Question 1

How do I apply to Astia for investment consideration?

Accepted Answer

Astia considers high growth companies with at least one woman in a position of significant equity and influence (C-suite) on par with their male counterparts. We invest in companies that are beyond the concept stage, with demonstrated traction or market validation. Astia invests out of a venture fund, meaning that we look for companies with business models that will enable them to achieve a significant liquidation event (acquisition, IPO) within a limited timeframe.

A note to Seed and Pre-Seed companies: If you have early traction and strong market validation in the form of revenue, partnerships or regulatory progress, we welcome your submission. However, as a general rule, pre-seed companies are too early for investment from Astia.
 
We have a unique screening process and protocol at Astia, which is designed to reduce bias and bring top performing companies to the fore. It is called our Astia Expert Sift, and we purposefully do not take an initial meeting with founders as that is where so much of bias in venture lies. Instead, we ask entrepreneurs to complete a profile on our Astia Connect platform and upload their materials there, so that we may send them through the screening process.

Question 2

​​What information should I provide in my submission to Astia?

Accepted Answer

The preliminary in-take form creates a profile for your company on the Astia Connect platform. In addition to this profile, a 1-2 page Executive Summary is required. All applicants must provide an executive summary. While we understand that this is atypical for many investors, this document and detailed explanation of your value proposition is crucial for Astia Advisors to properly review your application in our online and bias-free environment.
 
You will also be asked to provide contact info, sector, a company one-liner and a brief description (up to 2500 characters).  You must complete the preliminary intake form once you start it - it cannot be saved. However, once it is submitted you will be able to edit its contents and upload supporting documents. 
 
If you have further questions, please feel free to reach out to startups@astia.org.

Question 3

Do I need to be referred to Astia to submit my investment materials for consideration?

Accepted Answer

While we know the incredible value of our global Astia Advisor network in referring high potential companies, ALL companies meeting our criteria are welcome to submit their materials to us for consideration. Referrals are not required.

Question 4

What happens during the Expert Sift™ process?

Accepted Answer

Please see the “Our Process” page of our website for full details.  As companies progress through the process, they will receive updates along the way so they know at what point in the process they are.

Question 5

What is the value beyond potential investment from Astia for my company?

Accepted Answer

We review every company that makes a submission to Astia that includes an Executive Summary. Every company receives feedback on their submission irrespective of how many steps of the Astia Expert Sift process it completes. We have been told that this feedback is among the best you will receive in your fundraising efforts, and aimed at supporting you to succeed regardless of investment from Astia.
 
From Industry Screen, Astia’s Connect platform connects Astia Advisors with applicant companies. Astia Advisors are serial entrepreneurs, executives, innovators and investors with 15+ years of experience dedicated to Astia’s mission to level the investment playing field. The connections between Astia Advisors and companies applying to Astia are key to our success and impact for women-led companies. Astia Advisors open their own personal networks and leverage their expertise to create impact far beyond Astia’s direct investment and advisory activities.
 
At Investor Screen, our quarterly Astia Venture Showcase connects companies with our network of accredited investors through virtual presentations with opportunities for introductions.

Question 6

What if I get turned down at any point in the Expert Sift process?

Accepted Answer

Astia encourages entrepreneurs to resubmit their materials for consideration when additional milestones are achieved and/or the concerns raised in the review process have been addressed. The Astia Connect platform enables us to fast track you back to the stage you exited.

Question 7

What is Venture Capital and is it right for my company?

Accepted Answer

Venture Capital funds typically have a ten year window in which to return capital to the Limited Partners who invested in it and those LPs expect significant returns on their investment. A venture fund therefore seeks to invest in companies that will grow quickly and be acquired or reach an IPO. Business models that support this kind of rapid growth tend to have high margins, a scalable model and a huge market opportunity. Many worthwhile businesses do not fit this model and should seek other forms of capital. Examples could include service businesses, brick and mortar businesses, high CAPEX businesses.