2Know, Inc Comes Out of Stealth Mode; First On-line Commercial Intelligence Service on International Business and Culture.

Business Editors, High-Tech Writers

SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 2000

2Know Inc., the first global electronic media company to provide customized answers to international business and cultural questions, came out of stealth mode today. The company empowers corporate and government professionals with the information they need to operate effectively around the globe, via PC, PDA and wireless applications, in Internet time.

2Know is the largest, commercial intelligence database covering Asia, with 1.5M listings on 36 industries in 19 countries. Customers engaged in international business can research companies, people, products and markets and request special, customized information for business meetings and to execute business strategies.

For the past eight months, the San Mateo-based startup has been focused on developing its proprietary products on Asia. The 2Know, Inc. model is rapidly scalable to South America and Europe. Independent research firms have estimated the international commercial intelligence market at $50 billion.

2Know will target multinational corporations, law and accounting firms, banks, government agencies, including the US Military, in its marketing and sales efforts.

2Know's international business solution includes a multimedia database for cultural training, with 50 country-specific modules in elegant streaming video or on CD-Rom to help subscribers negotiate and communicate effectively in international business situations. The modules cover topics such as when a gesture may be insulting, when to have a lawyer present, how to conduct business during meals, and much more.

The first-of-its kind Internet application was founded by Narendra Rana, former International Business Executive with more than 15 years of experience at Knight Ridder and Lexis-Nexis, and a graduate of the India institute of Technology in Kanpur, to address the need for more customized, cost-effective searches of international business information rapidly.

"As one who traveled 100,000 plus miles per year on international business, I know that being prepared with accurate intelligence on the company and the culture is critical to win-win negotiations. Currently, there are no other media companies that address this need rapidly and affordably with customized answers," said Founder and CEO Narendra Rana. "Our first goal is to fine tune the product based on feedback from Beta clients. Then, we will launch vertical industry-specific products and services."

The 2Know management includes executives with experience from companies such as Beyond.com, Arista Knowledge Systems, Bell and Howell, Oracle, Thomson, Bank of America, and Barclays Bank.

A privately held electronic media startup, 2Know.Inc's corporate office is located in San Mateo, with technology development based in India. Data is collected by more than 200 researchers and a network of expert management consultants from firms such as Goldman Sachs and McKinsey.