Astia's CEO Sharon Vosmek being interviewed by Siliconrepublic.com's managing editor Elaine Burke at Inspirefest 2015
Led by Sharon Vosmek, the Astia Angels network has made its first European investment in the food hygiene technology company OZO.
As Astia CEO, Vosmek last made an appearance in Ireland at last June’s Inspirefest in Dublin where she spoke of Astia’s aim of funding companies where there is at least one woman in a position of leadership, holding equity and significant influence.
The UK-based company OZO, founded in 2012, develops products that use electricity to transform water and salt into disinfectants for the food production and food processing industries.
In doing this, it significantly reduces the power, water and hazardous chemicals used to clean and disinfect food manufacturing environments, as well as protecting crops from common plant diseases.
Along with Astia, the Wheatsheaf Group has also made an undisclosed investment in OZO. Wheatsheaf targets companies that will contribute solutions towards meeting the global challenge brought about by a rapidly-changing world population and its demands for food, energy and water in the face of climate change.
As the lead angel in this investment from Astia, Vosmek said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled that our first investment outside of the US is into such an incredibly impressive leadership team alongside such a reputable co-investor.
“Astia Angels member investors around the globe are participating in this deal: from Silicon Valley, New York and Boston to London and Frankfurt, reflecting the truly global nature of our network and our vast ability to identify high growth potential companies led by women. The potential for OZO is extremely exciting and there was real enthusiasm for this investment and team from our members.”
Astia Angels will be meeting with the best Irish and European start-ups at Inspirefest 2016 in Dublin this summer. Watch this space!
Inspirefest is Silicon Republic’s international event connecting sci-tech professionals passionate about the future of STEM. Join us again from 30 June to 2 July 2016 for fresh perspectives on leadership, innovation and diversity. Get your Super Early Bird tickets now.
