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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
Biogen: How Deep a Wound Is Tysabri? (BusinessWeek)
Though the withdrawal of its multiple sclerosis drug hurts the biotech giant less than its partner, Elan, its stock remains vulnerable.
more Biotech news

Communications
VoIP: Can you hear me now? (CNet News)
The Voice Over the Net conference in Silicon Valley will put the spotlight on the fast-growing trend of Internet phone calling. You can bet the search giants are paying attention, as are cable and the Baby Bells.
more Communications news

Consumer Electronics
Vegging Out in Front of the Phone (Wired)
You might have only just gotten your head around your camera phone. Perhaps you've had a bit of fun playing with video clips. What mobile companies want you to do next is to see it as a mini TV.
more Consumer Electronics news

Hardware
A New Wave Lifts Battered Seagate (BusinessWeek)
iPod's popularity has helped the disk-drive maker rebound. And the outfit is betting other consumer electronics devices will boost demand, too.
more Hardware news

Internet
Google: A $50 Billion "One-Trick Pony"? (BusinessWeek)
Its focus on Web-searching -- an increasingly limited arena -- may be blinding it to big opportunities elsewhere.
more Internet news

Media
Sony Names First Non-Japanese Chairman (Washington Post)
Sony Corp. named Howard Stringer as its chairman, a decision that marks the first time a foreigner will head a major Japanese electronics firm and comes as the company seeks to improve results at its faltering core electronics business.
more Media news

Security
An Often-Crossed Line in the Sand (Washington Post)
Facing Camacho and the others across a nearby ditch was an astounding high-tech spiderweb spun by the U.S. Border Patrol in New Mexico.
more Security news

Semiconductors
AMD jockeys with Intel in multi-OS race (CNet News)
Advanced Micro Devices will detail its "Pacifica" virtualization technology, enabling software companies to start working with the feature, which makes it easier for a computer to run several operating systems simultaneously.
more Semiconductor news

Software
Justice Says No to Microsoft (Wired)
The Justice Department, which challenged Microsoft in courtrooms for nearly a decade over antitrust violations, will pay more than $2 million each year to buy business software from Corel, a leading Microsoft rival.
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 8 and 9: R&D Funding Agreements with the Federal Government: Focus on Intellectual Property
This Morrison & Foerster Seminar, March 8 in San Diego and March 9 in Palo Alto, targets new and experienced government contractors/grantees who want to learn how to protect their IP in light of statutes and regulations that grant the government and others certain rights.

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 2-9: Gateway to China Trade Mission: Telecom, IT, Bio-Tech Industries
Asia Pacific-USA Chamber of Commerce (APUCC) invites you to join this 7-day event focusing on three major cities: Shanghai, Shenyang, & Dalian. This trip is directed at promoting US business exploration and proliferation in China’s telecommunications, information technology, and bio-technology markets. Specifically, it is designed for American small and medium size telecom, I.T., & bio-tech companies who are looking for access into China’s telecom, I.T., & Biotech markets. In order to ensure the mission’s effectiveness in terms of facilitating the best possible environment for one-on-one networking and meetings in China, participation will be limited to fifteen companies. REGISTRATION DEADLINE is March 20th. 5% discount for Larta VOX readers (just mention LARTA on application form).

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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Larta Institute
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