Send comments and submissions to James Klein, Larta VOX Editor, at voxeditor@larta.org

SSTI, the State Science and Technology Institute, calls Larta University one of the "...best programs in the country," having "...helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, implemented innovative programs, and assisted client companies to raise hundreds of millions of dollars."

March 10: Entrepreneurship Series #6: Finance and Valuation
It is not crucial for the CEO to know the nitty gritty of accounting principles, but it is crucial for him or her to track the company’s cash flow and burn rate. This workshop will discuss the financial tools that allow entrepreneurs to run their businesses responsibly and raise the right amount of funding at the right time. Topics include: developing realistic financial assessments, budgeting and forecasting, preparing financials for the business plan, how to be fiscally prepared for foreseeable budget cycles, valuation, and reporting to financial stakeholders.
Location: West Los Angeles

April 14: Entrepreneurship Series #7: Moving the Product: Sales & Distribution Strategies
Companies should be aware of all the sales and distribution channels available, determine which ones would be most appropriate, and how to manage them to expedite growth. Companies have managed to prosper immensely from building the right alliances, where businesses share valuable assets ranging from a customer base to marketing activities, from suppliers and procurement to product development. Topics covered in this course include: how to sell, getting the most out of distribution networks, and forming valuable strategic alliances.
Location: West Los Angeles

Larta University's Course Schedule

Top Stories in Hot Technology Sectors

Biotechnology
Stem cell chief key to site pick (Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal)
San Jose's quest to land the headquarters for the new California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the agency charged with disbursing $3 billion in state money for stem-cell research, might best be served by persuading the site-selection committee that the city is home to the largest pool of the best scientific minds in the country.
more Biotech news

Communications
New Qwest Bid for MCI Offers More Cash Upfront (Washington Post)
Qwest Communications International Inc. revised its bid for MCI Inc. in an effort to stop the Ashburn-based telecommunication company's plan to be bought by Verizon Communications Inc.
more Communications news

Consumer Electronics
A voyage inside the iPod Shuffle (CNet News)
A look under the hood of Apple Computer's iPod Shuffle shows the company is making music with two chips.
more Consumer Electronics news

Internet
China's Net Gamers: Ready to Rumble (BusinessWeek)
Shanda Interactive is set to launch a hostile takeover bid for rival Sina -- a spectacle that's exceedingly rare in the country.
more Internet news

Investments
The VC Quandary: Too Much Money (Harvard Business School)
The VC money "overhang" continues as investors compete to get into a small number of deals each year. How do smart venture firms approach the challenge?
more Investment news

Security
Databases Called Lax With Personal Information (Washington Post)
The Social Security numbers of millions of Americans, including Vice President Cheney and celebrity heiress Paris Hilton, are available to many subscribers of a widely used information database company, U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) charged.
more Security news

Software
Microsoft IM release expected soon (CNet News)
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is expected to take the wraps off Istanbul, the company's new instant messaging and real-time communications client, in a few weeks.
more Software news

This calendar lists events endorsed by Larta Institute.

March 7-8: iHollywood Forum: Digital Living Room
The Digital Living Room® addresses the technologies and services that are transforming the living room into a digital hub. Thought leaders from technology, consumer electronics, finance, Hollywood and market esearch analysts engage in lively dialogue to focus on creating the technological, business and investment roadmap for the digital home.

March 10: Entrepreneurship Series #6: Finance and Valuation
This Larta University class will discuss the financial tools that allow entrepreneurs to run their businesses responsibly and raise the right amount of funding at the right time.

March 13: JETRO “Bizmatch” Opportunity at CTIA Wireless 2005
If you will be attending “CTIA Wireless 2005”, March 13-16 in New Orleans, please consider participating in JETRO’s Bizmatch event, which will include major companies such as NTT DoCoMo. Don't miss this unique opportunity!

March 14: Entrepreneur In Residence Roundtable
National Information and Communications Technology Australia (NICTA) is sponsoring a unique Entrepreneur in Residence program. NICTA will fund experienced US-based entrepreneurs to crystallize spinout opportunities based on NICTA research and technical teams.

March 15: Pitching to Investors in Silicon Valley
Every CEO wants a chance to pitch their company to investors - and on Tuesday, March 15 you will get your chance! FundingPost presents a unique session to show entrepreneurs exactly what to say when pitching to Venture & Angel investors. Investors will show you how to give a great pitch. Then you get to pitch to the panel of Investors!

April 14: Entrepreneurship Series #7: Moving the Product: Sales & Distribution Strategies
Topics covered in this Larta University course include: how to sell, getting the most out of distribution networks, and forming valuable strategic alliances.

April 19: Mergers & Acquisitions
This Larta University course will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn about the “path to liquidity”. The class will discuss what makes a successful acquisition candidate, what a business can do to maximize value before the sale process, how the M&A process works, and how to maximize value during the sale process.

April 27: Investment Capital Conference 2005
Los Angeles Venture Association (LAVA) presents the Investment Capital ConferenceTM, Southern California’s foremost annual meeting of capital sources and capital seekers. Featuring a rich educational program, extensive networking and The Capital ZoneTM of equity and debt sources, the conference is the ideal place where executives from early-stage to middle-market companies can meet and learn from those who can finance their success.

April 28-30: Wireless Telecommunications Symposium
Exchange information on advances in mobile communications and wireless networking technology, management, applications, and security in a very pleasant Southern California conference environment with leaders and experts from industry, governmental agencies, and universities around the world at the Fourth Annual Wireless Telecommunications Symposium.

May 11-12: Early Stage East: Venture Capital Conference
Early Stage East has a fresh vision to bring emerging technologies to the forefront for its audience of venture capitalists, private investors, expert service providers and entrepreneurs on the East Coast. Early Stage East is the trendsetter in showcasing the most promising young companies in the tech industry.

May 12: Entrepreneurship Series #8: Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Business Presentations
This Larta U workshop will help you effectively communicate your value proposition to the audience, understanding what various audiences respond the best to. You will have an opportunity to practice your elevator pitch with mentors and peers so that you can leave with an effective, tried and tested pitch.

May 12-13: DesignTech Connect
Pasadena Entretec presents DesignTech CONNECT, the first business exchange for industrial design and advanced technology held in Los Angeles. Featuring product demonstrations, hands-on displays, and leading-edge technology and design, this celebration will spark unique business connections and provide excellent opportunities for seeding strategic business alliances and cultivating unprecedented business development in the Los Angeles foothills.

May 23-26: PhAST 2005
Photonic Applications, Systems & Technologies (PhAST) will feature previews of new application areas like nanotechnology and biophotonics, access to industry innovators and insights and visions for future business opportunities. NEW FOR 2005! Market analysis overviews of each of the topic areas and funding opportunities addressed by Government agency representatives.

May 25-26: The Venture Forum 2005
America's largest showcase of top-tier emerging companies. This year's expanded two-day format features over 130 companies, including 75 National Institutes of Health SBIR Phase II grant winners.

June 1-3: IBF 16th Annual Venture Capital Investing Conference
The premier industry gathering for venture investors. Planned with the help of peer input to help you compare best practices and track industry trends, this industry meeting unites the most active venture investors.

Larta Institute's Events Calendar

Larta Institute
connecting people to drive innovation

We bring people together to move technologies into the marketplace. Our client solutions include: conferences, training workshops, technology transfer, advisory services, and research and analysis.

Since 1993, companies helped by Larta Institute have raised over $1.5 billion in capital. Larta Institute's conferences and seminars provide insights to thousands of businesspeople each year. Larta Institute's weekly electronic magazine on business innovation is read by over 20,000 people.

www.Larta.org

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Washington DC Office:
Larta Institute
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(703) 740-8330