Keiretsu Forum Global

News from Barcelona re: Renewable Energy Conference

2008-06-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to inform you about the conference that Keiretsu Forum Barcelona organized last Fridayabout the present and future of renewable energy. We want to thank Jon Bonanno and Anna Weinstein for their wonderfull speech in front of our members and friends (about 30 attendance).

The speaker, Jon Bonanno <http://www.powerbyprinciple.com/about/management.php?id=jon> , is a very active member of Keiretsu Forum San Francisco and the leader of the Keiretsu Forum CleanTech Committee. He is responsible for analyzing and selecting CleanTech Companies in San Francisco.

Bonanno stressed the importance of the future of renewables, not only for the obvious fact that there is a problem with the environment and shortages of traditional resources, but also for the many business opportunities that may arise from renewables, because as noted Bonanno, it is estimated that in 12-15 years time, the consumption of this type of energy will increase to 50%.

In 2007 he founded Principle Power <http://www.powerbyprinciple.com/> , with Alla Weinstein <http://www.powerbyprinciple.com/about/management.php?id=alla> , who also participated in the conference. They have begun working on identifying projects in the United States and Europe. A couple of weeks ago, Principle Power closed $2,3M <http://www.powerbyprinciple.com/press/releases_convertibleNoteClose.php> seed funding convertible note round. The round included 8 Keiretsu Forum investors.

See a brief extract of the conference <http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5n5j2_conferencia-keiretsu-el-futuro-de-l_news>

For more information, please contact:
Marta Carballo
Membership and Operations Director
Keirestu Forum Barcelona

2008-05-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

Los ‘business angels’ de Keiretsu cierran su primera operación
Publicado el 12/04/2008, por Noemí Gómez. Barcelona

La sociedad inversora Edap 2007, que entró en contacto con la empresa granadina 3DVista a través del fondo, le ha inyectado 300.000 euros.
La mayor red de inversores privados de EEUU, Keiretsu Forum, aterrizó en Barcelona el pasado octubre de la mano de La Caixa, el bufete Roca Junyent, la Cámara de Comercio de Barcelona y el Parque de Innovación de La Salle.

Desde eLCntonces ya se han celebrado en la capital catalana cuatro foros, que son un punto de encuentro entre inversores y emprendedores. En cada uno de estos foros se presentan cinco proyectos –seleccionados de un total de 40– ante los miembros inversores de Keiretsu. A partir de entonces, si a algún business angel le interesa el proyecto de algún emprendedor, empiezan las tomas de contacto.

El primer fruto de la labor de celestina de Keiretsu en España ya se ha producido. La sociedad de inversores privados Edap 2007, que crearon hace un año ocho directivos que se conocieron en un programa del IESE, invertirá 300.000 euros en la empresa granadina de software para la creación de visitas virtuales 3DVista y tomará una participación del 25%. El resto se repartirá entre el fundador José Luis Ruiz (70%) y un empleado (5%). Costa, que está convencido de que acudirán a más ampliaciones de capital porque 3DVista está en pleno crecimiento, asegura que “hemos invertido en ella porque tiene un producto innovador y único, que permite cosas como ver la visita a pantalla completa o hacer unos retoques de fotos sensacionales”.

El directivo quiere dejar claro que su participación en el proyecto no se limita a poner el dinero: “Aportamos contactos, experiencia empresarial y capacidad de planificación estratégica”. Es precisamente ese plus estratégico lo que ha animado al emprendedor José Luis Ruiz a dar entrada por primera vez a un socio inversor en la compañía que fundó en 2000. “Nuestro software permite convertir varias fotos en un panorama inmersivo o visita virtual que hace que otro lo vea como si estuviera allí”, dice Ruiz. Hasta ahora sus clientes eran empresas de los sectores turístico e inmobiliario, que pagaban entre 200 euros y 800 euros por el software. Ahora quiere abrirse al gran público con una aplicación más sencilla y gratuita que se podrá utilizar desde el PC y desde el móvil. Más del 90% de sus 3.000 clientes, como Intel y Microsoft, se encuentran en EEUU. Por eso, la inversión de Edap les va a servir para reforzar allí su red comercial, donde abrirán una oficina en Filadelfia, y para crecer en España. 3DVista facturó 300.000 euros en 2007 y en 2008 espera llegar a los 2 millones.

Keiretsu Forum and the State of California

2008-04-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

The California Small Business Board advises the Governor, the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, and Marty Keller, the state's Small Business Advocate, regarding issues and programs affecting California's small business community, including business innovation and expansion, export financing, state procurement, management and technical assistance, venture capital, and financial assistance. Judith Iglehart, Keiretsu Forum Vice President, International, serves on the 11 member Board.

The Board is charged with holding public hearings to carry out the objectives of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency with regard to its responsibilities as a legislative advocate and ombudsman for the state's small business community. In addition, the Board approves the establishment of new financial development corporations.

Board membership includes the California Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing, six members appointed by the Governor from the California small business community, two persons from the business or agricultural communities, one appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly and one appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and two Members of the Legislature or their designees, one appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly and one appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. Iglehart is the Senate Rules Committee appointee.

Her goal as a Board member is to keep Sacramento informed as to equity gap funding issues and issues that affect California companies moving into international markets. In February, Marty Keller, Governor Schwarzenegger's Small Business Advocate and his Deputy, Michael Gonzalez visited the Keiretsu Forum East Bay to meet K4 Founder/CEO Randy Williams and participate in the K4 process.

California small businesses interested in learning more about state efforts to foster economic development and assist small businesses should visit: http://www.sba.ca.gov/index.php?a=smallbusiness/index.html or contact judith@keiretsuforum.com.

London Chapter Opens at Home House

2008-04-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

Under the leadership of Lord Beaverbrook, Keiretsu Forum London met at Home House yesterday to review companies seeking business angel funding in the UK. Prospective members and sponsors reviewed business plans and shared their expertise with the emerging companies. For more information about the companies presented and to request information about Keiretsu Forum London, please contact mbeaverbrook@keiretsuforum.com or log on to www.keiretsuforum.com/London.

Keiretsu Forum London

2008-03-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Keiretsu Forum London team led by Lord Beaverbrook hosts the first full meeting April 2, 2008. To apply to present your business, or to inquire about attending the meeting, which is by invitation only, please contact dborrero@keiretsuforum.com. Please check the K4 London calendar at www.keiretsuforum.com/london.

Keiretsu Forum London members join 750 K4 members worldwide with access to business flow generated in Barcelona, London, Beijing, Paris, East Bay (Founding Chapter in California), San Francisco, Silicon Valley, North Bay, Westlake Village, Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, Bellevue, Boise/Sun Valley, Portland, and Denver.

In 2005, 2006, and 2007 the Keiretsu Forum was a business angel leader in providing equity gap funding for emerging companies. Today, emerging businesses who receive Keiretsu funding are eligible to participate in our global financial syndication process.

K4 Founder/CEO Randy Williams interview on Bloomberg Asia

2008-02-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

Please take a few moments to watch a recent interview with Randy Williams, K4 Founder, that was recorded while he was in Malaysia at the invitation of the government to discuss business angel investing. The link is http://instantdailypro.com/blogs/angel-investors/13128/bloomberg-interview-with-randy-williams/

New Team for K4 Paris

2008-02-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

Shelley and Jack Bays, esteemed members of the Keiretsu Forum East Bay Chapter, were recently appointed co-Presidents of Keiretsu Forum Paris by K4 Founder/CEO Randy Williams. Both Shelley and Jack have extensive experience working internationally, and they have a home in Paris. Shelley was with Charles Schwab in London for many years, and Jack owned and operated an international beverage company. They will be joined at K4 Paris by another Schwab alumni with extensive EU experience.

The Paris Chapter will open in Q3 08, and more information will be available about the opening soon. Please reach out to sbays@keiretsuforum.com and jbays@keiretsuforum.com for more information about the Paris Chapter, to refer potential members, or to discuss potential sponsors.

Earthclass Mail featured on Start-up Junkies, a new reality show in the US

2008-01-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

Earthclass Mail, a Keiretsu Forum portfolio company that has raised several million dollars for its international expansion, is the featured company on Start Up Junkies, a new reality tv show.

Click here for the link to the first episode featuring Ron Wiener and his team. http://www.mojohd.com/mojoseries/startupjunkies/about.jsf

The show illustrates the problems faced by entrepreneurs, and explains the growth process they face as they seek funding to grow their new businesses. Keiretsu Forum northern California members were invited to the initial screening of the show last week.

Ron Wiener's company, which started in the Pacific Northwest, also presented in California and Colorado and traveled to Spain to present in Barcelona to off-shore members of the K4 investment community. Let us know what you think of the show.

Keiretsu Forum Barcelona Chapter meeting January 29, 2008

2008-01-25T07:59:00.000-08:00

If you are in Spain next week, consider attending the Keiretsu Forum Barcelona Chapter meeting that will be held at the Barcelona Stock Exchange on January 29 from 8 am to Noon. One company from the US, EvoOrganic, that presented in northern California will present to Spanish investors. This will be the third K4 US portfolio company traveling to the EU to meet our worldwide investors. EvoOrganic joins Earthclass Mail and Les Concierges as companies to watch in the EU as well as the US.

Keiretsu Forum Pacific Northwest creates blog for members

2008-01-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

Please venture to the new blog created by the Pacific Northwest Chapters (Seattle, Bellevue, Portland, Boise) to share information about activities. Chapter President Todd Dean edits the blog and provides information about the community of investors in his region. You can find the blog at http://toddk4seattle.blogspot.com/. On January 12, Todd posted an article of interest to all business angel investors:

5 Key questions for Angels by Todd Dean

"I get asked a fair amount what does Keiretsu Forum and our K4 members look for in companies when be consider for investing. I've narrowed it down to 5 questions that allow me to cut the chase to if I want to learn more about a company or not.

An entrepreneur will always start to share about their company to the ninth degree because it is their passion and dream which can take a fair amount of time. So I try to always keep this in mind when I'm speaking with an entrepreneur as to not rain on there parade no matter where the company is at in the growth cycle.

When I encounter an entrepreneur I ask them if they mind if I ask a few questions first before I hear about them and there company. 1) I ask if the company has any revenues? This will let me know quickly as to where the company is at from a life cycle and growth stand point. If it's pre revenue the the caution flag goes up for me but again every company starts pre revenue. With this question I ask what is their valuation? If they say pre 10 million pre revenues I wish them luck with their venture. I could spend a great amount of time on this one but I'll leave at I look for valuations between 1-10 million. 2) I ask the question do you have any IP (intellectual property), any patents, and patents filed? 3)What is the CEO/Founders back ground. I was in a wine bar one night last year having a glass of wine before heading home and I'm sitting next a gentleman. He had a fedex jacket I said oh you work for fedex and he yes but that's not really what I'm doing. We are working on a bio diesel play. My reply was oh really? He said yes we are planning on building our bio diesel plant and really building this thing out which it's going to be huge! I said we? He said yes me an my buddy that works with me at Fedex. I said well what's your back ground? He said we've been reading up on this and worked out our plan to build this. I said do you have anyone with this expertise or background in clean tech or energy space working with you? He said no. I said have you built a company like this? His answer was no. I said how do you plan to finance this and how much. He said we plan to go after private investors and he rattled off a big number and that's when my eyes rolled back in my head. The guy asks me what I do? I really didn't have the heart to tell him so I lied I said I'm a garbage man. 4) I'll ask who else is out there in the market place doing anything close to what they are doing and if they are the first market mover. If they say there is no competition again another caution flag goes up. If they explain where they are at with the competition or where they see the market going then I'll listen. 5) I ask what does their board of directors and advisory board look like? A smart entrepreneur is going to surround themselves with the best people possible that have industry expertise and something to contribute to the growth of there company. So when an entrepreneur says let me share more about my company. I literally know whether I want to listen to more or not at this moment. If its a company I feel Keiretsu Forum would consider I then will give them a business card, direct them to our website to apply online, or send them to Paul Luce our Keiretsu Forum NW entrepreneur director".

If you have questions for Todd, please contact him at todd@keiretsuforum.com.

Happy Holidays

2007-12-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to our colleagues across the world, and best wishes for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2008 as the Keiretsu Forum continues to expand globally thanks to you, our Members and Team, and particularly our EU Sponsors: La Salle University, Roca Junyent, La Caixa, and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.

With all best wishes from Randy Williams and Judi Iglehart.

Keiretsu Forum Global will expand in 2008

2007-12-12T22:31:00.000-08:00

The Keiretsu Forum is the fastest growing business angel investment group in the world with chapters on three continents. We look forward to additional off-shore expansion in 2008 and plans are underway to develop new chapters in regions of interest to our members.

That being said, we are also moving very slowly with off-shore expansion plans to make sure that the key ingredients are in place in interested cities, including the selection of the Chapter President(s), the economic infrastructure, local and international sponsorship, a thriving entrepreneurial community, and the support and interest of government.

Please join us as we map out this new territory for the Keiretsu Forum. We are looking for interns to train in the K4 process who are interested in working with us to set up the emerging Chapters. We are actively seeking K4 members and their associates to be part of our US advisory teams to the off-shore chapters. We are interested in knowing if our members are interested in learning more about the process of becoming a Chapter President. Finally, we are interested in business and member referrals to our existing chapters in Beijing, London, and Barcelona.

To become involved in the Keiretsu Forum Global Program please contact randy@keiretsuforum.com or judith@keiretsuforum.com. We welcome your advice and suggestions.

Keiretsu Forum Women meet in San Francisco

2007-12-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

Following the San Francisco Keiretsu Forum Chapter meeting yesterday, Bay Area women investors met to discuss issues of interest to them. Included in the discussion were topics for future Keiretsu Forum academies, including the fun of K4 Golf 101.

There was additional discussion about how best to serve women entrepreneurs who present at the northern California K4 Chapter meetings, including early intercession by women members interested in mentoring the emerging women owned businesses.

One suggestion was to reach out to other K4 women investors throughout the K4 community of investors by holding an event in conjunction with an event scheduled in southern California. You will receive more information as these plans develop.

Please contact Maggie Jacobberger at maggie@keiretsuforum.com to learn more about the exciting events and action items planed for the women of Keiretsu Forum.

Barcelona December Chapter meeting results

2007-12-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, 74 people atttended the December Barcelona Chapter meeting held at the Barcelona Stock Exchange. In addition to the Barcelona members (now numbering 33), invited guests came from Zaragoza, Madrid, Bilbao and Andorra to participate.

Chapter President Xavier Casares, Xavier did a great job encouraging participation among attendees. Members and guests asked questions and shared their points of view about the investment opportunities that were presented. The K4 model is taking hold as 13 members indicated their interest in participating at the upcoming deal screening. At that time, the members will select emerging companies to be presented at the Barcelona Keiretsu Forum meeting scheduled for January, 24, 2008.

Attendance at all Keiretsu Forum events is by invitation only. For inquiries about Keiretsu Forum Barcelona or more information about the Chapter meetings, please contact President Casares at xcasares@keiretsuforum.com, or marta@keiretsuforum.com. Information about the Barcelona Chapter can also be found at www.keiretsuforum.com.

December 11 K4 Meeting in Barcelona

2007-12-10T06:32:00.000-08:00

By invitation only, the Keiretsu Forum Barcelona meets the afternoon of December 11, 2007 at the Barcelona Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Barcelona). For more information about the meeting, please contact Chapter President Xavier Casares at xcasares@keiretsuforum.com.

Here is the summary of six very exciting new companies that will present at the December 11 meeting:

Company 1.- A free monthly magazine for immigrants that combines the interests and concerns of the Latin, Arabian and European communities. This company has great market penetration and audited circulation numbers, and is already recognized by major media agencies and the advertisers that want to reach immigrant audiences.

Company 2.- Develops and manufactures medical equipment in the respiratory area. In the medical sector there is a general consensus that spirometry is essential for the detection and control of diseases, but the current spirometry has several major drawbacks that makes mass distribution difficult. The company has a novel product that allows interpretation of test results to be easy and safe. All rights are protected.

Company 3.- The company operates and is part of the composites industry (a composite is a carbon fiber and resin material). Until now, composites materials have been used for industries where technological requirements are very high (for example: aviation industry, aerospace). The company wants to move into other land based sectors -- Nautical, rail, construction, etc. -- where there are fewer companies that develop and produce components based on the carbon fiber technology.

Company 4 .- The company has developed a vertical Internet search model specialized for the German and Spanish real estate markets. The size of the market for on-line search in the four major European markets (United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain) is growing very quickly as is the volume of its advertising contracts.

Company 5.- This software enterprise has more than 10 years of experience in digital communications, focused on content management and its distribution in digital channels such as Digital Earth Television and TvInternet, consolidated products on the market and customers that are leading the industry, such us CCRTV , Tele5, TVE, Grupo Planeta, Vocento and others. The company collaborates with Abertis, Telefonica, etc.. and partnerships with ATOS Origin, T-Systems, Iecisa, Adobe, etc.. The company already has 14 employees.

Company 6.- This company is dedicated to the manufacture of tools that optimize the energy of semiconductor chips. Their business objective is to reduce energy needs by about 50%, particularly in cell telephony where there is a clear need to reduce energy consumption. All the other recognized solutions that exist in the market (i.e., Cadence, Synopsys and Magma), are complementary to the industrial focus of this company. The founder and CEO of this company is based in California.

Keiretsu Forum Events for Women

2007-10-31T20:17:00.000-07:00

Dear K4 Women,

Our October events were well attended, especially the "Meet and Greet" Happy Hour hosted at Jackie Kleinman's home and the lunch following the October 18 Deal Screening on the USS Hornet.

Our next K4 WISE get-together will be next Tuesday, November 6 from 10:30am until 11:30am at the Hanson Bridgett law offices in San Francisco at 425 Market St, 26th floor. We will meet immediately following the "Angel Investing 101" Investor Academy at the same location. Please let me know if you plan to attend.

We hope to build upon the momentum we've generated thus far, and also encourage you to attend the following events:

"Angel Investing 101" Investor Academy
Speakers: Steve Kam and Annika Reinemann, Cogent Valuation
Tuesday, November 6 from 8am until 10:30am at Law Offices of Hanson Bridgett, San Francisco
425 Market St., 26th floor

This academy will focus on the ins and outs of making a sound angel investment and will be taught by valuation expert and K4 member Steve Kam. Topics will include: valuation, due diligence, and an overview of the term sheet.

K4 WISE Academy Follow-up
Tuesday, November 6 from 10:30am until 11:30am at Law Offices of Hanson Bridgett, San Francisco
425 Market St., 26th floor

Immediately following "Angel Investing 101," we will debrief about the academy and follow up on our discussion from the October 15 Happy Hour (see below). In addition, we will discuss topics for future academies, upcoming K4 WISE events, and additional updates.

Silicon Valley Dinner
Tuesday, Nov. 6 from 6pm-8:30pm: Hosted by Dana Kleiman at her Los Altos home

ASTIA Angel Dinner
Monday, Nov. 12 from 6pm-9pm at Nixon Peabody, San Francisco
One Embarcadero, 18th floor

We have a limited number of complimentary investor's passes to attend the ASTIA Angel Dinner and hear presentations from 10 VC screened and selected women-led companies. ASTIA's mission is to foster the full participation and leadership of women in entrepreneurship.

ExpandingYourHorizons. org Benefit Dinner at Google
Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 5:30pm until 9pm
Google Headquarters, Charlie's Cafe, Building 40, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway,
Mountain View, CA

K4 WISE Member Rachel Sheinbein would like to make the SF/Bay Area chapter(s) aware of the non-profit group, Expanding Your Horizons, which encourages young women in math, science, engineering and technology. She is on the board of this incredible organization, which holds conferences around the US and recently expanded into Asia and Europe.

On Nov 14th, there is an Expanding Your Horizons showcase: an evening benefit for the EYH network at the Googleplex. (Here's the link to the event: http://www.expandingyourhorizons.org/tickets.htm)

For more information about Expanding Your Horizons, please visit http://www.expandingyourhorizons.org/ and email Rachel at rachelsheinbein@yahoo.com with any questions. She would love to have you join her at her table at the event.

Angel Capital Expo
Friday, November Nov. 16 from 7:30am until 3:30pm
Please RSVP maggie@keiretsuforum.com for any of these events.

News from K4 Southern California

2007-10-30T19:24:00.000-07:00

News from Connie Koch, Co-President K4 Southern California:

Our three days of events, ending with the Expo, proved to be very good. We strategically planned the three days of events in Westlake Village, at Sherwood Country Club.

The reception on Sunday evening at the Westlake Village Yacht Club drew 75+ individuals for boating in Lear Boats. Everyone loved the cruise and it appears we might have positioned K4 member, Shanda Lear, for the sale of two Lear boats in the area.

We ended up with 100+ golfers for the tournament and everyone had great fun. We teamed Randy in a foursome with Bob Robotti, Founder of one of the nation’s largest sources for 1031 Exchange co-ownership properties. We may welcome Bob and his wife Marilyn as new members soon.

This is the beginning of what will come from these three days of events in Westlake Village.
We expected 105 individuals for the dinner following the golf , and ended the evening with more than 150 guests. Bob Robotti and his wife also purchased one of the cruises on a yacht donated by another K4 member. Randy, auctioneer that he is, split the auction on the cruise between two bidders, and actually sold two yacht cruises. The donator of the cruise(s) was elated and to this date loves that Randy pulled that one off.

Randy served as auctioneer, with the support of Chip, for the items that were donated by K4 members and was able to raise $7,000 + for the baby cancer foundation, just from K4 member donations. The balance raised for this charity was close to $20,000.

The Expo brought in 105+ attendees, with 10 presenting companies, 15+ TableTop displays and 12 Fast Pitches. Costs ranged from $1500 to $5000 per entrepreneur, according to their level of participation.

We have one new sponsor, 4 new members, 50+ prospects for membership from the golf tournament in the Westlake/LA area, and 2 new partnerships.

Presenting Companies at the Southern California Expo:

Alpha Omega Winery – Eric Sklar, is CEO of Napa Valley's newest boutique winery. Alpha/Omega is unique for selling the vast majority of wine directly to customers. The company's stated goal is to make some of the world's best wines.

ISIS – Robert Zwerling, CEO. He created a proprietary Probabilistic Reasoning engine (EPR), which provides an industry-leading solution in artificial intelligence for a compact, efficient, and effective security solution. The end result is that it secures the email gateway, eliminates spam, and frees up IT resources.

Aweli – Josh Paul, CEO, Co-Founder and Managing Partner. This is an interactive video marketing firm that creates marketing videos and places product in videos. The company can track exactly who watches each video in what form. In September 2007, this company was selected as “Best Investment Opportunity of 2007” at the Tech Coast Venture Network’s annual Survivor event.

Leading Ventures – John Rodenrys, CEO. Leading Ventures is a seed round venture fund that invests in early stage technologies that can be developed quickly and offer early exit strategies. The fund anticipates exit through early out licenses, acquisition by established companies in need of the technology or in-house commercialization of the technology. The fund seeks to acquire 10 – 15 technologies primarily in the Life Sciences and Homeland Security/Military spaces, maintain controlling interest in the technology through the mentoring process by the Fund’s advisory team and prepare the technology for commercialization by established companies.

Hidden Water Pools – Stefan Kanetis, Inventor, President, CEO. A revolutionary company that will dramatically reinvent outdoor living. Hidden Water Pools has created a multi-functional outdoor patio that transforms itself into a multi depth in-ground pool.

EtchStar – Ben Katz, Founder and CEO.
Etchstar is a Los Angeles-based on-demand laser customization company that offers online shoppers the ability to personalize electronic devices such as MP3 players, laptops, and mobile phones with nearly any digital image and/or text. The Company sells new products, including Apple’s line of computers and iPods, and allows customers to mail their current device to the Company for customization. They host the largest user-generated library of vector art, and allow artists to make royalties by selling their art on the various products they customize.

Rotec Designs – Robert Rutherford, CEO. Rotec developed a revolutionary diesel engine technology called REDD. When incorporated into a wide range of diesel engines (either via retrofit or at original manufacture), REDD offers the unique ability to generate significant reductions in BOTH harmful Particulate Matter (soot) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) emissions (of up to 70%); OR considerable increases in power (of up to 93%); OR a combination of both emission reductions and power increases; AND increases in engine efficiency and improvements in fuel consumption in some applications. Emissions are reduced "at source," rather than the traditional approach of treating them at the tailpipe.

Quantum Solar – James DeOlden, Founder. Quantum Solar proposes a manufacturable concept for dramatically increasing the efficiency of terrestrial silicon solar cells from the current 10-15% to the range from 60-80% or greater. The approach uses a nanotechnological effect that has been overlooked in the history of solar cell development and is supported by a U.S. patent application.

New Media Broadcasting Company – Scott Paige, Founder/CEO. This company works directly to consumer network providers for brands, content producers and affinity groups.

Waterfall Music – Arion Jay Goodwin/CEO. This is a therapeutic music collection.

For more information about the So Cal Expo and the presenting companies, or to inquire about Keiretsu Forum membership, please contact chip@keiretsuforum.com or connie@keiretsuforum.com. Connie Koch and Chip Parker are the co-Presidents of Keiretsu Forum Southern California with Chapters in Westwood Village, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

For more information on the EU Chapters

2007-10-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

Please contact Sr. Xavier Casares at xcasares@keiretsuforum.com, and Lord Beaverbrook at mbeaverbrook@keiretsuforum.com. They would be pleased to assist you or to answer questions about the Keiretsu Forum process in their respective cities--Barcelona and London.

K4 EU expansion--new Chapters in Barcelona and London

2007-10-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

The two newest K4 Chapters opened the first week of October. Twenty plus K4 members and Chapter Presidents from the United States traveled to Barcelona and London for the openings.

Highlights of the Barcelona trip included: an invitation to visit to the Barcelona Stock Exchange; more than 350 interested persons at a morning meeting at which Randy presented K4 at a panel with La Caixa Bank, the Roca Junyent legal firm, and the Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona followed by lunch and a later meeting for 80 potential members; a presentation by Ron Wiener of K4 portfolio company Earth Class Mail for the potential Spanish investors; outstanding media coverage in the Spanish Financial Times; introductions to interested business angel investors from throughout Spain and aspiring entrepreneurs from Spain and Germany; a soccer game at Olympic Stadium (Espanyol 1--opponent 0); one broken hand; one towed but recovered rental car; great weather, and a wonderful welcome for the US members by our new colleagues and partners in Barcelona and throughout Spain.

Highlights of the London trip included: an invitation to dine at Cherkley Court, the ancestral home of K4 London President Lord Beaverbrook at which Winston Churchill and other dignitaries were frequent guests; a meeting at Price Waterhouse Coopers arranged by Seattle K4 member Pascal Stolz; an introductory reception at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel for 80+ potential London members with company presentations including K4 San Francisco member Linda Jenkinson, CEO of K4 portfolio company Les Concierges and companies operating in London; sightseeing and shopping; Randy's visit to Cambridge to hear the Cambridge Union debate and tour the college; my night at the Old Vic seeing Diana Rigg in All About My Mother, and sitting next to Stephen Fry, who played Jeeves to Hugh Laurie's Bertie Wooster in the tv show, Jeeves & Wooster; and a wonderful welcome from our new colleagues and partners in London.

The members who accompanied us on these visits were from all of the K4 US Chapters: Pacific Northwest, East Bay, San Francisco/North Bay, Silicon Valley, Southern California, and Denver. Their participation, enthusiasm, and support for Keiretsu Forum activities worldwide added greatly to the successful launch of the new chapters.

All K4 members are encouraged to reach out to our newest Chapters. Many of you have already brought your European colleagues into the K4 network, and we would like to thank you for the introductions. Please reach out to Chapter Presidents Sr. Xavier Casares and Lord Maxwell Beaverbrook. You may reach them via the K4 webpage where their Chapters are listed.

More than 400 investors and guests and Keynote by ATT CEO Tim Harden

2007-08-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

Eight companies presented at the Northern California Summit and two portfolio companies gave updates of their success to date yesterday. Sectors included real estate, consumer products, finance, and IT. Each company addressed the investors and answered questions at individual booths and at hosted tables during the lunch following the meeting.

Following the presentations, guest speaker Tim Harden, CEO, AT&T West spoke about long-range planning in the communications industry.

For a list of the presenting companies, please see www.keiretsuforum.com.

Keiretsu Forum Seattle September focus on Clean Tech

2007-08-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

The article below was originally posted at http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/energy/archives/119545.asp sponsored by the Seattle Post Intelligencer through their on-line blog, seattlepi.com. The blog was posted by
Denis DuBois at August 7, 2007 at 7:37 a.m.

Clean Tech Companies Invited To Apply for Keiretsu Forum Consideration

The Keiretsu Forum NW on September 20, 2007, will feature clean technology companies.

Keiretsu Forum members provide early-stage capital in the range of $500K-$3 million. The process at Keiretsu (K4) is very structured and has resulted in over $17 million invested in 34 companies by Pacific Northwest members since the Seattle Chapter began in late 2005.

"This is our first forum featuring all clean tech companies," says K4/Seattle president Todd Dean. "We're looking for four or five companies whose business focus is directed toward clean technologies like biodiesel, wind technology and water purification. We feel it's important to support companies that reflect our Northwest culture."

Here's how to apply...
The first step is to complete a Fact Sheet document and submit it to Paul Luce, Entrepreneur Director, Keiretsu Forum Seattle/Northwest, and mention in the email that you read about it here.

Applicants could be invited to present to a screening committee of 25 members which meets typically the first Thursday of each month to review the top 8-10 submitted companies. K4/Seattle will contact applicants when they complete the pre-screening review. The web site provides an overview of the K4 process.

K4 is not a fund and does not invest as a LLC. Members collaborate on screening, due diligence and providing resource, but make individual investment decisions.

Contact:Paul LuceEntrepreneur Director - Keiretsu Forum Seattle/Northwest
(206) 529-3687 ext. 3
(206) 600-7849 Fax
www.k4seattle.com
Keiretsu Forum Seattle/Northwest
1325 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1840Seattle, WA 98101

Thanks to Scott Milburn of SGB Ventures and Todd Dean of K4 Seattle for the advance information.

Travelling to the Barcelona and London Chapter Openings

2007-08-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

All Keiretsu Forum Members and guests are cordially invited to join us for the launch of the Keiretsu Forum Barcelona Chapter on Monday, October 1, 2007 and Keiretsu Forum London on Wednesday, October 3, 2007. Please hold the date(s).

Following activities earlier in the day, the inaugural Barcelona meeting for K4 members and invited guests will be from 4-6:30 pm. The inaugural London meeting for K4 members and invited guests will be from 6-8:30 pm.

The location of each meeting will be provided closer to the dates.

The Keiretsu Forum is the largest and fastest growing North American/International angel network with more than 500 accredited business investor members. Since September 2000, Keiretsu Forum members have invested over $130 mm in 145 companies in technology, healthcare/life sciences, consumer products, real estate and other segments with high growth potential. Our community of investor members is strengthened through education on angel investing, as well as charitable and social activities.

These inaugural sessions will present opportunities to meet and hear from Keiretsu Forum US Chapter Presidents including Founder and CEO Randy Williams, and from K4 members from our soon to be 14 Chapter organization. In addition, we will have presentations from four companies who have passed screening in other regions and are undergoing the due diligence and/or funding process in Barcelona and London. There will be time to explore both cities and to meet our partners and sponsors.

The inaugural session agenda(s) will include:
* Welcome and Introductory Remarks by the Chapter President
* Discussion of the Keiretsu Forum model by K4 Founder/CEO Randy Williams and US Chapter Presidents
* Company presentations
* Mind share, Discussion, and Recap

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to judith@keiretsuforum.com. Guests and family members are always welcome at Keiretsu Forum meetings. We prefer that guests be either prospective investor members or future presenting companies. The Keiretsu Forum has a strict non-solicitation policy.

Travel and hotel reservations are being coordinated by Berkeley Northside Travel. Please contact Peggy Carpenter if you need help with hotel, airline, or other arrangements. There are several travel options, and Peggy will discuss dates with you and provide further information about scheduling and side trips in the host countries. Her email is: Email: peggy@berkeley4travel.com.

Berkeley Northside Travel
1824 Euclid Avenue
Berkeley CA 94709
Peggy Valim Carpenter
Phone: 510-225-0350
Fax: 510-843-7537
Cell: 510-599-7411

We look forward to seeing you in Spain and England the first week of October.

Correction Regarding London Chapter posting

2007-07-28T11:07:00.001-07:00

Thanks to San Francisco/North Bay Co-President, Matthew Le Merle, our gracious K4 resource on all things British, I would like to correct my note about the site of the London Chapter opening. Matthew tells me:

"The Financial District of London is called the City of London. The West End is on the other side of the central London area. So either the meeting is in the West End or it is in the City of London (Financial District), but they are different."

The correct site will soon be posted. Stay tuned.

National and International News

2007-07-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

Please note the following events in the US Chapters.

Starting in the Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Bellevue/Eastside, Boise/Sun Valley Chapters):

Thursday, August 9, 2007 Keiretsu Forum Summit Meeting
Sheraton Hotel Seattle, WA

Monday, August 20th 5th Annual Keiretsu Forum Golf for Charity Tournament and Gala
The Golf Club at Newcastle

The Golf for Charity Tournament is a major K4 fundraiser and all members are encouraged to attend. This is the first year that the event takes place in the Pacific Northwest. In 2008 the event returns to California, and it will return to Seattle in 2009. Please contact Todd Dean at todd@keiretsuforum.com for more information.

Northern California has a very full agenda in August:

In August the three Chapters (East Bay, San Francisco/North Bay, Silicon Valley), will present the quarterly Summit in the East Bay at ATT headquarters in San Ramon. This event brings together the 300 plus members from the 3 chapters on August 23. For more information about the Summit, please contact sonja@keiretsuforum.com.

The K4 Women's Initiative started in July in the San Francisco Chapter, and will meet for the second time in August. Membership is open to all women K4 members.

This new K4 committee will focus initially on:
1. Educational Academies for women angel investors
2. An entrepreneur outreach program for women-- A mentorship program to guide and direct aspiring female entrepreneurs by providing assistance with presentation skills
3. Angel outreach to the community--To educate and inform the community about the Keiretsu Forum and angel investing through alumni groups, professional organizations, the press, and to develop a new professional re-entry program for women
4. Committee activities and Charitable work

For more information on this exciting new group within Keiretsu Forum for our women members, please contact maggie@keiretsuforum.com.

Southern California (Los Angeles, Westlake Village, Orange County, San Diego)

The four-chapter SOCal Summit will be held August 14, 2007. Please contact connie@keiretsuforum.com if you would like more information about the Summit or have names of persons who might be interested in joining one of our Chapters in the Southland.

Los Angeles Chapter meetings are held at the Beverly Hills Country Club, and post meeting tennis matches are available to our members.

Denver/Rockies

Keiretsu Forum meetings are held on a regular monthly basis. For additional information about joining as an investor member, or applying to present to the group as an early-stage company, please contact:

Steve Murchie Chapter President, Denver/Rockies
smurchie@keiretsuforum.com
(720) 506-4454

Keiretsu Forum Global
Keiretsu Forum members in the US are cordially invited to join us in Barcelona, October 1, 2007 and London, October 3, 2007 for the launch of two new Chapters.

Travel arrangements are being organized by Peggy Carpenter at peggy@berkeley4travel.com. We have developed four packages for short and longer visits to the EU/UK, and Peggy can help with flights (including using frequent flyer miles), hotels (5*, 4* or 3*), side trips and tickets (Bilbao for the Guggenheim, etc. ). The London meeting will be in the Financial District (West End), and the Barcelona meeting will be in an historic building near the port.

We expect a good turnout from the K4 Chapter Presidents and our members. Please join us for what promises to be an exciting trip.

For information regarding the London and Barcelona openings, please contact judith@keiretsuforum.com.

Beijing, China

Keiretsu Forum has developed a Beijing Advisory team. If you are a K4 member doing business in the Far East and would like to become involved, please contact your Chapter President for more information, or judith@keiretsuforum.com. We welcome member referrals to the Beijing Chapter, and can provide information about orientation meetings there for prospective members.

2nd Annual Sun Valley meeting

2007-07-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

The Boise/Sun Valley Chapter will host the 2nd annual Keiretsu Forum meeting in Sun Valley, Idaho from July 15-19. Join the K4 team and take some time to relax, fish, hike, golf, swim, or mountain bike in the high country. Please contact todd@keiretsuforum.com for more information.