The WeTalk Network Announces $1.5 Million W R Hambrecht + Co Investment

Business Wire, March 8, 2000

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 8, 2000

The WeTalk Network, Inc., leaders in the business of providing complete technology and methodology solutions to companies creating rich, vibrant online communities, announced today that it has attracted its first $1.5 million of a planned $2.0 million Series A Preferred round of funding. William R. Hambrecht and his W R Hambrecht Co are providing the funds, which will be used to fund product development and marketing efforts.

"We are pleased and excited to have Mr. Hambrecht's name and confidence associated with us," said Dan Shafer, company founder, chairman and CEO. "We are driven by a fundamental belief that online community is the `killer app' of the Web, and we know how to help our clients maximize the potential of their online communities."

"We have confidence in the WeTalk Network plan, its vision, and the market they are going after," said William R. Hambrecht, CEO of W R Hambrecht Co. "Community is clearly a major play on the Web and the We Talk Network's role as a key infrastructure provider of technology and methodology will help Web-based communities become more vibrant and profitable."

The WeTalk Network solution features personalized content, discussions that are moderated through patent-pending agent-based technology, and a system of user rewards. "The combination of these unique features creates enormous opportunities to build loyalty that is far more powerful than traditional rewards programs," said Shafer.

About WR Hambrecht Co

WR Hambrecht Co is an online investment bank founded by Silicon Valley pioneer Bill Hambrecht. The company is dedicated to leveling the playing field for investors by using technology to provide transparency in capital markets. The firm leverages its expertise in the technology arena to find early investing opportunities for its clients. WR Hambrecht Co is active in investment banking, electronic brokerage services, private equity, mergers and acquisitions advisory services, research, trading and electronic underwriting through its OpenIPO system. WR Hambrecht Co has offices in San Francisco, New York and Philadelphia.

About The WeTalk Network, Inc.

Headquartered in San Mateo, California, The WeTalk Network, Inc. provides a complete, superior community-building solution for companies looking to create customer loyalty through engaging, high-quality online communities. The WeTalk Network solution is designed to provide people with a common interest an engaging and rewarding community experience, adding value for both the user and site owner. The WeTalk Network tools for personalization, rewards, and moderation, combined with WeTalk's community building methodology, provide a powerful loyalty solution for online businesses of all kinds. For more information on The WeTalk Network see www.wetalknetwork.com, email solutions@wetalknetwork.com or call 877-632-TALK.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Name Hambrecht Co should appear with an plus sign between `Hambrecht' and `Co' throughout the release. This symbol may not transmit properly in all systems.