We Own It, Summit Comes to London

Thursday, 9th June 2011

Second Annual ‘We Own It Summit’ Convenes in London to Explore Women’s Participation in High-Growth Enterprises.

Cherie Blair and Baroness Wilcox to speak about the role of women in business

London - 1 June, 2011 - The second annual "We Own It Summit" convenes in London on the 9^th and 10^th of June 2011, featuring Cherie Blair and Baroness Wilcox among its keynote speakers. Business and thought leaders will explore the lack of women's participation in high growth enterprises and identify solutions to move forward.

By setting out to achieve realistic long and short term goals, with the help of its participants, the summit aims to bring down the barriers that face female entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators.

The summit, which will attract some of the leading business, academic and policy brains in the world, is organised by Astia - a not-for-profit global organisation with the aim to increase the number of successful women-led startups in high-tech, life sciences and clean-tech industries. Astia works with selected companies to accelerate their fundraising and growth.

Cherie Blair, wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, will be in conversation with Sharon Vosmek, CEO of Astia, at the event. Blair is the founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, which promotes women entrepreneurs in countries where they lack equal opportunities. She is also one of the founding barristers of Matrix Chambers, which has been lauded for its exceptional human rights work.

Joining Mrs. Blair as keynote speaker is Baroness Wilcox, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills. She will be discussing the new age of women entrepreneurs and their high-growth firms. The Baroness is one of England's most eminent businesswomen, having worked for the Automobile Association, Port of London Authority and Cadbury Schweppes among others.

Vosmek said she anticipates a highly successful event. She added: "It's very important that we recognise women in innovation and entrepreneurship. Having notable speakers such as Cherie Blair and Baroness Wilcox in attendance is an honour."

The Ewing Marion Kaufmann Foundation, Imperial College Business School, Silicon Valley Bank, SNR Denton, and NESTA are sponsoring the summit that will take place at Imperial College on June 9^th and 10^th.

With an exciting list of notable speakers, the "We Own It Summit" will bring together some of the brightest minds to tackle the issue of female participation at board level in growth companies as well as improving their visibility.