Week of April 4 - April 10, 2005 ~ v.7, n.14
Top Stories

ProteoTech Primes for Growth
An interview with Ritchie Campbell of ProteoTech, a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant awardee working with Larta's National Institutes of Health Commercialization Assistance Program (NIH-CAP). ProteoTech is one of 75 NIH SBIR Phase II awardees presenting on Day 1 at Larta's Venture Forum conference May 25-26.

Organizations Sound Alarm on U.S. Standing in Innovation
Two organizations are sounding the alarm that the U.S.'s standing as the world leader in innovation is in danger of slipping, if it has not already begun.

Entrepreneurs Can Learn What Founders Need to Know
When it comes to teaching entrepreneurism, many people think you can't. These people reason that you just can't teach all-important intangibles like drive, interpersonal skills, courage or creativity.

Available Now from Larta Research!
2005 Federal Technology Funding Guide
Larta Institute's annual guide to government technology funding is recognized as the nation's leading survey on Federal technology funding opportunities. Winning Government R&D Money: Federal Technology Funding Guide 2005 provides detailed information on Federal funding processes, programs, and ways to win government R&D money.
purchase report now for only $99

Larta Institute's Publications

Editor's Correction: A Larta VOX story that appeared March 7, 2005 incorrectly stated Carlos Gutierrez had been promoted to Senior Vice President of Business Development at Larta Institute. Carlos has in fact been promoted to Senior Vice President of Larta Institute, overseeing all the organization's activities.

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

Larta University


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."

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

April 19: Mergers & Acquisitions
It is virtually every entrepreneur’s dream to build a business that eventually provides a significant monetary return to the company’s shareholders through a liquidity event. The two primary ways for a company to enact a liquidity event are through an IPO or through a partial or complete sale of the business. In 2001 and the first half of 2002, there were approximately 140 IPOs versus approximately 15,000 M&A transactions. This session will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn about the “path to liquidity”. The course will discuss what makes a successful acquisition candidate and what a business can do to maximize value before the sale process and how the M&A process works and how to maximize value during the sale process.
Location: Downtown Los Angeles

Larta University's Course Schedule

Tech Sector News
Sponsored by LATimes.com

Top Stories in Hot Technology Sectors

Biotechnology
Biolaser Lights Up Stem Cells (Wired)
Scientists have developed a laser that could illuminate stem cells in greater detail than ever, revealing the important steps they take to become neuron, heart or other types of cells.

more Biotech news

Communications
MCI to Reopen Merger Talks with Qwest (Washington Post)
MCI Inc. invited Qwest to reopen merger talks, just three days after the long-distance phone company agreed to a sweetened $7.5 billion buyout from Verizon and a day after Qwest raised its bid to nearly $9 billion.

more Communications news

Consumer Electronics
Microsoft Offers Mobile Video (Red Herring)
Software goliath hopes its entry will stir demand for Windows Mobile-driven devices.
more Consumer Electronics News

Hardware
HP's New Low-Profile Boss (BusinessWeek)
NCR's Mark Hurd will fill Fiorina's CEO spot without her personal flair but with a proven record, though at a much smaller tech company.

more Hardware news

Internet
Google Outlines Plan To Spend to Expand (Washington Post)
Google Inc. is planning to rapidly boost spending this year to expand operations and promote its brand name as the Internet giant braces for increased competition from rivals.
more Internet news

Semiconductors
Intel to abide by Japan FTC recommendations (CNet News)
Intel said it would agree to antitrust recommendations by the Japan Fair Trade Commission, which has called on Intel to halt the practice of requiring PC makers to limit the use of competitors' chips in exchange for monetary rebates.

more Semiconductor news

Software
Charting a New Course at Siebel (BusinessWeek)
Back from sailing the globe, OnDemand Computing honcho Bruce Cleveland talks about his plans to compete with Oracle, SAP, and some pesky upstarts.
more Software news

Events Calendar

This calendar lists events endorsed by Larta Institute.

April 5 - June 21: Pharmaceutical Product Development Program
University of California San Diego Extension is offering a 12-week program that provides a broad overview and a comprehensive understanding of the process of pharmaceutical product development and addresses issues in the development of novel pharmaceuticals.
From preclinical safety studies to product labeling; from market analysis to manufacturing; from proof-of-concept to clinical trials—this course provides an overview of the challenges candidate therapeutics face en route to FDA approval and marketing.

April 7: WITI San Diego Biosciences SIG Educational Event
WITI San Diego presents an Educational Event: Moving Research Products into Clinical Diagnostics: "What You Need to Know" on Thursday, April 7, 2005, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM at the Avanir Pharmaceuticals Conference Center, 11404 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego, California 92121. Topics include: Clinical Diagnostics Industry, Customer Targets, Regulatory Issues, Legal Issues, Reimbursement, Marketing Tactics, and Sales Strategy & Execution.
Join us for this introspective and informational event. $60.00 for members, $75 for non-members. For more information, contact Jennifer Beckey at 858 344-3825 or JJBeckey@yahoo.com.

April 12: 7 Secrets to Sales Success in 2005
This WITI San Diego Speaker Series Workshops is presented by the principals of The Whetstone Group. Join us as the speakers take us through the process, strategies and tactics that will teach you how to increase your revenues and sales capabilities! Members: $25; Nonmembers: $40. For more information, contact Jennifer Beckey at 858 344-3825 or JJBeckey@yahoo.com.

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 18-20: Global Conference 2005
The Milken Institute Global Conference brings together some of the world’s most extraordinary thinkers and decision makers for three days of intensive discussions on a wide range of economic, business, public policy and social issues.

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 20: Energy Savings Strategies - A Workshop for Manufacturers
In conjunction with Southern California Edison (SCE), the California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) will present a "hands-on" workshop designed to pinpoint waste in your manufacturing process. The Workshop entitled, Energy Savings Strategies--A Workshop for Manufacturers, will provide practical solutions to reduce energy waste and improve productivity. CMTC integrated energy use with "lean" manufacturing principals in a unique and first of its kind assessment tool called Value and Energy Stream Mapping (VeSM) which will be explained at the workshop. VeSM workshops have been scheduled in Ontario at the Hilton Ontario Airport on Wednesday, April 20, 2005. Price: $49.00. Please contact CMTC at (800) 300- 2682 ext. 3009.

April 25-27: Getting to the Heart of Conscious Commerce
LOHAS 9 Forum: Getting to the Heart of Conscious Commerce is a conference, an event, a happening bringing together diverse folks interested in "conscious commerce". Apart from featuring a gaggle of celebrities who are spokespeople for the movement behind sustainability as a theme in commerce and art, the event focuses on how business, media and entertainment can be leveraged to educate, shape and influence consumer behavior and purchasing decisions while promoting lifestyles of health and sustainability. Mention Larta friend Rob Steiner and get $200 off the registration price.

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 9: Tech Coast Angels: Fifth Annual Fast Pitch
Attend the unique entrepreneur's competition and networking event of the year. Network with hundreds of investors and entrepreneurs. Enjoy a sumptuous walk-around dinner and wine. Watch the finalists in the competition present their one-minute "fast pitch" for investor interest (their "elevator pitch") to a panel of Angel investors and Venture Capital investors, who give immediate feedback. Free coaching of contestants is provided by Tech Coast Angels at five coaching sessions starting April 19th.

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 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.

May 28-June 5: Gateway to China Trade Mission
Asia Pacific - USA Chamber of Commerce presents an 8-day event specially designed for US business exploration and proliferation in China’s telecommunications and information technology markets. Participants will benefit from customized, pre-screened appointments with potential business partners, market briefings, and networking opportunities at hospitality events. Plus -- as a special bonus -- entry to the 5th Annual Forum on City Informatization in the Asia pacific Region (CIAPR) and the 2nd Shanghai International Exhibition on Information, both events are organized by Mayor Office of Shanghai, the Ministry of Science & Technology of PRC, the Ministry of Information Industry of PRC and UNITAR/UNIDO an other organizations. Those two events will bring senior-level government decision makers and business executives of telecom/IT industries from four (4) provinces near Shanghai, about two thousand (2000) Chinese companies will display at the Expo.

May 30 - June 2: Shanghai International Exhibit on Informatization
This EXPO brings together China’s senior-level business decision makers of the telecom/IT industries from four (4) provinces near Shanghai, about two thousand (2000) Chinese companies will display at the Expo. It serves as the direct access to your ideal market in China as well as the opportunity to effectively network with your target perspectives. It will be the biggest opportunity for exposure to China’s telecom and information technology industry. For more info. contact Stacy Sun 800-665-3609 or stacysun@apucc.org

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.

June 9: Entrepreneurship Series #9: Attracting Capital: Financing Strategies for the New Venture
This Larta University workshop considers different financing strategies, including VC financing, angel financing, government funding, and loans. You will learn what is required to approach each financing source, and when not to waste your time.

June 21-22: Telecom M&A and Corporate Development Conference
Strategic Research Institute's 2005 Telecom M&A and Corporate Development Conference will bring together an illustrious faculty of leading corporate and strategic buyers from the telecoms community to share their perspective on investment opportunities, challenges and critical issues facing the industry today!

July 11-14: National SBIR Phase II Conference
The National SBIR Phase II Conference, Beyond Phase II: Ready for Transition, will provide an unparalleled forum for scientists, engineers, and technology decision-makers to discuss transitioning SBIR-supported Research & Development into government and private sector commercial markets. With expected attendance of over 1000, this four-day conference will feature "Technology Matchmaking Meetings," pre-arranged, 20-minute sessions between small businesses and end users, and focused sessions on advanced Phase II topics.

Larta Institute's Events Calendar

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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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Sponsorship: To sponsor VOX, Larta events or publications, contact Carlos Gutierrez