Dear Friends of TiE Arizona --

2004 and 2005 have been great years for TiE and Arizona. During these past years we have begun to witness an ever-increasing alignment of the state, the business community and the universities in their collective efforts to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Arizona. Now, more than ever it seems, Arizona has recognized the importance a vibrant entrepreneurial economy plays in bolstering the competitiveness of the region.

TiE Arizona - The Arizona chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs (Talent Ideas & Enterprise) - has been active in promoting entrepreneurship since our inception in 1999. Our mission continues to be -- solely and simply -- to foster entrepreneurship through Education, Networking and Mentorship.

During 2003-2004, we've hosted over two dozen entrepreneurial events and have been honored by prominent guest speakers such as Pat Sullivan (founder, Saleslogix), Jack Selby (co-founder, PayPal), Ashok Rao (founder, Midcom & Prime Wave Communications), Jeff Capone (co-founder, Aligo), Ray Cohen (CEO, Cardiac Sciences), Dave Bennett (founder, Cyclone Commerce), and Dick Love (COO, TGen & founder of ILEX Oncology). We also have been proud to present TiE Arizona's first Angel Capital Forum -- Demystifying Angel Investing -- featuring local AZ angels and serial entrepreneurs Ronald Van Horssen, Mike Wolf, Tom Blondi and Dee Harris. And, for the third year running, TiE has brought together a panel of accomplished venture capitalists in our 3rd Annual Venture Capital Roundtable -- Mike Kucha (Timeline Ventures), Dinesh Patel (v|Spring Capital), Melissa Daniels (Morgan Stanley Venture Partners) and Lou Bock (BA Ventures). VC's including In-Q-Tel's Cathy Cotell and Valley Ventures' Jock Holliman have also graced us with their presence and insight. TiE's special events have included seminars on Market Analysis (with Semico Research), Stand-up Comedy Techniques for Sales (Tim Davis), Designing an Elevator Pitch (Alper Turgut, Jeff Capone), Entrepreneurial Finance (Paul Gasser), and Financing Product Development through SBIR/STTR Grants (Tech Continuum Ventures).

As 2004 comes to a close, we're looking forward to 2005 and 2006 as years of growth and opportunity -- with expectations for more numerous and fruitful Arizona ventures. To continue TiE Arizona's mission and activities over the coming years, I am very proud to welcome Srini Vasan, Director of eMove and TiE AZ Board Member, as TiE Arizona's fourth President. A graduate of Thunderbird - The Garvin School of International Management, Srini has been actively involved in managing the start up, operations and growth of eMove, Inc. (part of U-Haul International, Inc.). Srini is joined by a strong Executive Team that continues to dedicate their time and effort to help foster entrepreneurship in Arizona -- by facilitating connections amongst the entrepreneurially minded and by leveraging the global TiE network to educate and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs.

I sincerely hope you'll continue to participate in TiE and join me in welcoming Srini as TiE Arizona's new President.

Our next event is a holiday mixer at Farelli's Cinema Supper Club on Wed, Dec. 8th. If you haven't joined TiE Arizona yet, we encourage you to sign up for membership. TiE Arizona Members enjoy free entry into TiE's Monthly Events and discounted fees for Special Events.

On behalf of TiE Arizona, I look forward to meeting you in the months to come.

Warm Regards,
Anil

Anil M. Jain
President '03-'04, TiE Arizona

Vice President & Managing Director of Technology Ventures
Arizona Technology Enterprises, LLC