Larta is the think tank for technology businesses. We apply knowledge in practical ways on behalf of cutting edge companies, investors, governments, and professionals. Larta drives the technology markets through four core activities: business training, market research, consulting, and capital/knowledge conferences. Sign up for Larta University - equipping innovators with sound business fundamentals. Visit www.old.larta.org/Lartau. 746 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90089-7727 Tel: (213) 743-4150 Fax: (213) 747-7307 www.old.larta.org

Pitch Perfecting: The Venture Forum Mentor Process (originally published in LA VOX on April 11, 2001)
"The way the mentoring sessions are set up is the way it should be in the real world," said technology and business publicist Tracy Williams, who serves on one of the Southern California Technology Venture Forum's (SCTVF) eight mentor teams. The unique mentoring process has positioned SCTVF as the premier platform for new technologies, giving the presenting entrepreneurs the pitch-training their companies--and potential investors--deserve.
click here for the full article >

This Wednesday, Jan.30, Larta Technology Consulting Director Lynn Foster will be speaking at a UCLA Computer Science Department seminar, Nanotechnology Opportunities: Uncovering What, Where, Who, How & When?
Hype about 'Nanotechnology' as the "next big thing" has already begun to emerge although (or because) few know quite what it is. Yet, the Federal government is currently putting $500M into it. Broadly characterizing nanotechnology as engineering and science in the 1-100 nanometer range, we can then ask if it will catalyze a landrush of new ventures, jobs, and investment as seen in the late '90s. Will replacing "Internet" or "biotech" by "nanotech" rerun history? More fundamentally, can we find in nanotechnology an analogue to the Internet's techno-unity, i.e., where so many companies' advances enhanced other's opportunities? After defining "nanotechnology," this seminar will offer a measured view of the work, players, and trends at a world centered in SoCal and
unfolding in Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Computer Science.
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US-Japan Hi Tech Partnership 2002 Japan Meets the Nano Republic of California Co-Produced by Larta
Join us on February 21 for "Japan Meets the Nano Republic of California", a focused half-day event that brings leading business and research leaders from Japan and the Nano Republic for a practical discussion on current research and potential future business opportunities in nanotechnology. Two high-powered discussion panels will feature key figures and companies building the future of nanotechnology both here and abroad. Featured Keynote: Dr. Eiji Osawa, President of NanoCarbon Research Institute.

Confirmed Speakers:

• Dr. Eiji Osawa, President of NanoCarbon Research Institute, Ltd.
• Martha Krebs, Director of the CA NanoSystems Institute and Associate Vice Chancellor of UCLA for Research
• Dr. Ari Requicha, Dir. of USC Molecular Robotics Laboratory
• Dr. Joe Lichtenhan, CEO of Hybrid Plastics Corp.
• Scott Broadley, VP of Broadley James Corp.
• Susumu Katagiri, President & CEO, Fullerene International Corp.
• Dr. Brian Pierce, Manager, Advanced RF Technologies, Raytheon Corp.
• Dr. Motoo Yumura, Principal Research Scientist, Research Center for Advanced Carbon Materials, AIST
• Dr. Yoshiteru Sato, Director of Materials Processes Technology Development Dept. of NEDO
• Brent Viers, Project Leader, POSS/Polymer Working Group, Air Force Research Laboratory, Propulsion Materials

February 21, 2002, 12:45 - 6:30 pm. Torrance Marriott. Registration: Pre-registration is $60, at the door registration is $75.
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Larta University February Session: Pitching Your Company
Feb. 13 in Irvine (8-noon) and Feb. 14 in Santa Monica (8:30-12:30 PM)

Investors, customers, and strategic partners often hear pitches with too much of the wrong information (or just too much information) and not enough of the essentials. This workshop focuses on how to translate complex, broad technology business concepts and plans into succinct messages that intrigue and interest for each type of business audiences from venture capitalists to corporate partners. The session will also address how to do an elevator pitch, refine the business plan, and more. Speakers Include: Todd Jerry and Greg Bonfiglio (Anthem Venture Partners), Stephen D. O’Connor (Nanostream Inc.)
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Larta Launches Hollywood Unstrung 2 at Zemeckis Center

Last Thursday evening, Larta premiered its Hollywood Unstrung 2 report at a sold-out launch event attended by guests from the entertainment and technology industries. The panel discussion, Digital Cinema, Hollywood's Emerging Challenge, addressed the business challenges involved in implementing a digital theatrical distribution system. (More on this panel in a Hollywood Reporter article linked below, Who's Going to Pay for The Digital Evolution?)

The program was started by Dean Elizabeth Daley of the USC School of Cinema-Television, followed by a presentation by Thomas McCalla of the school's Entertainment Technology Center, which tests digital cinema technology at a lab in Hollywood. Rohit Shukla and Victor Hwang of Larta gave a presentation on the report, which examines the future direction of digital cinema as well as other technologies influencing the entertainment industry, including interactive entertainment, online content, digital audio, and digital production.
more information on this report >
download the executive summary for free >

Technology Against Terrorism
A conference for Southern California companies that produce technologies or services that can be used in counter-terrorism, homeland security or emergency response. There is no charge to attend, but you must RSVP in order to be admitted. Panels feature executives and decision-makers from Federal, state and local agencies and large government contractors responsible for procuring and purchasing products and services that government agencies use for counter-terrorism, homeland security or emergency response.
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Larta in the News

Sponsored by:

Who's going to pay for the digital evolution?
The Hollywood Reporter
Digital technologies have disrupted and influenced business strategies and changed the way content is distributed and marketed. That was the assumption posed by Rohit Shukla, President and CEO of Larta, as he opened a panel discussion Thursday evening titled Digital Cinema: Hollywood's Emerging Challenge.
full article >

Job Openings

Freelance Copy Editor at Larta
Larta is seeking a freelance copy editor to proofread and edit Larta's written materials, including the LA VOX newsletter, research reports, and marketing information. 1-2 years staff or regular freelance proofreading/copy editing experience required. Please send resume with reference information and salary history to jjohnson@old.larta.org.

Research Economist/Policy Associate at Larta
As our Research Economist / Policy Associate, you will:
* Possess a current and strong knowledge of the technology economy, and a working knowledge of the overall economy, and associated and relevant public policy issues,
* Maintain the collection of data, and develop relevant analysis;
* Oversee, plan, research, and prepare Larta’s reports on the technology economy, including updates of past reports
* Communicate information and knowledge to key influencers (media, investors/sponsors, public officials) and a lay audience
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Riviera Partners is seeking a Part-Time/Intern Intelligence Operative
Riviera Partners, a leader in building senior management teams for emerging growth technology companies, is currently searching for an Intelligence Operative to join our growing team. In this exciting role, you will provide the principals with comprehensive research on the industry sectors that we are targeting. You will create and maintain a digital map of the top companies in targeted industry sectors. You will act as a talent scout employing our proprietary information systems and Internet search tools. You will leverage our extensive network of industry contacts and the telephone to identify the top management talent for our ongoing search assignments.
Submit your resume to jim@rivierapartners.net

Marina Del Rey Commercial Property Available
This offering consists of three buildings, each unique, which may be leased separately, or combined in several ways to accommodate a wide variety of uses. The entire exterior of this campus has just been completely renovated. The property is located 2 miles west of the 405 Freeway and 1 mile from the Marina Freeway, and is within minutes of LAX and blocks of the Pacific Ocean.
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