The Women’s Congress Presents Astia with the “Champions for Women in Business” Award

Astia, the national leader in programs that accelerate the funding
and growth of women-led start-ups, today announced it has received the
Champions for Women in Business Award for its work with women
entrepreneurs across the globe. The Champions for Women in Business
Awards, from The Women’s Congress, recognize outstanding organizations
that support women business leaders through education, funding and
outreach. Each year, Astia works with more than 75 women-led companies.
Since 2003, Astia has helped its entrepreneurs raise more than $365
million in funding.

The Champion s for Women in Business Awards salute outstanding
women, men, companies and organizations that support and improve
opportunities for up-and-coming women business leaders, and business
owners. Entrepreneurs from the presenting companies at Astia’s 2007
Venture Conference led Astia’s nomination for the award. Astia was
nominated for the outstanding quality of its programs, the access it
provides to investment capital, and the unparalleled caliber of its
resources and advisors. All award nominees were evaluated on their
leadership, mentoring, outreach, education and funding of enterprises
and corporate initiatives in support of women during 2007. Astia was
presented with the award at The Women’s Congress event in Miami, Fl, on
January 24-25, 2008.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition from our clients and
share the award with the sponsors of our 2007 Venture Conference for
their role in the transformational success of women business leaders,"
said Sharon Vosmek, CEO, Astia. "Moving forward, our growing community
will help even greater numbers of women-led companies around the world
make the real connections needed to succeed in business.”

The 2007 Astia Conference was sponsored by leading VCs and LPs:
Advanced Venture Partners, Alloy Ventures, Apex Venture Partners,
Applied Ventures, LLC, Asset Management, CalPERS, Cargill Ventures,
Garage Technology Ventures Hamilton Lane, Hummer Winblad Venture
Partners, Intel Capital, Levensohn Venture Partners, Milk Street
Ventures, Opus Capital, Palomar Ventures Prolog Ventures, Voyager
Capital.