SAN FRANCISCO (October 2, 2009)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Sharon Vosmek
sharon@astia.org
(415) 421-5500

Melissa G. Anderson
Media Relations Specialist
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal
(213) 892.5025
mganderson@sonnenschein.com

Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal hosts screening day for Elite Entrepreneur Program in Silicon Valley

SAN FRANCISCO (October 2, 2009) -  Today at the Silicon Valley offices of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal 26 women-led start-ups presented to an audience of over 50 investors, CEOs and industry experts to qualify for the 8th Annual Astia Doing it Right program in Silicon Valley.  Simultaneous screening took place in New York for 14 start-ups.  Companies selected in both locations will be invited to join the elite program for entrepreneurs in San Francisco November 2 – 7, 2009.

“Astia continues to source high-caliber, pre-screened start-ups for its highly competitive program.  Alloy participates in the screening day to get an early viewing of these very attractive investment opportunities,” commented Craig Taylor of Alloy Ventures, member of the Astia Investor Advisory Council since 2006.

Already known for exceptional results in the technology and life science sectors, Astia this year has added a clean tech track, leveraging a broad network of clean tech experts to develop the program and source the companies.

“Today we’ve seen an exciting group of high-quality entrepreneurs who are working with Astia to refine their plans and build high-growth enterprises. I’m impressed by the participating companies and look forward to following up with them” commented Richard Simoni, Partner at Asset Management Company, also a member of the Astia Investor Advisory Council.

"This event showcased an exceptional group of high potential, women-led start-ups and served as a great start to Astia's comprehensive entrepreneurial leadership program," said Maggie Kavalaris, a partner at Sonnenschein.  "Our lawyers felt privileged to take part in this exciting mix of company presentations, workshops, receptions and high-intensity networking, and we look forward to working closely with Astia on similar events in the future."

“This year Astia celebrates its 10th year of working with exceptional entrepreneurs.  In this time we have grown from a Silicon Valley community of fewer than 20 advisors, to a global network of over 1,000 individuals committed to the success of these companies.”  Sharon Vosmek, CEO, Astia.  “The people at Sonnenschein are key members of that community, not only lending their financial support to Astia, but equally lending their expertise to the screening process, the entrepreneur program, and to the very companies we serve.”


###

ABOUT ASTIA
Astia is a global non-profit organization that provides innovative programs to exceptional women-led start-ups.  Head-quartered in San Francisco, Astia delivers programs for entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, New York, London and, from 2010, India.  Astia is well-positioned to work with start-ups around the world as they access capital, grow their businesses, and develop the leadership of the founding team.  The Astia model of engaging a community of experts to the benefit of the select start-ups it serves has resulted in an exceptional success rate; since 2003, 60% of companies that have participated in the Astia Investor Forums have secured funding or an exit within one year of presenting.  For more information: www.astia.org.

ABOUT SONNENSCHEIN NATH & ROSENTHAL LLP
With more than 700 lawyers and other professionals in 13 offices in the United States and Europe, and a global reach throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, Sonnenschein serves the legal and public interest needs of many of the world's best-known and most admired businesses, nonprofits and individuals.  Founded in 1906, Sonnenschein is a leader in innovative legal services, serving our clients through integrated, inter-office cooperation and teamwork among practice groups to provide efficient, effective and timely legal services and business counseling.  For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.