Astia Newsletter: August 2011

Sharon Vosmek, CEO Astia

Message from the CEO

Noob!

Recently, I revived an oldie but a goodie topic for an 85 Broads Jam session that I led. I thought I would expand on it a bit here as the topic seems timely in light of our current outreach to entrepreneurs (read more about our call for applications below).

I first spoke on the three rules for building and maintaining relationships (I call it an ecosystem) in this VentureBeat blog back in 2007: Noob and other words worth thinking about.

The fundamental point underlying the rules, is that it will take more than just you to make your company successful. Not only because you do not know it all - but also, because you cannot do it all. And for those of you who were are our leadership session yesterday with Brian Evje, you are learning that, even if you could - you should not do it all.

For those of you who follow this newsletter or have seen me speak on the topic of high-growth entrepreneurship, you know that I talk incessantly about relationships. So, I articulated the rules that I thought most important to building the relationships that can lead to meaningful impact for your business.

And this, by the way - is why Astia can be a meaningful place for you - you the entrepreneur, you the industry leader, or you the investor. We are a community that ensures the opportunity to build relationships. We are not a loose network. We are a connected community committed to the success of women-led, high-growth companies. We align to create the change we seek. If you are looking for ways that you can join the community - reach out. We welcome your active participation.

If you are wondering if you should apply, ask yourself - would you benefit from access to additional expertise, networks and a committed community?

I hope to see many of you soon at the various Astia activities. We have lots going on and many ways to get engaged. Astia is a community - Astia is you!

Cheers,

Sharon Vosmek
Chief Executive Officer

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Astia's Global Entrepreneur Program - Call for Applications for 2011

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The Astia Community is an unparalleled resource for success - a transformative program designed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs who want to become dominant players in their sectors. The Format? A comprehensive multi-day workshop, 2-month program of personalized advising from premier experts and the opportunity to start benefiting from the global ecosystem of Angels, VCs, corporations, and entrepreneurs that is Astia. And that is just the start! If your company is selected, you continue to gain access to the community of Advisors and resources through the full life-cycle of the company - all the way to exit! Who Should Apply? Exceptional women-led high growth start-ups who know that success is not just about raising money but about growing a business and thriving in today's tough market.

Applications are taken on a rolling basis.

Apply today if you have...

  • An innovative idea in either the Technology, Life Sciences or Clean Tech sectors
  • A high-growth investment opportunity
  • An exceptional team and business strategy
  • A significant market opportunity
  • A defendable competitive advantage
  • At least one woman in a leadership role (at C level) or in significant position of equity and influence

Visit Astia and complete your application before August 15th (applications now being accepted thru August 22!) to be considered for the Fall cohort. Applications are being accepted from all geographies - so check us out today!


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Astia Calendar

In-Person Screening Day - Silicon Valley
Thu, Sep 8th, 8:00am - 05:00PM
Hosted by SNR Denton

In Person Screening Day - Europe
Thu, Sep 15th
Hosted by SNR Denton

Astia Entrepreneur Programs
San Francisco: October 10 - 15

Astia Investor Forums
Silicon Valley: November 30

Annual Events
We Own It Summit: New York City, June 14-15, 2012
7th Annual Astia Awards: New York City, June 14, 2012


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Astia News

Astia CEO, Sharon Vosmek: Four Rules for High-Growth Women Entrepreneurs by Nicole Kekeh, Forbes

Read more here.

Astia Client, Asmau Ahmed: A Site for Sore Eyes: My Startup Story of Color P.I.

Read more here.

Astia CEO, Sharon Vosmek: European Entrepreneurs are not Interested in Playing Small

Watch the video interview here.

Five Astia Clients Make List - Top Women-Run Startups To Watch

Including Astia Clients: Alexa von Tobel of LearnVest; Tereza Nemessanyi of Honestly, Now; Melissa Clark-Reynolds of MiniMonos; Meg Barbour of color p.i. and Tara Hunt of Buyosphere.

Read more here.

Astia Community Member, Elisa Jagerson, Acquires Leading Silicon Valley Product Design Firm Speck Design

Read more here.

Astia: THE Accelerator for Female Entrepreneurs Who Play Big is Open for Applications

Read more here.

Astia the Featured Supporter of NACUE

Read more here.

Two new programs designed to bolster ranks of female entrepreneurs in Michigan

Read more here.

Astia Europe participates inMake a Wave: The First pre-incubator programme for Women Social Entrepreneurs

Read more here.

Astia Investor Advisory Council Member & StarVest partner, Deborah Farrington on Forbes Midas List

Read more here.

View the full list here.

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Become an Astia Sponsor

Join the Astia Community

Support this important work

Become an Astia donor!

Astia is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and its work is supported by individuals, corporations and foundations.

>>Click here or send your check to Astia: 833 Market Street, Suite 605, San Francisco CA 94103

Join the Astia Challenge Grant! Already Astia community members have donated over $55,000 in the hopes that you will help match their gift. To ensure your donation counts towards the match, email Sharon Vosmek.

If you would like to donate stock, please contact Catherine Berman.

Astia Blog Notes

Join our ongoing discussions at Astia Notes

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

Astia Sponsors

Become an Astia Sponsor

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SVB Financial Group

Microsoft

Moss Adams

AOL

IF Communications

SNR Denton

PriceWaterhouseCoopers

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US Trust: Bank of America Private Wealth Management

Angelsoft

Lowenstein Sandler

Osborne Clarke New

Wells Fargo

How to Get Connected

Silicon Valley
[email protected]

New York
[email protected]

Europe
[email protected]

India
[email protected]


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Client News


Avaxia Biologics, Inc. was awarded a $2.9M US government contract to develop a treatment agent for GI Acute Radiation Syndrome. The contract will support the development of an oral antibody therapy to mitigate damage to the gastrointestinal tract that follows exposure to high levels of radiation.


color p.i., the new beauty search engine debuted this month. Online shoppers using color p.i. simply upload a photo to get a custom color profile and personalized makeup recommendations. Founder Asmau Ahmed was also featured as one of the Top Women-Run startups to watch by Skinny Scoop. Follow color p.i. on Facebook and @color p.i. for ongoing updates and exclusive perks.

Ennovationz, Inc, has changed its name to WattzOn, after combining with that organization. One of 30 companies to present at Launch Silicon Valley in June, the new WattzOn also announced its first mobile app and that WattzOn has been selected as the supporting technology partner for the PBS series, Earth -- The Operators Manual. WattzOn helps consumers save energy at home and in their personal use.



Fanminder signed its second, definitive agreement with Intuit to power it's Love a Local Business contest. Under the partnership agreement, Fanminder will provide small business contestants with automated social media posting to Facebook and Twitter. The agreement helps solidify Fanminder's role as the single place for small businesses to create stunningly effective offers to their fans via the social web, online, and mobile phones.


Frontier Markets inaugurated their office in Jaipur, Rajasthan. They have started operations covering over 40,000 households and will be opening their second branch next week! For more information and photos, follow Frontier Markets on Facebook.


Improve Digital, Europe's Sell Side Platform (SSP), is launching its 360Yield platform. The technology is tailored for the needs of European publishers and designed for the challenges of the fragmented European market where each territory has its own local publishers, languages, business culture, laws and currency.


Radish Systems' convertible debt offering has been so successful it have extended through 12/31/11, was a finalist for Colorado Technology Assn. prestigious "Rookie of the Year" award, CEO Szczurek named "Remarkable Woman" by Boulder County Business Report, and was selected to speak at ITEXPO West Sept 13-15 in Austin, TX.


Universal Giving has recently formed new partnerships, working with Symantec on their corporate social responsibility strategy, and with Yonas Media as a part of their national music tour, facilitating donations to non-profits in each city they visit.


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Sponsor Spotlight


Microsoft Renews - Celebrating 5 years as an Astia Sponsor!


Microsoft has supported Astia as a sponsor for the last five years providing funds, event hosting, thought leadership and strategic partnership.

Microsoft remains a proud supporter of Astia and its commitment to building a more innovative economy through women-led entrepreneurship. -- Dan'l Lewin, Corporate Vice President, Strategic & Emerging Business Development, Microsoft


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Astia Market Spotlight: 2Q 2011 US VC Market Trends

  • Venture capitalists invested $7.5 billion in 966 deals in the second quarter of 2011, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) and the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA).
  • Quarterly venture capital (VC) investment activity increased 19 percent in terms of both dollars and the number of deals compared to the first quarter of 2011.
  • The quarterly investment level represents the highest total in a single quarter since the second quarter of 2008.
  • The Life Sciences sector (biotechnology and medical device industries combined) saw an increase in VC dollars invested during the second quarter, rising 37 percent in dollars.
  • Investments in Internet-specific companies also rose considerably to the highest quarterly level since 2001.
  • At the current pace of venture capital investing, 2011 is on track to exceed $26 billion, which would put it as the sixth most active year in VC investing history.
  • From a fundraising perspective, 37 US venture capital funds raised $2.7 billion in the second quarter of 2011.
  • This level marks a 28 percent increase by dollar commitments, but a 23 percent decline by number of funds compared to the second quarter of 2010.
  • US venture capital fundraising during the first half of 2011 totaled $10.2 billion from 76 funds, marking the lowest number of funds garnering commitments since the first half of 1995 - a 16 year low.
  • This fundraising trend reflects an on-going contraction of the VC industry.

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Event to Watch

APEC Women & the Economy Summit Closing Reception

September 16, 2011
4:00 - 6:00pm
St. Francis Hotel

Astia is honored to invite you to spend an evening with Cherie Blair, of the Cherie Blair Foundation and wife to former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Lorraine Hariton of the US State Department and other visiting dignitaries as well as Sharon Vosmek, Astia CEO and US Delegate to the Summit

The reception coincides with the 3rd annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials Meeting

Due to the generous underwriting of the event by BNY Mellon Wealth Management, your purchase of a ticket goes directly to support the programs at Astia. Astia is a 501c3 charitable organization built on a global community dedicated to the success of women-led, high-growth ventures.

learn more


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