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| Astia Newsletter |
January 2009
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Message from the CEO
Phew! Glad that year is done. Let's see what we can get going for 2009,
shall we? After all, we have innovation
on our side and from what I understand from some really smart folks, innovation
is the key to our economic recovery plans - so much so that the stimulus plans
include a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. And we have loads of that here at Astia.
So let's hit this year
running - away from the recession or headlong in to it - either way, let's get
to it, shall we?
Cheers,
Sharon Vosmek
Chief Executive Officer
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2009 Astia Membership Program
As we head into the New Year, Astia is pleased to unveil our updated
Membership Program for 2009. The financial contributions received through our
membership program help to underwrite Astia's mission of providing programs that
accelerate the funding and growth of women-led companies, develop the executive
leadership of the founding team, and enable new ventures to fully participate in
high-growth markets. Operating on a less than one million dollar budget, Astia
continues to deliver unparalleled programs and services to women entrepreneurs
and leaders worldwide. This year, your Astia dollars will go further than ever
as Astia expands its global reach with programs in Silicon Valley, New York
City, and most recently, London. Listed below are the four different
membership levels, as well as an entrepreneurial membership. For more information on membership levels and benefits, visit our website: http://www.astia.org/content/view/834/916/ We can't do it
without you so please become a member or renew your membership
today! - Platinum Membership: $1,000 (£660)
- Gold Membership: $750 (£500)
- Silver Membership: $500 (£330)
- Bronze Membership: $250 (£165)
- 2009 Recession Membership: $50 (£35)
- Entrepreneur Membership: $35 (£25)
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New York News
Astia is Doing it Right in New York on April 20th, 2009
With an upcoming meeting on
February 5th, Astia's New York Advisory Board is now in full swing
preparing for the Doing it Right Program in April and the Investor Forum in
June. Comprised of investors,
entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from the tri-state area, the New York
Advisory Board provides programmatic leadership and support to Astia's New York programs. The next advisory board meeting is being held on February 5th
in New York City.
For information about joining the NYC
Advisory Board or becoming involved in the program, contact us. |
India News
Astia India was launched in Fall 2008 by a planning
committee headed by individuals with roots in the Indus
region who had witnessed first hand the benefits of the Astia model in other
markets. Astia's expansion into India,
as is the case for all of Astia's growth, was driven by this regionally focused
interest in creating an ecosystem to the benefit of women-led entrepreneurs.
This ecosystem would both provide linkages within India,
but equally important, linkages to Silicon Valley
and the other Astia communities around the globe. To become a member of
the planning committee or to lend your support, please contact us.
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 London NewsAstia is Doing it Right in London on January 28th, 2009
 Tough
times call for real focus and commitment to leadership and milestones. Doing it Right
is a program where you can enhance your company's ability to attract funding
and cultivate invaluable relationships. Join other exceptional
entrepreneurs and serial entrepreneur and dynamic leader Linda Bernardi to hone your start-up skills and grow your business. Entrepreneurs will also hear how BERR is responding to the needs of entrepreneurs, including the new Aspire Investment Fund, during opening remarks from Bill Hallahan.
Free to Entrepreneurs! This program is open to any start-up
executive who wants to increase his or her business acumen.
Click here to register! Event DetailsWed, January 28th 8:30am - 11:30am
Sponsored & Hosted by Osborne Clarke.
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Silicon Valley News
Astia is Doing it Right in Silicon Valley
Astia's 2009 is off to an amazing start. In light of the economy and the slowdown in the venture community, we are delighted to announce that 5 of our 28 clients have already closed funding. We are thrilled on their behalf and look forward to welcoming all of our companies into the ranks of the funded. Our staff and advisors are busy working with all of our clients as they embark on their fundraising effort. We are also pleased to announce the kick-off of our 2009 programming with the Astia Access Program. Astia Access is a monthly forum designed for entrepreneurs by
entrepreneurs who understand the value of extraordinary relationships.
The first session is being held on February 19th and will feature a panel discussion on
Global
Growth Strategy for the Entrepreneur. Click here to learn more and to register. |
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Now Accepting Applications for Doing it Right in NYC & London
Doing it Right is designed for entrepreneurs
by entrepreneurs who understand the value of extraordinary relationships. it connects entrepreneurs to investors, industry leaders,
advisors, service providers, and every other player in the game. it is current, fresh and relevant.
Now in NYC and London, select
entrepreneurs will experience Astia's hallmark Doing
it Right program that has resulted in a greater than 60% funding
success rate for prior participants. Through candid discussions led by local
investors and seasoned entrepreneurs, participants will gain important skills
and insight when Doing it Right.
You can't afford to miss it! Apply to it now.
For more information about Astia's spring programs, please click on the links below:
NYC Doing it Right: http://www.astia.org/content/view/1218/1111/
London Doing it Right: http://www.astia.org/content/view/1217/1110/
Key Dates: NYC
Application Deadline: March 31
Doing it Right Program: April 20 - 22
NYC Investor Forum: June 4
Key Dates: London
Application Deadline: April 22
Doing it Right Program: May 11 - 14
London Investor Forum: June 18
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Astia is Now a Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner
Microsoft® has an exciting new program specifically designed to provide early stage Startups with software, support, and visibility to help ignite your success. The program, called BizSpark™, provides access to:
- Software. Join BizSpark and you're just clicks away from having access to current, full-featured development tools, including Visual Studio Team System, plus production licensing to develop and bring your solution to market.
- Support. BizSpark provides you with professional technical support from Microsoft and connects you to a global community of business experts who can help guide you through the hurdles of growing your business.
- Visibility. Through BizSpark, you'll have the opportunity to achieve global visibility to an audience of potential investors, clients and partners.
Eligibility requirements are minimal: If you're a privately held company building a software-based product or service, in business for fewer than three years, and with less than USD$1M in annual revenue, you're in!
To join BizSpark, you must be sponsored by a BizSpark Network Partner, such as Astia. When you're ready to sign up, contact us about sponsorship and get your enrollment code. Get your Startup fired up! Visit the Microsoft Startup Zone to learn more!
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Company News
HarQen gives the web a voice. By leveraging its enterprise-grade web telephony platform, HarQen solves mission critical business challenges on a global scale. A true cross-media platform, HarQen enables audio user generated content (UGC) to be easily uploaded and accessed online and via mobile devices around the world. HarQen's principal product is VoiceScreener HR. VoiceScreener lets you use your phone and a simple web-based dashboard to create and distribute custom, pre-recorded phone interviews so you and your hiring team can quickly and efficiently find the perfect employees.
Kelly Fitzsimmons, CEO and Co-founder of HarQen, is seeking to raise an additional $5M. She will be in Silicon Valley January 12-14 and can be reached at kelly@harqen.com.
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Partner Events
A Passage to Innovation in the Life Sciences
 Sunday, January 11th, 2009
Cabana Hotel, Palo Alto
The theme of this conference is Innovation in the Life Sciences and will feature prominent speakers from India as well as the US. A diverse group of speakers will span the breadth of innovation, focusing not only on new technologies, but also showcasing novel business models, processes and design. Speakers will include entrepreneurs, CEO's, scientists and investors. Visit www.eppicglobal.org for more information.
The Impact of an Obama Administration on Labor, Employment and Benefits Law
Jan. 13th: Silicon Valley, Sheraton Palo Alto
Jan. 15th: San Francisco, Nixon Peabody LLP
The historic election of Barack Obama and the gains made by Democrats in both the House and Senate are likely to lead to dramatic changes in the landscape of labor, employment and benefits law, and may well transform the American workplace (even within the rather "unique" employment law environment of California). Employers can expect a substantially more union- and employee-friendly environment and should anticipate the hot-button issues and trends that could significantly impact their businesses.
This seminar will provide an overview of the issues expected to affect employers during the new administration, and will include creative strategies and practical tips aimed at helping employers manage and thrive in the new environment. For more information: www.nixonpeabody.com/publications_detail3.asp?ID=2522
To register, contact Kathleen Tayman at Nixon Peabody.
The BioTech Showcase
January 14, 2009 9:00am - 5:00am
Marines' Memorial Club and Hotel, San Francisco
The objective
of the Biotech Showcase is to provide private biotechnology
companies, venture investors and pharmaceutical executives
an opportunity to meet in one place during the course of
the largest annual healthcare investor conference which
attracts investors and biopharmaceutical executives from
around the world. For more information: http://www.ebdgroup.com/tbs/
Transition Series: Executive Hiring Trends
 January 22, 11:30am - 2:00pm
For
our first Transitions event of the year, we have invited a venture
capitalist to speak on the early-stage business funding and technology
trends and a recruiter to speak on the executive hiring picture in the
Valley entering 2009. Whether you are in the job market or not, this
program will provide senior executives with a snapshot on the market,
thoughts on trends and expectations going into 2009, and advice on how
they can remain marketable in a rapidly evolving business climate. Click here to learn more and register.
BayBio: BioBasics Briefing
Jan 29th & 30th
The BioBasics Briefing provides two days of biotechnology information for
non-science professionals. Learn the science, techniques, applications and
issues driving the biotechnology industry today. Lecture and discussion combined
with hands-on activities ensures a productive learning environment. Join BayBio
and BioTech Primer for the BioBasics Briefing and Learn the Basics of Biotech!
Topics covered: Industry Sectors, DNA, Proteins, Gene Expression, Transgenic
Technology, Disease and Therapeutic Strategies, Pharmacogenomics, Drug Discovery
and Development, and Stem Cells. Technologies: Recombinant DNA, Gel
Electrophoresis, PCR, DNA Fingerprinting and MicroArrays. Click here
for more information.
You! The Brand
January 29, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
As you navigate today's interesting economic times, and continue to ponder how to raise your profile to continue to expand in your career or find a Board seat, it's never been more important to increase your credibility and professional power. Investing in creating a Personal Brand will give you an advantage by allowing you to maximize your visibility and reputation, be a more effective leader, and feel more fulfilled in your work. Our presenters will share practical experiences of creating their own personal brands and how they used it to achieve success. Learn how to position yourself for maximum success and get more satisfaction from your work in 2009! For more information and registration, click here.
State of the Clean Green Industry
 Jan 30th 8:30am - 2:00pm
Entrepreneurs, tech executives,
investors, policy-makers, and other stakeholders have been analyzing the
burgeoning clean energy industry, both from the technology side and from the
business opportunity side. From the technology side, we are leveraging
learning's and successes from many industries, from the semi-conductor and
automobile industry to the nanotechnology and life science industries, to the
chemistry and geology industries. From the business side, we are seeing the
potential global impact of clean energy solutions, identifying the need for
partnerships locally and globally, and examining the implications of policy on
clean energy entrepreneurs. This annual event will bring together policy-makers,
corporate executives, entrepreneurs and investors, presenting differing
perspectives on the 'State of the Clean Green Industry'. Register online at www.sdforum.org/cleanenergy
Astia Members, enter the code SDFP09 to receive a $10 discount.
In Search of New Talent, Experience, & Perspectives: Women in Investment
Tuesday, February 10 2009, 8:00am - 5:00pm
In today's volatile financial market environment,
CalPERS and CalSTRS continue to look for sound investment strategies
and premier investment managers to help protect and grow the retirement
assets of public employees. More than ever, we seek to incorporate the
expertise of emerging managers - including women and minority-owned
firms - to enhance investment returns through the broadest possible
investment talent, experience, and perspectives. To maintain our
competitive edge, especially given changing demographics throughout the
country, the role of these managers has become increasingly important.
Please join us for this one-day investment conference
that will explore opportunities that CalPERS and CalSTRS offer to
women-owned investment firms and other emerging investment managers. As
part of the conference, you will have access to the investment staff
and board members of two of the nation's largest public pension
funds. You will also have opportunities to network with CalPERS and
CalSTRS key investment staff and other like-minded emerging managers.
Register by January 9, 2009 to be part of this search for new talent, experience, and perspectives.
ITechLaw 5th International Asian ConferenceFebruary 19th & 20thThe Leela
Kempinski, Gurgaon, Delhi NCR - the capital of India
This two-day Conference will showcase recent developments in technology
law and will feature presentations from leading legal practitioners and
industry experts from around the world. This Conference will also offer
unparalleled international networking opportunities aimed at
professionals who constantly face the legal issues that arise in IT
sales and distribution, ecommerce, Telecom, and protection of
intellectual property. Click here for more details and to register.
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Astia is on Linked-In and Facebook. Be sure to join our groups!
Want to join the Astia community? Register for the community portal and fill out your member profile!
Brynna Deaver
Communications & Community Engagement
Astia
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