Just five days left to apply for Astia Venture Showcase at Inspirefest in Dublin

Ireland’s major sci-tech event, Inspirefest, has teamed up with Astia to host its Venture Showcase in Dublin this summer. And investor-ready start-ups must apply before March 30 to qualify.

The Astia Venture Showcase is an exciting opportunity for investor-ready start-ups to access capital, as well as providing a platform for visiting international and local investors.

However, Astia specifically seeks start-ups that have at least one woman in a position of leadership, holding equity and significant influence. This is a fundamental part of Astia’s screening criteria and mission.

Astia CEO Sharon Vosmek presented a keynote and appeared in a frank and revealing panel discussion at Inspirefest 2015, and is eager to see what the Dublin start-up scene has to offer this year.

Diversity in leadership

“Astia and Astia Angels are delighted to return for a second year to Inspirefest,” she said. “The conversations and keynotes are the gold standard for innovation, investment and inclusion.”

Vosmek returns to the Inspirefest stage in 2016, with new research and data to share.

Also speaking at Inspirefest will be Victoria Pettibone, the managing director (investments) and vice-president of Astia, as well as other leaders in the sci-tech industry like VC legend Jeanne M Sullivan and Accenture’s Ellyn Shook, one of the world’s best chief human resources officers.

“Astia has been a long-time friend of ours, as its aspirations and pragmatism are so closely aligned to our own,” said Ann O’Dea, Inspirefest founder. “They look for clever, sustainable investments, with the proviso that the start-up has a diverse leadership team. It makes them perfect partners for Inspirefest.”

Those start-ups not lucky enough to be selected to showcase at the Dublin event may still be considered for the other annual events around the world, O’Dea added. “We are just so proud to be part of bringing the Astia Venture Showcase to our home city and country.”

When and where

Victoria Pettibone, Astia vice-president and managing director (investments)

Running from 12pm to 2pm, lunch will be held at Accenture’s offices, allowing investors to get back in time for afternoon proceedings at Inspirefest.

Start-up? Here’s what you have to do

Astia is currently accepting nominations for its Venture Showcase series, in particular, this special, one-off Venture Showcase in Dublin. This event series provides start-ups with a unique opportunity to present to qualified investors and to make valuable funding connections.

The series is supported by Google for Entrepreneurs, and there are no fees associated with applying or presenting.

Astia’s criteria can be found here but, generally, if yours is a promising, visionary start-up in a high-growth sector with at least one woman in a position of leadership (holding equity and significant influence), you can submit your application via Astia.org/apply.

To ensure that your company can be considered for the Astia Venture Showcase at Inspirefest, you must apply no later than 30 March 2016. Applications received afterwards will still be considered for Astia’s global Venture Showcase series, but may not be reviewed in time for the Dublin event.

If you’re not successful, there’ll be myriad opportunities to get insights and advice from Astia leaders and investors at other Inspirefest events, including the main conference.

Investor? Here’s why you should attend

Astia Venture Showcases provide investors with a premium opportunity to meet with and see pre-screened, high-potential, high-growth companies led by women.

The Astia Venture Showcase at Inspirefest will see four companies present and answer questions from the investor audience. Presenting companies are vetted by Astia’s global community of experts and each company is considered by more than 30 reviewers, including industry experts, C-level executives, serial entrepreneurs, and members of the Astia investor community.

Each year since 2003, more than 60pc of the presenting companies at Astia Venture Showcases have secured funding within one year of presenting.

Qualified early-stage investors who would like to attend the Astia Venture Showcase in Dublin will have to register here – and they are advised to be quick, as places are limited.

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. Book your tickets now.