Authors: Matthew Le Merle, Raju Sharma, Tashfeen Ahmed, Chris Pencavel
The authors undertook this empirical, quantitative study to understand better how potential changes to copyright regulations might affect angel and venture capital investment in Digital Content Intermediaries. In the course of preparing the study, we surveyed 189 U.S. accredited angel investors and interviewed 24 prominent venture capitalists.
This report was financed by Google Inc.
Author: Matthew Le Merle
Black Swans—unanticipated, catastrophic events—are impossible to predict on an individual basis, but they regularly occur. Too often, the boards and leaders of large companies are unaware of the risks involved in these events, unnecessarily exposing their organizations, their shareholders, and themselves to grave consequences.
The solution to this problem is disrupter analysis. Disrupter analyses supplement the everyday work of the enterprise risk management (ERM) function and are often conducted by external parties. They are achieved using a four-step process that maps the shape of the company; collects and synthesizes a broad list of potential high-magnitude, low-frequency events; determines their consequences; and implements preventive measures to ensure that the company is adequately protected.
Author: Matthew Le Merle published in Strategy + Business Magazine
Disrupter analysis can help assess the risks of future catastrophic events. This article summarizes a more comprehensive perspective in which the author outlines a pragmatic approach for boards and executive teams to ensure they are better prepared for unexpected risks and disruptions to their businesses.
Authors: Matthew Le Merle and Nancy Michels on behalf of the Governor of the State of California, Bay Area Council, BayBio and Monitor Group
As announced by Governor Gray Davis, this Bay Area Life Sciences Strategic Action Plan forms the foundation of an overarching initiative by the state to promote California and the Bay Area as a center of innovation in Life Sciences. It describes the current context and frames the future vision for Life Sciences in the Bay Area. It also identifies critical priorities and sets forth recommended actions for fostering growth of Life Sciences in the region.
This Strategic Action Plan is a blueprint for government, universities, research institutions, companies, and economic development organizations to refocus cooperative actions that will have a positive impact on Life Sciences in the Bay Area, thereby strengthening the economy and enhancing the quality of life in the region and throughout California. It is intended to inform and educate policy makers and civic leaders about the importance of the Life Sciences industry cluster to the regional economy and to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the competitiveness of Life Sciences in the Bay Area.
Only 33 companies in the FTSE 100 have set targets for the number of women they have on their boards, despite calls by Lord Davies for them to have done so by now.
Davies had recommended in February that UK companies have 25% female board membership by 2015 and gave a target of August for them to set out how they intended to bolster female presence on their boards.
Research by Cranfield University published on Wednesday found that only 22.5% of all new boardroom appointments have been women – lower than the 33% recommended by Davies if his target was to be achieved.
Only 14.2% of boardroom seats in the FTSE 100 are held by women – up from 12.5% in 2010 – but still below the Davies target. In total, 21 women have been appointed to FTSE 100 boards since February.
Having been named one of the “Most Influential Women in Business” by the San Francisco Times each year from 2006 through 2010, it comes as no shock that Alison Davis acts as the current chair of the governing board for Women’s Initiative – a nonprofit organization providing resources for low-income women who want to start and build their own businesses.
Davis – elected as chair in 2010 – has been described as a devoted leader with the necessary enthusiasm and confidence to hold this position. Executive Director Nicole Levine has been involved with Women’s Initiative for 18 years and has worked with Davis throughout her two-year involvement.
Levine expressed much admiration for Davis and the work she has put forth, describing her as “absolutely committed, passionate and an effective leader,” adding that whenever Davis speaks within the community about the program, “people can’t help but want to get involved.”
Choosing a board member to represent the company is decided among an eligible pool of volunteers who have access to resources and human connections, think strategically and above all, have a high level of commitment and interest. Some of the board’s main priorities include making sure the staff adheres to the company’s mission, making certain the big-picture goals are on their way to completion, and deciding on the organization’s budget and meeting quarterly requirements.
When it came to choosing Davis, the nonprofit wanted someone who was devoted to helping women move out of poverty into economic development. Women’s Initiative clients, on average, give $1,000 back to the community – often having it ingrained in their minds to help others in the community that has helped them get on their feet.
Women’s Initiative clients include “The Front Porch” restaurant, “Pretty Pretty Collective” hair salon and “Beyond the Star” vintage clothing, all started by women who successfully completed the program.
Davis represents and oversees a team of individuals all dedicated to progressing the dreams of women trying to start their own business and better their lives. She sets a high standard of quality within decision-making and is serving as a role model for the board and clients.
