NVCA President to Discuss "State of Venture Capital"

Business Wire, Jan 8, 2008

CED Partners with NVCA to Host Jan. 22 Discussion at Brier Creek Country Club

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) today announced that they will host a free, public event featuring Mark Heesen, president of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) to discuss "The State of Venture Capital" on January 22 from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Brier Creek Country Club. Heesen will discuss recent investment activity and provide a snapshot of the venture capital landscape in 2008.

"North Carolina's economic vitality is tied to our emerging industries which are greatly impacted by venture capitalists," said CED President Monica Doss, "so we are excited for Mark Heesen to provide key insight on the venture capital trends in our area and beyond."

NVCA is national trade organization that fosters a greater understanding of venture capital and supports entrepreneurial activity and innovation. They believe venture capitalists play a critical role in the U.S. and global economies by supplying the risk equity capital and management expertise needed to build strong management teams and successful entrepreneurial companies. Heesen works closely with the venture capital community, developing NVCA policies and strategies, and directing the Associations national legislative and regulatory efforts.

"The contribution of venture capital investment has never been more important to the Research Triangle and to the nation as a whole," said Heesen. "The Research Triangle in particular has been a stellar example of how venture investment can transform and sustain a community through job creation and innovation. The year 2008 will bring exciting venture investments in information technology, life sciences and clean technologies and I am looking forward to sharing how we believe this region and the country will fare in the coming year."

Following this event, there will be a Q&A with Heesen and a networking reception. While there is no cost for this event, advanced registration is required by visiting www.cednc.org/nvca.> About the Council for Entrepreneurial Development

The Council for Entrepreneurial Development, headquartered in Research Triangle Park with a divisional office in Wilmington, is a private, non-profit organization formed in 1984 to stimulate the creation and growth of high-impact companies throughout the region. Since 2001, CED has helped triangle-area companies raise over $2.6 billion in venture capital. CED provides education, mentoring and capital formation resources to new and existing high-growth entrepreneurs through annual conferences, seminars, workshops and programs on entrepreneurial management and finance. CED is the largest and oldest entrepreneurial support organization in the nation with more than 5,000 members representing over 1,100 entrepreneurial companies, financiers and professional firms. For more information, visit www.cednc.org.

About The National Venture Capital Association

The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) represents approximately 480 venture capital and private equity firms. NVCA's mission is to foster greater understanding of the importance of venture capital to the U.S. economy, and support entrepreneurial activity and innovation. According to a 2007 Global Insight study, venture-backed companies accounted for 10.4 million jobs and $2.3 trillion in revenue in the United States in 2006. The NVCA represents the public policy interests of the venture capital community, strives to maintain high professional standards, provides reliable industry data, sponsors professional development, and facilitates interaction among its members. For more information about the NVCA, please visit www.nvca.org.