Cenetec Launches esemde wireless messaging as First Company In Boca Raton Technology Accelerator.

Business Editors/Technology Writers

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 7, 2000

esemde wireless messaging, a B2B start-up founded to provide wireless access to the Internet for existing mobile phones, is the first firm to enter Cenetec's Boca Raton technology accelerator.

Cenetec President Scott Adams, whose company is establishing a series of technology accelerators throughout the InternetCoast, and esemde President Stephen Dye made the joint announcement today. A 20-year telecommunications industry veteran, Dye has served as a principal consultant designing wireless PCS networks in Europe and North America. The native of London, England has authored publications including two books on global positioning systems (GPS), and numerous technical articles on telecommunications and satellite navigation.

"Stephen's versatile technology has the potential to transform the way existing mobile phones are used, allowing them to interact with the Internet. That technology makes esemde an ideal fit with Cenetec's focus on high growth potential companies," explained Adams. "The accelerator concept is geared to companies that must maximize a narrow time window and seize market share. esemde has identified a gap in the market, and will move quickly."

According to Dye, Cenetec provides esemde with "resources and most importantly, guidance from proven Internet entrepreneurs. Cenetec's multidisciplinary team understands and appreciates the tech aspects, while supplying the strategic business input needed to speed our development track."

The start-up has just moved into offices within Cenetec's 25,000-square-foot technology accelerator at Blue Lake Corporate Center in Boca Raton, Florida. Headquartered at that facility, Cenetec expects additional companies to begin moving into the accelerator space this month, according to Adams.

Cenetec is the technology accelerator company led by accomplished Internet entrepreneurs. It infuses Internet startups with the strategic guidance, technology "braintrust", facilities, business resources and capital access to rapidly accelerate high growth potential products and services to market.

Cenetec is developing a series of technology accelerators, with the first two located along the InternetCoast in Boca Raton and Miami, Florida. Headed by Cenetec founder and Internet pioneer Adams, the executive team includes CEO Bill Hager, COO Jeffrey D. Rubenstein, CTO Dr. Richard Ford and General Counsel Bob White. The company's venture capital investors include Rock Creek Capital, HIG Ventures, Interprise Technology Partners and Sun Capital Partners. Cenetec is headquartered at 4950 Blue Lake Drive, Suite 900, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, 561-981-0200. More information is available at http://www.cenetec.com.