Ashley Molina

Larta Institute is a leading 'innovation hub' based in the U.S. with the mission of improving the transition of scientific and technological breakthroughs from the lab to the marketplace, where they can solve pressing issues, enhance economic opportunities and better people's lives. As a private non-profit professional services firm, Larta designs and implements commercialization programs and provides policy advice for its clients across the globe to maximize the commercial potential of publically funded R&D in life sciences, cleantech, agriculture, chemicals, advanced materials, electronics and information technology. Larta Institute was founded in 1993 to identify, nurture, and promote promising early-stage high-tech and life science companies in the Los Angeles area. Since, Larta has expanded its business, amplifying its sphere of influence throughout the world. Since 1993, Larta has helped over 3,000 entrepreneurs from 17 countries in developing strategic relationships and raising over $1.5 billion in capital. Larta's Commercialization Assistance and Global Bridge Programs help entrepreneurs address viable market opportunities and bridge the gap between an innovative technology and an economically-viable product. Participants have raised over $433 million and generated more than 3 new jobs per company on average, with almost 40% of new jobs being conceived during the program. Silicon Valley Venture Capital firm, T2 (see profile), is formally affiliated with Larta.