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December 2014
Message from the CEO 

Sharon Vosmek
Sharon Vosmek
CEO

Look at what you did in 2014! 

  

Thank you to each of you for making 2014 such an extraordinary year at Astia.

 

You are integral to the work of Astia, so we wanted to share with you the many ways you participated, supported, engaged and committed to Astia this year. 

 

And if you want to brag about it with your friends and family - you can download an end of year report here>> 

 

In 2014,
  • More than 200 of you referred companies to Astia. We value introductions to the supernovas you meet. You are our eyes and ears on the street. Know that we keep track of your individual referrals and have built feedback loops to keep you appraised of the screening status of your supernova. And we know if it was you who introduced us to the best and the brightest - just a little incentive to keep you sending the best our way!

  • More than 250 companies were screened by those of you who are Astia industry-specific experts. You know who you are - you have more than 15 years of experience in an industry and you reviewed the applications of companies aligned with your industry expertise. You gave constructive feedback that we shared with the entrepreneurs, to which we have received responses like this:

"I want to thank you for taking the time to gather this feedback and send it to me. It is the most actionable and thorough I have received to date. I really appreciate it!"

For our many accomplishments in 2014 we THANK YOU, and we invite you to continue to join us, or join us anew in 2015!

You too can be an Astia screener, an Astia investor or an Astia entrepreneur. Your voice and action is what it takes for us to spread the word about the potential, performance and profitability of inclusive teams. And it is your end of the year donation that can set a strong foundation for Astia in 2015.  

 

 

We look forward to seeing, working with and changing the world with you in 2015!
  
On behalf of the entire Astia team - Monique, Victoria, Evie, Brian, Teresa, and myself - we wish you the warmest holiday greetings and a very Happy New Year! 
Your Financial Support Underwrites the Change You Seek! 

 

As we come to the end of the year, now is the perfect  opportunity for you to support this inclusive ecosystem by  donating to Astia today!

 


Your generous support ensures more recognition of and investment into a super potential and high performing group of entrepreneurs - women entrepreneurs.

Today, we know that women entrepreneurs represent more power and talent than the venture industry acknowledges - research shows that 95% of venture deals and dollars are going to companies with not one woman in the top management suite.
 

 

However, the facts are that outstanding women entrepreneurs exist. You see them,  you know them, you believe in them because you are Astia.  

 

Searching for Supernovas: You're Good At It and You're Part of It!

Each year since 2003, more than 60% of the companies who qualified for Astia have secured funding or an exit within one year of joining Astia. Wow and thank you.      

 

To fund this work that we all are committed to and firmly believe in, simply click here 

 

Astia is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization and therefore your support may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

 

Astia Company News

Exciting developments from exceptional Astia Alumnae!

Janneke Niessen received the award for EY Entrepreneur of the Year. This is the latest in a long list of honours for Improve Digital and its co-founders, Janneke Niessen and Joelle Frijters, with recognition in past years including Deloitte Fast 50, Deloitte Rising Star, Red Herring 100, Emerce European Startup top 10, The Next Women Top 100 most influential business women.
 View the Article>>
German entrepreneur, Franziska v. Hardenberg, had always dreamed of being an entrepreneur and in 2012 she did just that. Hardenberg founded the first online subscription flower service!
View the Article >>

Zone V  & Compare and Share participating in Blackbox program
Google for Entrepreneurs, 16 startups from around the globe kickoff this Fall's Blackbox Connect class! Hailing from around the world, these founders have traveled to Silicon Valley for a 2 week accelerator program, learning from top entrepreneurs, investors, designers and more.

Marbles: The Brain Store is happy to announce the grand opening at FAO Schwarz NYC 2nd Floor, near the piano 767 5th Avenue @ 58th St., New York, New York 10153. Please pay them a visit the next time you are in New York.

RenovoRx receives FDA Clearance. RenovoRx, a leading developer of innovative solutions for targeted delivery of fluids to selected sites in the vascular system, today announced the company has received FDA 510(k) clearance of its flagship product, the RenovoCath RC120 catheter. View the Article>>

Poshly partners with Time Inc.'s 'PEOPLE' to Launch Publishing Industry's First Data-Driven Digital ChannelView the Article>>
Astia Angels News

What an incredible year it has been for Astia Angels. Since the founding of Astia Angels in January 2013, we have invested over $5.35 million dollars across  19 companies. In the past year alone, we have expanded to the East Coast and co-invested alongside esteemed investors including Life Science Angels, Sand Hill Angels, Venrock and Frontier Equities.

 

We are on a roll, and our velocity is increasing! In 2015 we plan to continue expanding the membership while maintaining the high caliber of exciting deal opportunities our Angels have come to expect from Astia. We are also launching the European branch of Astia Angels, with two London-based angels already committed. This growth opens up transatlantic investment opportunities and makes the group international.

 

A Different Kind of Network Performing in a Different Kind of Way. Astia Angels is a global network of both female and male angel investors that invests in women-led, high-growth ventures. Founded by experienced investors, Astia Angels are actively engaged in the Astia community and screening process. Only accredited investors - actively investing or interested in actively investing - are invited to consider becoming members of Astia Angels.

 

Guided by a proven philosophy that gender diversity is an essential element of innovation! The Astia Angels members individually invest in companies that fulfill Astia's entrepreneur criteria and members have unique access to companies in the Astia Expert Sift  

 

If you would like to learn more about membership, please contact [email protected] and take a look at the Astia Angels FAQ.

Astia Calendar
Astia Venture Lunches (investors only)
First Thursday of each month
Click here to check the calendar for details

New York

Feb 5
Mar 5
Apr 2
May 7
Jun 4
Sep 10
Nov 5

Silicon Valley

 Feb 5 

May 7 

Sep 10 

Nov 5 

 

London

Feb 5

Apr 9

May 7

July 2

Sep 10

Nov 5 

 

Pop-ups

2015 TBA 

 

Astia C-Suite Screenings

In order to amplify the opportunity for startups to access capital and also provide C-Suite screeners more flexibility in participating, we will announce a modified 2015 schedule shortly.

 

Want to get an early look at some of our most promising companies? C-Suite Screenings are a great way to do that! 

Astia Angels Member Meetings

Silicon Valley
Jan 28
Feb 25
Apr 23
Jun 8
Sep 15
Nov 11

New York
Jan 21
Feb 18
Apr 22
Jun 17
Sep 16
Nov 18
  London
2015 dates to
come


If you are a qualified investor interested in joining Astia Angels, please email [email protected] 
Sponsor Spotlight

Celebrating the renewed support of Lowenstein Sandler LLP!

 

Thank you for your continued support

 

We are delighted to announce that Lowenstein Sandler LLP has renewed its support of Astia for the next year, which represents its 5th year of continued support of Astia and the women-led startups within the Astia community. Thank you for this leadership, with particular thanks to Ray Thek, Matt Kirmayer and Ed Zimmerman.

 

 

 

If you would like to join our valued sponsors and supporters, please contact Evie Mulberry

In This Issue
Your Financial Support Underwrites the Change You Seek!
Astia Company News
Astia Angels News
Astia Calendar
Sponsor Spotlight
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