larta University Presents:

What Venture Capitalists Really Want From You

TechNet Ed is a boot camp that brings together the region's top experts, entrepreneurs, and investors to help put emerging companies on the fast track to investment and growth.

TechNet Ed began in 1999 primarily to address venture capitalists' main concerns about Southern California's technology base: entrepreneurs who lack adequate management skills and an inadequate entrepreneurial infrastructure. TechNet Ed training topics target these areas to prepare companies for investment.

TechNet Ed consists of five half-day workshops, one each month from October 2000 through February 2001. The TechNet Ed program is available in both Costa Mesa and in Santa Monica.

Each workshop is $125, or you can attend the whole series for $500
(a 20% savings if you sign up before October 13th)

Click here to apply

Monthly Topics

· October: The Venture Plan.
Every venture capital investor - and entrepreneur - knows that a successful venture begins with a skillful plan - one that focuses the company but also serves as a marketing piece to attract outside equity investment. This workshop will teach companies the essential elements of a successful business plan.
· November: Protecting the Property.
The entrepreneur often has two assets - the small financial asset that seeded the venture and the intellectual property that will propel its growth. This workshop will discuss the corporate governance issues necessary to protect and grow the financial seed. It will also focus on strategies and techniques to maintain and enhance intellectual property to grow the venture.
· December: Building the Team.
Ultimately, a successful venture is really about people. Superior technology fails without the proper management to direct it. This workshop will discuss techniques to attract top talent, discussing such issues as stock options, independent contractors, offer letters and payment of outside directors.
· January: Attacking the Market and Creating Market Share.
A product needs to be more than good - it needs to sell. This workshop will discuss methods to create that market share by discussing particular public relations and marketing techniques, such as building a sales force, distribution methods, advertising and strategic selling.
· February: Attracting the Capital.
With a firm strategy in place, the company can seriously consider courting outside investment. This workshop will discuss the techniques to draw angel investors and venture capitalists, as well as discussing such issues as valuation and exit strategies.

Click here to apply

What TechNet Ed Graduates Have To Say:

"By the end of the third session the information started to gel. At that point I had the understanding and the confidence to leave my day job and join a startup. I use the larta reference material every week in my planning and I have networked with many of the people whom I have met." -Mike Goodman, AudioRamp

"I've attended several "entrepreneur Ed" seminars and this has been by far the best series. - Ron Hickling Techno Concepts

"The TechNet Ed" series should be required for all entrepreneurs seeking funding. The theme and presenters were invaluable." - Jonathan Duarte GoJobs.com

"Any entrepreneur, whether or not, interested in going IPO, would benefit in avoiding pitfalls in building a company/business for success. Excellent information on what is necessary for business success from knowledgeable people with real business experience for the entrepreneur. Excellent source of resource material/contacts, networking." - Bill Shih PRI R&D

"After attending all five sessions of the TechNet Ed program, I have learned a lot about how to position my company, protect the interest of the company, know my competition of the same business. The value that I got from the TechNet Ed is tremendous. Thanks larta for putting such a great program together." - Nelson Tso MyInternetDesktop.com

"This program has provided a wealth of useful, insightful information, tools, and experience that will directly contribute to optimal business planning, performance, and efficiency, as well as positioning for sustainable, long-term growth, while much less painful than going back to grad school." - Brad Kane

September 4:	larta Announces $2.4 Million in Grants
September 19:	"How Swede It Is: Swedish Technology Forum"
October 2:	Venture Salon
October 17:	larta University - Los Angeles
October 19:	Wireless Applications, Telecommunications, Satellites, and Entertainment Content Event
October 20:	Telecom Convergence Study Release
October 25:	larta University - Orange County
October 26:	CXO
October 27:	Southern California Technology Innovation Index report release
November 14:	Venture Capital Report Release

LA VOX is provided weekly as a free service to you by larta - the technology alliance for Southern California. LA VOX is interactive, so we encourage you to share your news, events, job opportunities and sage wisdom with our nearly 6,000 subscribers. To subscribe to LA VOX, click here To sponsor the newsletter, to submit material, or for more information, please contact larta's Marketing Manager, Nicole Huntington, at nhuntington@larta.org or call (213) 743-4150.

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