Brand3 Secures $2 million in Seed Funding.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 22, 1999--

Leading Venture Capital Group and Angels Recognize

the Potential of Unique Internet-based Relationship Building

Solutions for Branded Organizations

Brand3 Inc., a leading developer of Internet-based relationship-building programs for branded organizations, has completed its seed round of venture funding. The infusion of $2 million from Trans Cosmos USA Inc., Silicon Valley Angels, Colman Partners and individual investors will enable Brand3 to launch its first programs on schedule, in early 2000.

Featured as one of the `Five Hot Startups' during Internet World's Internet Investment Forum this year, Brand3 offers branded organizations a unique selection of proprietary GluOn(TM) software, relationship-building and viral marketing processes, as well as free Internet services such as access, e-mail and chat. Remarkable for its ability to reach consumers and business people when they are both on and off the Internet, Brand3 offers new branding, marketing and sales capabilities to merchants--exceptional capabilities that have been recognized by these early investors.

Trans Cosmos USA Managing Director James Geddes sees tremendous potential in the Brand3 solution. "We reviewed a number of companies offering related programs and none came close to the power and sophistication of Brand3's approach," said Geddes. "The tremendous response already generated with minimal exposure shows that sophisticated marketers are welcoming Brand3's approach with open arms. This is the first solution that allows organizations like online e-commerce merchants and bricks and mortar retailers to extend their brand and marketing message beyond banner ads and limited portal plays."

Brand3 co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Peter Mansfield explains, "Our charter investors have recognized the viability of our model for major brands. It's clear that out-of-context, intrusive banner ads are a very poor way for branded organizations to build and maintain customer relationships on the Internet. We have created the first truly balanced approach that not only provides merchants with a powerful direct channel to the desktop, but also builds a more compelling Internet experience for the merchant's best customers."

Using Brand3's GluOn software, an organization places its logo permanently on the desktop of customers who have opted into promotions or have requested free Internet access, e-mail or chat services offered by the merchant. The branded GluOn logo serves as the entry point to a tailored and configurable suite of content, links and resources that enhance the computer user's online and offline computing experience.

The Brand3 approach guarantees that the merchant's brand receives significant exposure within a dynamic and highly controllable marketing and selling environment. This enables the merchant to precisely target product and promotional messages to specific demographically desirable groups within their customer base.

About Brand3 Inc.

Brand3 targets its programs at merchants looking to establish close, durable relationships with their target audiences via the Internet. Founded in Spring 1999 by a diverse team of experienced Internet professionals and visionaries, Brand3 develops dynamic marketing environments that improve the Internet experience for both merchants and consumers. The solution offered by Brand3 includes proprietary features and approaches that allow merchants to build true one-to-one relationships that drive sales online and offline. Merchants can also take advantage of sophisticated viral marketing techniques to extend their reach to the desktops of increasing numbers of consumers across the Internet. For more information about Brand3, visit the Web site at www.brand3.com

About Trans Cosmos USA Inc.

Trans Cosmos USA is a strategic international investor and an active local business partner for U.S. Internet-based technology companies expanding into the Japanese marketplace. Trans Cosmos USA is the international partner-of-choice, offering capitalization of joint ventures, infrastructure development, strategic relationships, staffing and localization to companies in the American technology sector--effectively creating a pipeline of technological information to Japan. Its portfolio, which focuses on companies specializing in new media, e-commerce, customer care and marketing services, includes such marquee brand names as DoubleClick Inc., RealNetworks Inc., Net Perceptions Inc. and NetRatings Inc.

If you would like to receive personalized news releases regarding Brand3, contact Cyrena Hillyard at [e-mail].