January 2010 Astia Newsletter

Sharon Vosmek, CEO Astia

Message from the CEO

Welcome 2010!

Notice I did not say, welcome to 2010. I mean literally - welcome 2010! Already she is presenting herself as a breath of fresh air as compared to her grouchy sibling, 2009. At Astia we have so many examples of this new tenor already in the works.

Let's start by highlighting a success within the Astia team. Today I am thrilled to announce that Katie Nittler has stepped in to the role of COO at Astia and will therefore become the senior executive relative to the entrepreneur services and program. But never fear, she will continue to lead our flagship effort here in Silicon Valley, even as she works hard to ensure consistency of quality and impact across all of Astia's markets. Whoot and congratulations, Katie!

And then there is the fact that 4 Astia clients have already secured funding since January 1! Wow. Talk about a new year storming its way in. And I am told that another 4 are in due diligence and should be ready to announce in the coming weeks. So stay tuned to the Astia blog (Astia Notes) where we continue to chronicle the success of our clients and our program.

Oh, and we have so much more to share. Check out all that is happening in the market updates in this newsletter and know how delighted we are with the continued growth of the community, reach, and impact of Astia. The sponsor spotlight demonstrates the continued generosity and commitment of our partners. And the News section shows that the investments of our pro bono PR firms in San Francisco, New York and in London are paying big dividends as we get our message out and in to new venues.

I don't know about you, but I am ready for this glimmer of good news. So, let's keep it coming. Join our conversations online and get involved with Astia in 2010. We welcome the opportunity to work with you again this year!

Cheers,

Sharon Vosmek

Chief Executive Officer


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Astia News

Stanford Professor Writing Astia Business Cases
As Astia celebrates 10 years we are proud to be working again with Stanford Professor, Tom Kosnik, Fenwick and West Consulting Professor, Stanford Technology Ventures Program and two of his Stanford students, Susana Montes-Delgado and Natalie Cox on the writing of three Astia business cases. Tom is author of the original Astia business case chronicling the founding journey of Astia, formerly the Women's Technology Cluster. More to come!

Sharon Vosmek, Astia CEO, Named one of The 49 Most Notable Female Internet Heroes of 2009

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Astia named by Business Week in article on Incubator Options: Venture Accelerators:

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Astia CEO to speak at SXSW Interactive Festival

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In Memory

Kris Olson

Kris Olson, Astia Advisor and Dear Community Member

Share your words of support with Kris' family and friends

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Donate to Astia

Become an Astia Member

Become an Astia Sponsor

Join the Astia Community

JOIN Astia and become a 2010 member today!

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.

For more information on membership levels and benefits, visit our website.

Become an Astia Member—
We cannot do it without you so please become a member or renew your membership today!

Astia is now blogging!

Join our ongoing discussions at Astia Notes

You can now follow Astia on Twitter: Sharon Vosmek | AstiaSF | AstiaUK |
AstiaNYC | AstiaIndia

Astia is also 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!

Astia Sponsors

Become an Astia Sponsor

Three Guineas Fund, Fenwick & West LLP, The Althea Foundation, Deloitte, Microsoft, Mintz Levin, Morrison Foerster, Iron Creative Communications, Moss Adams LLP, Nixon Peabody, Osborne Clarke, Pillsbury, Reed Smith, SVB Financial Group, Wells Fargo, Cooley Godward Kronish LLP, Tenon, Greenberg Traurig, Square 1 Bank, Angelsoft, Cisco, J. Sagar Associates, UK Trade & Investment, Soennenschein, Pay Cycle

How to Get Connected

Silicon Valley
astiasf@astia.org

New York
astiany@astia.org

London
astiauk@astia.org

India
astiaindia@astia.org

Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley

 

Welcome to January 2010 - the start of a busy and exciting year with the 8th Annual Astia Silicon Valley Investor Forum, Astia companies presenting at the Biotech Showcase, and the launch of the Silicon Valley Doing it Right Consumer Program!

At the January 14th Investor Forum we are excited to be presenting 33 exceptional pre-screened, women-led, high-growth companies from Life Sciences, Clean Tech, Consumer and Enterprise to the Investment Community.

Forum Highlights:

• 21 of the companies that went through the 2009 Doing it Right Silicon Valley Program.

• 6 Astia companies that have been through previous programs

• 6 companies from our partner Springboard´s 2009 AllthingsLifeSciences program

• 45% of the companies from outside California

The Astia community should be proud of the progress that these exceptional entrepreneurs have made - and in appreciation of the role of the Advisors this year there will be a networking event in February to say thank you!

Astia Doing it Right Consumer Program
Here are the key dates if you are interested in applying or know entrepreneurs that may be interested.

Application Deadline: 31st January 2010
Program: 1-4th March 2010
Investor Forum: 28th April 2010

Questions regarding our Silicon Valley initiatives should be directed to Katie Nittler

New York

New York

 

Happy New Year from Astia NYC!

East Coast goes to Silicon Valley
On January 14, 8 Astia East Coast clients will present at the 8th Annual Astia Silicon Valley Investor Forum in San Francisco. Samara Innovations, Marbles the Brain Store, Ology, GenGren Digital Media, Kiboo, Carat Exchange, w2wLink and PRIVO all qualified to present at the prestigious Investor Forum.

NYC Advisory Board
The NYC Advisory Board will meet in January to commence planning for 2010 entrepreneur programs. Joining the Advisory Board representing GoldenSeeds is Peggy Wallace, a Managing Director for Golden Seeds and a Managing Partner of the Golden Seeds sidecar fund. Peggy was a founding member of Golden Seeds in early 2005 and was instrumental in building the nationwide angel group with the founder. Golden Seeds is a network of over 100 investors that invest in early stage high growth companies owned and led by women entrepreneurs.

We welcome our new class of Spring 2010 NYC Interns
Astia NYC welcomes our four new interns (3 MBAs + 1 Ph.D.) this semester from Columbia and NYU Stern: Carolyn Simnett Branco (Columbia Business School ´11); Eileen Puklin Faucher, PhD: (Post doc Columbia); Stephanie Palmeri (Columbia Business School ´11); and Avanti Paranjpye (NYU Stern ´11). You can read more about them on the Astia Notes blog and you can expect to hear more from them in the coming weeks.

Questions regarding our New York initiatives should be directed to Jennifer Hill

 

 

London

London

 

Our first European programme for entrepreneurs in 2010 is fast-approaching—be sure to register or apply today. Our 2010 calendar:

2 &3 February: Astia Doing it Right London — get a taster prior to May: contact us to apply today or register to attend specific sessions— kindly hosted by Reed Smith and BDO LLP

4—7 May: Astia Doing it Right London programme

24 June: 2nd Annual Astia European Investor Forum, hosted again by Osborne Clarke

Our February programme provides the opportunity to present Index Ventures with their 2009 Astia Awards for investments in women-led companies during 2008 during our February evening reception hosted by Reed Smith. Look out for your invitation to join us for the evening.

If you are interested in participating in 2010 as an advisor to our entrepreneurs or to register as a speaker through our 2010 programmes, please let us know. Our advisors are critical to the transformational success of our companies.

Questions regarding our European initiatives should be directed to Evie Mulberry, VP Europe.

India

India

 

Astia India wishes everyone a very happy new year!!

2009 was a year that saw a lot of planning, a lot of daring to dream and finally ploughing the first seed of Astia India. As Astia India VP and representative, I attended some very informative and interesting entrepreneurial conferences in India, some of which had their focus on women entrepreneurship. Including:

1. Women mean business conference—organised by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.

2. TiE Stree Shakti Workshop and Awards—organised by TiE Mumbai (TiE = The Indus Entrepreneurs)

3. TiE Entrepreneurial Summit 2009—organised by TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs).

It was interesting and enriching to meet with and network with like-minded individuals and entrepreneurs at these conferences and to hear some of the best minds and entrepreneurs share their views on the future of entrepreneurship for the young enterprising Indians.

2010 promises to see Astia´s launch in India and successfully deliver a world class program to women-led enterprises in India as well as to be able to help other Astia clients across the world to reach out to investors in India. To begin the journey, Astia CEO, Sharon Vosmek, would travelling to India in February 2010 to reach out to the entrepreneurial community, some potential sponsors as well as build relationships with the potential support system in India. Sharon´s trip would cover visiting Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai—which I´m sure would also give her a flavour of Indian hospitality.

If you have any questions about Astia´s foray into India or would like to contribute and help us with the process, please feel free to contact me, Ruchi Khemka


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Astia Company Spotlight


Global Health Research Foundation (GHRF) featured in Computerworld

Smartphones help collect data on malaria cases in remote Uganda. A new research system helps track real-time information

Global Health Research Foundation, a nonprofit delivering health solutions to poor countries, was selected by the Astia Life Science community and our sponsors to receive free participation in the 2009 Doing it Right Program and Investor Forum. This recent piece in Computerworld highlights the important work of GHRF and the significant and profound impact we at Astia can have on the success of a world changing organization. We wish Global Health - and all of the Astia entrepreneurs - success in their fundraising efforts!


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Three Astia partners renew their support and commitment to women entrepreneurs.

fenwick and west llp

Since 2002, the professionals at Fenwick & West have sponsored and engaged in the Astia program and community. Once again in 2010, in addition to general organizational support, they will provide the critical backing for the Astia Awards, recognizing exceptional women innovators and the investors and mentors who champion them.

moss adams

For a fourth year, Moss Adams lends its key financial backing to Astia and will provide valuable financial guidance and expertise to the Astia entrepreneurs - ensuring that when we say that our entrepreneurs Own Their Financials - we mean it.

osborne clark

Osborne Clarke, the founding sponsors of Astia Europe, renewed for this, the second year of Astia Europe. Once again their professionals will lend their expertise, network, and facilities to Astia's 2010 entrepreneur programme in London.

For these, and all of the Astia sponsors who validate our mission and work with the vital funds necessary to run our program, we are extremely grateful. If you would like to learn more about becoming an Astia sponsor in support of our mission to propel women's full participation as entrepreneurs and leaders in high-growth businesses, fueling innovation and driving economic growth - contact Sharon Vosmek

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Astia Programs

8th Annual Astia Investor Forum

San Francisco, January 14, 2010


Astia´s Doing it Right London: February 2010

Date: From Tuesday, February 02, 2010 to Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Location: London, UK

Astia´s Doing it Right London is a programme where exceptional entrepreneurs enhance their company's ability to attract funding and cultivate invaluable relationships.

Click here for more information


Astia companies present at Biotech Showcase 2010

Since we announced our collaboration with Demy-Colton Life Science Advisors and EBD Group we are delighted to be able to already announce results and that three of Astia´s Doing it Right 2009 Companies were presenting this week at the Biotech Showcase in San Francisco. Congratulations to AgilityBio, Chirosolve and PROFUSA! We are looking forward to continued collaboration with Biotech Showcase going forward.

 


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Astia Partner Events

London Business School: Entrepreneurial Leadership Speaker Series with David Axmark

Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 6:30pm-9:00pm
Location: London School of Business

London Business School´s Entrepreneurial Leadership Speakers seminar is a monthly speaker series that brings leaders from the European technology and venture capital community to campus to share their insights and stories behind high growth businesses.

Click here for more information

Women in Consulting´s Musings from the Master: A Conversation w/ Million Dollar Consultant Alan Weiss

Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Sir Francis Drake Hotel, San Francisco

Start 2010 with renewed optimism and commitment as we gather to hear renowned consultant Alan Weiss share his thoughts on consulting in an informal, unscripted, unplugged context with WIC President Linda Popky, a member of Alan´s Million Dollar Consultant Hall of Fame.

Click here for more information

Australian Innovation Shootout

Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 8:00am-10:30am
Location: Microsoft, Building One, 1065 La Avenida, Mountain View, CA 94043

Eight of Australia´s most forward thinking technology innovators take the stage in Silicon Valley for the fourth annual Innovation Shoot Out. They have just five minutes to convince a panel of top-tier U.S. investors that their technology is ready to play on the global stage.

Click here for more information

Women Unlimited: Business Startup Mini Conference

Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DP

January is a time to re-evaluate your life and your options. This is Women Unlimited´s first business startup mini— conference, and is designed to give you and your fledgling business or business idea,
a boost.

Click here for more information

Girls in Tech: The Catalyst Conference 2010

Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 9:00am-6:00pm
Location: The Commonwealth Club San Francisco

Presented by Girls in Tech and taking place Jan. 26, 2010 at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, the "Catalyst Conference" catalyzes the career development of women working in high-tech.

Click here for more information

The NextWomen: Entrepreneurship Strategies 2010

Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 3:00pm-11:00pm
Location: Sun Microsystems London Office Regis House 45 King William Street EC4R 9AN London United Kingdom

Female entrepreneurs, managers, consultants and investors in the internet industry will come together to meet, discuss and learn about top web trends, their priorities and challenges to be faced in 2010.

Click here for more information

She´s Geeky presents the Unconference

Date: Friday, January 29, 2010 - 8:00am to Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 5:00pm
Location: History Museum, Mountain View, CA

She´s Geeky convenes to inspire women for the future, providing a gathering space to create enduring communities that foster collaboration and innovation, while promoting initiative and leadership among women tech professionals. Beginning with its resoundingly successful 2007 unConference in Silicon Valley, She´s Geeky attracts women from a broad spectrum of technological specialties, diverse social groups, generations, and levels of expertise. The inclusive quality of She´s Geeky events promotes discussion, furthers cooperation, and encourages learning. She´s Geeky advances systemic change in tech culture by disseminating effective practices to address the challenges of women working in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Click here for more information

London Business School: Entrepreneurial Leadership Speaker Series w/ Bernard Liataud

Date: Thursday, February 04, 2010, 6:30pm-9:00pm
Location: London Business School

London Business School´s Entrepreneurial Leadership Speakers seminar is a monthly speaker series that brings leaders from the European technology and venture capital community to campus to share their insights and stories behind high growth businesses.

Click here for more information

Women 2.0 presents Startup Sandbox

Date: Friday, February 05, 2010 to Sunday, February 07, 2010

Hosted by Women 2.0 and Hackfest for the Light, Startup Sandbox will give individuals or teams a unique opportunity to work on ideas and launch startups. If you have an idea, bring your idea. If not, bring your skill set and find a great team! Both women and men are invited to attend.

Click here for more information

AngelNews: Pitching for Management, not Money

Date: Tuesday, February 09, 2010, 6:30pm-8:30pm

This is your chance to meet some high growth businesses, with the chance to join their team in salaried, sweat equity and commission based senior executive positions.

Click here for more information


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