand Astia's reach and improve the services our organizations offer to the entrepreneurial community. 

There is much to be done and there are many opportunities to work together as we build a national story for Astia.  I hope you will consider joining in this effort.  If you have ideas, resources, opportunities - or just want to check in - my door is open.  Please reach out and connect.  I look forward to working with you in 2008.

My very best to you all!

Cheers,
Sharon

NPC in the Media
With the launch of their new Political Mutual Funds, Astia Portfolio Company New Progressive Coalition (NPC) has been getting a lot of media attention. Be sure to watch CEO Kirstin Falk on Think MTVand Vator.TV. 

Entrepreneurs from the presenting companies at Astia's 2007 Venture Conference led Astia's nomination for the award.  Astia was nominated for the outstanding quality of its programs, the access it provides to investment capital, and the unparalleled caliber of its resources and advisors.  Read more