Apply Now to be considered for the premier offering for high-growth companies - from seed to exit. Astia is a global community dedicated to the success of women-led high-growth companies.
Key Upcoming Dates:
Application Deadline: February 4, 2012
In-person screening: February 22, 2012
Global Entrepreneur Program: March 19–24, 2012, Cambridge, UK
Active Astia communities now exist in:
SILICON VALLEY | NEW YORK | EUROPE | INDIA
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Screening includes review by industry experts of submitted materials and in-person screening by investors and successful entrepreneurs. The selection process provides for confidential and direct feedback.
Qualification Criteria
- An innovative idea in a high-growth sector such as Technology, Life Sciences, Clean Tech, or high-growth Consumer
- A high-growth investment opportunity - at any stage of growth
- 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
Benefits Include
- High-touch, customized Advisory services focused on high-growth and driving to exit
- Relationship with the Astia community through life of the company, with continued access to Astia Advisor database and invitations to client-only programs and events
- Access to VCs and Angel investors
- Annual CEO Summit for the Astia portfolio (takes place in Silicon Valley)
- Expert advise by a team of current and former CEOs, VCs, angels and successful entrepreneurs
- Presentation skills coaching by leading experts
- Opportunity to present to an audience of VC and Angel investors
- Participation in the week-long program for entrepreneurs
- Strategic business planning advice
- Team recruitment
- Fundraising advice including strategy and alternative options
- Investor roundtables and fundraising reviews
- Product development reviews
- Sales and marketing strategy sessions
- Free legal office hours available via Fenwick & West
Pricing
- $250 Application Fee
- $5,000 Participation Fee (includes participation in the portfolio for the life of the company)
- Shares in consideration of services
ABOUT US | ADVISORS | SPONSORS | NEWS & EVENTS | COMMUNITY
My entrepreneur story, by Jennifer Zezsut, Chief Social Strategist, Lithium Technologies:
"I was a first-time CEO when someone recommended I join Astia. I wasn’t even sure why I would need Astia, at the time. I was just about to launch the Scout Labs application and things were going excellently - I was well-funded, had a strong team, etc. When I was selected to be part of Astia, I went through the equivalent of CEO Bootcamp – I received business coaches, mentors, speaking coaches, pitch help, VC access and so much more. It was an amazing growth experience. But I didn’t realize just how valuable the Astia network was until Scout Labs, like so many startups do, hit tough times. Our committed funding fell through at the last minute (credit-crunch days of summer 2009) and I was not able to pay my own team. (Miraculously, they all kept working). Externally, Scout Labs continued to grow by leaps and bounds, but it was an incredibly stressful time. Just when I needed it most, the Astia support network, like shoulders, rose up from beneath me to lift me back up. I received encouragement, emotional support, constant phone calls and TONS of VC introductions right when we needed it most. We did secure funding (in the nick of time!) and Scout Labs was acquired – a good exit for all – six months later, in May of 2010. My Astia Advisors were by my side through good times and bad and will be life-long mentors and friends."
