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Balderton Capital on its Investment Strategy and its Investment in My-Wardrobe
Online fashion is a hot topic at this moment. Natalie Massanet sold part of upmarket online fashion platform Net-a-Porter, Sylvia Cody of private sales club SecretSales got investment from Brands4Friends and Sarah Curran of My-Wardrobe, which sells affordable luxury clothes and accessories, secured a $9 million Series A lead by Balderton Capital.
Harry Briggs, Balderton Capital at The Big Kitchen Dinner
Time for a series of interviews in the fashion industry, the first one with Harry Briggs and Dharmash Mistry from Balderton Capital, one of Europe’s leading venture capital firms, on their investment in My-Wardrobe, and on what they are looking for in a company to invest in it.
“I’d estimate that only 5% of the business plans we receive are from female entrepreneurs. We’re eager to see more…”
Your recent investment in My-Wardrobe, what are the top 5 reasons why you invested in this company at this moment?
My-Wardrobe [founded in 2006, ed.] has a great team [The company has 85 employees based across the central London and Nottingham offices, ed], led by female entrepreneur Sarah Curran. They have excellent relationships with top fashion brands like Mulberry, By Malene Berger and Vivienne Westwood Anglomania – and these are hard to build in online fashion. They have a rapidly growing, loyal customer base. And they’re a leading brand in a market, online fashion, that’s rapidly moving online: so it’s a huge opportunity; we have taken a significant stake in My-Wardrobe and Dharmash Mistry [the former managing director of Emap Consumer Media, ed.] will join the Board.
Were you ‘inspired’ by the success story of Net-a-Porter? How?
Of course: Net-a-Porter have demonstrated that large numbers of people will buy fashion from the top fashion houses online, at full price, and with average orders over €600. I don’t think many people thought that was possible until Natalie Massenet led the way.
What will be the biggest hurdle to make this investment and/or company a success?
In fashion, you depend on having superb buyers picking the right clothes to buy for the next season. Buy too little, and you disappoint your customers; buy too much, and you’re left with unsold stock and a cashflow problem. Mywardrobe has one of the best buying teams in the business, but it’s always a delicate balance.
You invest in many different industries; how do you get your required knowledge for various industries? Read more
The Growth of E-Commerce Inspires Many Entrepreneurs to Set Up an Online Business
It seems that every entrepreneur wants to start the next Ebay of….. And so we have seen a rise of online shops, which may be due to the rapid expansion of the web and technology industry, the easy implementation of online payment systems and the availability of low interest credit cards. As a consequence, not only is the number of online consumers increasing, but also the number of many successful and growing online retail businesses.
The future of e-commerce looks very promising. Eurostat/nVision predicts that it will only take a few years before the European population buying online increases by 70%.
“E-commerce penetration is currently around 5%, expected to get to north 15% – 30 to 40% for the most bullish of the group.” Investor Fred Destin
As online payment is now so common, many entrepreneurs set up the next online marketplaces and shops, inspired by the success of online luxury fashion retailer Net-a-Porter celebrating its 10th anniversary, and just sold for 350 million pounds and a creative publishing platform Blurb, which grew under Astia’s wings to a turnover of 45 million dollars.
The growing industry of e-commerce gives plenty of room for innovative creations, we name a few of the e-commerce entrepreneurs and their businesses:
Mama Tea is a webshop founded by female entrepreneur Anna Louise 
Simpson. As she struggled to find a tea flavour she liked during her pregnancy, she decided to create her own range of tea flavours which are now for sale on the website.
Founded by Matt Rutledge, Woot blends e-commerce and community and is centered on the different item for sale online each day. Although similar to Groupon and other daily deals sites, the success of Woot is translated into its partnership with Yahoo!Shopping and acquisition by Amazon. Read more
Female CEO of Optinose Raises $48.5 million Investment
Helena Kyttari Djupesland (middle)
Avista Capital Partners, a leading private equity firm has committed to invest $48.5 million in OptiNose. OptiNose, which was founded by Dr. Per Djupesland in 2000, has extensively tested its nasal drug delivery device under the leadership of female CEO, Helena Kyttari Djupesland.
Last year Optinose participated in the Astia Programme in the UK for women led companies who are seeking investment and presented at the Investor Forum. This latest investment puts last year’s UK funding success rate of all participating Astia companies at 57%!
OptiNose has developed an innovative nasal drug delivery technology that enables administration of
drugs deep in the nasal cavity, enabling the treatment of both local and systemic disease. In conjunction with this investment, OptiNose will reincorporate in the U.S. and move its headquarters from Oslo, Norway to Yardley, PA.
WFD Ventures, a New York-based venture capital firm specializing in medical technology investing, will also maintain a significant stake in the Company and continue to actively support the development program.
Peter Miller, the President and former Chief Executive Officer of Take Care Health Systems, a
business Mr. Miller co-founded and sold to Walgreens, has been appointed the new Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and will serve on the OptiNose Board of Directors.
Ms. Djupesland and Mr. Djupesland said, “We are delighted to welcome Peter Miller and Avista
Capital Partners to the OptiNose team. We strongly believe in our technology, which solves many of
the common problems associated with current nasal drug delivery techniques. With Peter’s leadership
and healthcare background, and the support and deep healthcare experience offered by Avista and
WFD Ventures, we are confident in our ability to leverage our device’s potential with many
compounds.” Read more
Female Entrepreneurs in Europe get ready for High Growth Business
Sharon Vosmek, CEO Astia
An elite group of European female entrepreneurs are coming together this week in London to connect with experts, potential investors and other experienced entrepreneurs. All have the ambition to build high growth businesses and go for funding rounds in the coming months. The programme is designed by Astia, the premier accelerator of women-led companies based in Silicon Valley, which expanded to Europe last year.
We spoke with Sharon Vosmek, CEO of Astia.
Why an ‘investor readiness’ programme that targets female entrepreneurs?
Astia exists because still today women-led start-ups account for only 10% of the UK venture-backed deals. We believe that the opportunity to increase this percentage exists. The programme itself is no different than what men would benefit from as well. It is simply, that we specifically target companies with women on the founding team because they are under represented in the market.
What is the biggest gain that companies get from this programme?
Astia clients gain access to a global network of investors, serial entrepreneurs, corporations, and value-ad service providers – men and women – who are committed to ensuring the success of the Astia clients. We focus on three fundamentals for the clients we serve 1) access to capital; 2) ensuring high growth; 3) development of the leadership of the women on the founding team.
Do you see these entrepreneurs change their behaviour during this week?
Astia entrepreneurs identify the Astia programme, network, and resources as transformational for their businesses and for themselves as business leaders. They arrive as exceptional entrepreneurs leading technology companies – they depart as exceptional entrepreneurs armed with an understanding of the current state of investment and a global network at the ready to help them address the challenges of growing a high growth business.
Are there any differences you see between US entrepreneurs (who follow the New York or Silicon Valley programme) and European entrepreneurs, who follow the London programme? Read more
Secretary Hillary Clinton announces Three Significant Women and Girls’ Initiatives at Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship
Hillary Clinton
Secretary Hillary Clinton announced today three Significant Women and Girls’ Initiatives at the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship. Delegates, including from over 50 nations had a 2 day discussion about how to collectively promote global entrepreneurship. The full text of the speech of Hillary Clinton can be found here and the video of speech of Hillary Clinton here.
“Women entrepreneurship will be a focus of US foreign policy”, said Hillary Clinton.
First, the Secretary announced the “Secretary’s Innovation Award for Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment,” in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation.
The Secretary has invited women and girls to submit initial concept papers outlining pioneering approaches to the political, economic and social empowerment of females. Two essayists will be selected to receive an Innovation Award in the form of a grant of up to $500,000 with which to expand the scope of their idea.
The Secretary also announced the “Secretary’s Fund for Women and Girls,” a State Department-led public-private partnership committed to providing flexible, rapid, targeted, and high-impact grants to nongovernmental organizations working to meet the critical needs of women and girls around the world.
Lastly, she announced the Department of State Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is seeking applications for the TechWomen program. The program will link approximately 20-40 emerging female leaders from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the West Bank and Gaza, who have at least two years of professional experience in the field of technology, with female peer mentors in the United States for a four- to six-week mentorship program.
Sharon Vosmek, of Astia, the premier venture accelerator that targets exceptional start-ups with women on their founding teams, was present at the Summit and strongly supports the initiatives:
“Data shows that innovation, whether in business, sciences or the arts, requires gender diversity. Yet, opportunities for women continue to lag those available to men,” said Sharon Vosmek, CEO of Astia. “We applaud Secretary Clinton, Read more
Our Next Funding & Pitching Event including Pitching Sessions for Women-Led Start-ups
The NextWomen Funding & Pitching & Networking Evening - 26 April, 2010
The NextWomen, in partnership with Astia, invite you to an event in which you can meet, interact and learn from experienced men and women that know all about funding for both start-ups and growing businesses. Spend an evening in the intimate setting of the Loyens & Loeff Law Firm offices gaining insight into how to raise the financial capital you need, whilst networking with fellow entrepreneurs over prosecco, wine and sushi.
Practice your Pitch, and Win a Seat in the Astia Doing it Right Programme in London
The NextWomen offer the exclusive opportunity to 6 women to try out their funding pitches before a Panel of Experts and Investors. It is a unique chance to profit from these experts’ insights, and to receive feedback and suggestions on your funding pitch before you throw yourselves in front of the lions. The winning pitch will have a seat guaranteed at the Astia Doing it Right Program in London on May 4-7.
Date: April 26 2010, from 6.00 to 9.30pm
Location: Loyens & Loeff in the City (near Bank)
More details and Agenda, Click here
Inma Martinez - Stradbroke Advisers
Andrew Nutter – Balderton Capital
Tracy Scribner – MMC Ventures
Maria Dramalioti-Taylor - Business Angel
Simone Brummelhuis - Astia Board & CEO of the NextWomen
Attendee Early Bird (Before April 15th) - £39.00
Attendee Late Ticket (After April 15th) - £49.00
Pitching Workshop & Competition – £75,00 (requires that you purchase an attendee ticket prior to submitting your executive summary, the remaining amount will only be charged if you are selected)
To book your ticket, click here.
If you want to pitch your business, you must purchase a normal ticket and send us an executive summary or high-level pitch for your start-up. The 6 best start-up applications will be invited to join the afternoon workshop, from 3 to 5pm, and pitch to our panel of investors in the evening. The £35 difference for the pitching tickets will only be charged if you are selected, directly by The NextWomen.
About Astia and the Winning Prize:
Doing it Right in London: Programme Overview
In Europe, select entrepreneurs can experience Astia’s hallmark Doing it Rightprogramme that has resulted in a greater than 60% funding success rate for prior participants.
Doing it Right London is a programme where exceptional entrepreneurs enhance their company’s ability to attract funding and cultivate invaluable relationships.
Through candid discussions led by local investors and seasoned entrepreneurs,Doing it Right increases participants’ understanding of the current state of venture capital and angel investment.
Entrepreneurs gain important skills and insight when Doing it Right – from developing an effective fundraising strategy, negotiating term sheets, navigating the due diligence process, to leading a successful company. Doing it Right is current, fresh and relevant.
Select entrepreneurs receive:
- Introductions to leading VCs and angel investors through investor-led panels and workshops
- Presentation skills coaching by a leading expert
- Increased business acumen and executive leadership skills
- Expert advice from VCs, angels and successful entrepreneurs
The NextWomen Announce their 2010 Pitching Day
Join female entrepreneurs, managers and consultants of the Web at The NextWomen 2010 Pitching Day, Tuesday 16th March 2010, in group Workshops and 1:1 Clinics to learn the art & science of pitching skills for convincing investors, customers and partners to do business with you.
 cc: flickr flyfshrmn98 |
The event, which consists of two morning workshops run in tandem, followed by an afternoon 1:1 business clinic in which entrepreneurs can tackle any business dilemma – large or small – with a selection of industry experts, allows entrepreneurs to optimise their pitching skills with a day designed to their own specific needs.
BOOK NOW
Tickets start from £75 for early bird – workshop only – and go up to £150 for full day tickets (morning Workshop + afternoon 1:1 Clinic).
Entrepreneurs can pick from one of two workshops:
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Workshop Option 1 – When, Where and How to Pitch to Investors
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How to find the Fastest Route to Funding
Learn how to:
- Choose the right financing approach for your business
- Pitch to different types of investors
- Make sure potential investors take note of your business plan
- Retain a majority stake of your business
For more information visit The NextWomen 2010 Pitching Day page
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Workshop Option 2 – The Art & Science of Pitching to Customers and Partners
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What your Body is Saying Behind your Back
Learn:
- The power to influence, present and communicate your value proposition
- How we influence and communicate our business ideas to other people
- How to influence people more effectively by developing and extending your range of non-verbal skills
- How to read and adapt your style to achieve the greatest impact.
- The art & science of non verbal communication
For more information visit The NextWomen 2010 Pitching Day page
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1:1 Business Clinic
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Building on knowledge gained in the previous workshops, entrepreneurs will get in-depth 1:1 help and support on issues of their choice, tailored exactly to their needs through the use of exercises and advice from an expert of their choice.
For more information on the experts in attendance, possible topics for help and how it works, visit The NextWomen 2010 Pitching Day page.
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DETAILS
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| Date: | Tuesday 16th March 2010 |
| Location: | Sun Microsystems, Regis House, 45 King William Street, London, EC4R 9AN |
| Workshops: | £75 Early bird – Before March 1st (Includes drinks and refreshments) |
| £100 Full price – After March 1st (Includes drinks and refreshments) | |
| Full Day: | £150 (Includes workshop, 1:1 time with 2 experts, lunch, two snacks and drinks) |
The Clinton Global Initiative is Empowering Girls and Women Through Information and Communication Technologies
![Laptops for children in Africa cc: Flickr Lil[Kristen Elsby]](http://thenextwomen.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/laptop_flickr-LilKristen-Elsby.jpg "laptop_flickr Lil[Kristen Elsby]")
Laptops for children in Africa cc: Flickr Lil[Kristen Elsby
Since 2005, CGI has:
- Brought together more than 100 current and former heads of state, 10 of the last 16 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, hundreds of leading CEOs, heads of foundations, major philanthropists, directors of the most effective nongovernmental organisations and prominent members of the media.
- Made more than 1,400 commitments valued at $46 billion
- Improved the lives of more than 200 million people in more than 170 countries
- More than three million people have better access to information technology
- More than $600 million has been invested in or loaned to small and medium-sized enterprises
- Almost three million micro-entrepreneurs have been empowered through microfinance
The 2010 CGI ation areas include: Empowering Girls and Women; Strengthening Market-Based Solutions; Enhancing Access to Modern Technology and Harnessing Human Potential. Of the 12 new initiatives/commitments in place to empower girls and women, 4 focus on the advantages of information and communication technology:
Plan USA and its Partners
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Commit over the next three years to:
- Train 140 adolescent girls from Ghana in media production and journalism skills, Read more
IP Strategy: Are you getting the most out of your IP? Seminar invitation, London UK
All businesses have some forms of Intellectual Property (IP) and need to make an informed decision as to how to use IP to create a competitive advantage. Creating an IP strategy helps businesses focus on their key IP assets and how best to protect, develop and maximise the value of IP with the available budget. This event is aimed at businesses with valuable IP or who are developing valuable IP.
BOOK NOW
The NextWomen discount code: Nextwomen2010
This event will allow attendees to:
- Understand the value of their IP
- Learn how to develop their IP from an IP Lawyer, an Investor and a panel of successful entrepreneurs
- Recognise their IP in all its forms
- Finance, exploit, and protect their IP
- Understand the basics of copyright, patent and trademark law in the UK
- Appreciate the importance of an effective IP strategy
- Tackle any overseas IP issues
- Ask questions of the speakers and panel members and network with 100 fellow entrepreneurs
Where and when
- Date: Thursday 4 February 2010; 6pm to 9 pm
- Location: The Terrace Restaurant, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NEW DAB
Tickets
- Cost: £25
- Exclusive £5 discount for NextWomen readers and members when you use the following discount code: Nextwomen2010
- Purchase online
Agenda
- IP Strategy, Introduction and Legal Issues – Robert Pocknell, Keystone Law
- IP Strategy, Investor’s and Practitioner’s Approach – Andy Tait, Pembridge Partners
- Panel Discussions
- Networking and Refreshments
To register, and for further details, including the bios of speakers and panel members, please visit the event booking page, and don’t forget the special discount code: Nextwomen2010
The 49 Most Notable Female Internet Heroes of 2009
2009 has endured the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and yet female start-ups are growing in numbers as more of our lives are spent online. We have compiled our list of notable 2009 Female Internet Hero achievements. Far from exhaustive, if you feel you should be added to the list let us know as we will be adding to the list:
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The Digital Government Hero
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Martha Lane Fox is appointed the Government’s Digital Inclusion Champion
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The Launch Heroes
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Sarah Prevette launches SprouterWhich asks entrepreneurs the question “What are you working on?” |
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Paola de Leo and Co-Founder Colin Firth launch Brightwide
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Penelope Trunk of Brazen Careerist launches a professional social network for Generation Y
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Mr and Mrs Tom Harrow (Former Microsoft programmer) relaunches Findababysitter.com
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Deirdre Bounds launches Parties Around the World
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Sarah Beeny launches Tepilo
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Rajeeb Dey and Leah Magoye (Africa Representative) launches Enternships
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Michelle Dewberry launches Chiconomise
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Natasha Friis Saxberg launches Mentory
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Stephanie Phair and Net-A-Porter launch TheOutnet.com
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Michelle Gallen launches Talk Irisha social network for Irish language learners. |
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Anja Beerepoot launches Female FactorA network for women who like to share and show their talents |
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The Queen relaunches the Royal websitewith a Buckingham Palace reception and guests including Sir Tim-Berners Lee.
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Kim Mance of Galavanting launches travelblogexchangeA platform where travel bloggers can congregate, offer tips, advice and support to each other. |
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Shaa Wasmund launches SmartaA combination of Linkedin, Eventbrite and Meetup for UK entrepreneurs |
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Sophie Cox and brother Charlie launch WorldekaA social network with a conscience. |
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The Fundraising Heroes
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Dr Fran Crawford secures £500k investment from the Aspire Fund for Altacor
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Polly Gowers secures £350k investment from the Aspire Fund for Everyclick
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Gina Bianchini and Ning raise $15m and named as one of Fastcompanys 20 Most Influential Women in Tech
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Marina Tognetti and Myngle secure €950,000 fundingThe online platform linking teachers and people achieves government backed funding totally almost €1m |
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Jana Eggers and Spreadshirt Announce €10 million investmentfrom Accel and Kennet Partners.
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Alicia Navarro and Skimlinks raises two rounds of fundingLed by Sussex Place Ventures, the first round was believed to be in the region of £700k and the second £900,000c |
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Lesley Eccles of Hubdub achieves £810, 000 in fundingfrom Pentech Ventures, Scottish Co-Investment Fund and additional Angel Investors.
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The Career Heroes Read more
BOOK NOW!
AWARDS
