ESPION International Inc. Announces 5-for-1 Forward Stock Split.

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- E-mail gateway security maker ESPION International Inc. (OTC:EPLJ) announces that the company's board of directors and shareholders have approved the forward split of the company's common stock. Shareholders of record as of Nov. 11, 2005, will receive five shares for every one common share held. There will be no change in the par value of such shares. The forward stock split will be effective on Nov. 14, 2005.

Acting President Ryan Smith commented, "The board deemed it advantageous to forward split the stock of the company to increase liquidity, create a broader ownership, promote capital investment and enhance shareholder value."

ESPION International Inc., a Costa Mesa-based company, is the foremost in development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence-based solutions for e-mail gateway and network security. The current ESPION product range offers appliances for e-mail gateway security, anti-spam and secure e-mail.

Bellwether Venture Capital Fund I Inc. is a fund regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The fund provides both investment capital and managerial assistance to emerging growth companies domiciled in the United States that meet certain investment criteria and demonstrate strong growth potential. The fund is managed by its Registered Investment Adviser, Bellwether Advisers LLC. The fund's advisers include securities lawyers, investment professionals, investment bankers and business development personnel on staff to provide the fund's portfolio companies with managerial assistance throughout the investment relationship.

Note to Investors

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements as to anticipated or expected results, beliefs, opinions and future financial performance, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include projections of revenue, profit growth and other financial items, future economic performance and statements concerning analysts' earnings estimates, among other things. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause ESPION's actual results to differ materially.

In addition to the factors discussed in this release, other risks and uncertainties include: the uncertain economic climate and its impact on the markets in general or on the ability of our suppliers to meet their commitments to us, or the timing of purchases by our current and potential customers and other general economic and business conditions; the timely development, production or acquisition and market acceptance of new and existing products and services, including our ability to accelerate market acceptance of new products and services; shifts in market demands, continued competitive factors and pricing pressures and their impact on our ability to improve gross margins and profitability, especially in our more mature offerings; short product cycles, rapidly changing technologies and maintaining competitive leadership position with respect to our solution offerings; tax rates; ability to execute our business plan; turnover of workforce and the ability to attract and retain skilled employees; availability and successful exploitation of new acquisition and alliance opportunities; changes in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the resulting impact, if any, on the company's accounting policies; continued efforts to establish and maintain best-in-class internal information technology and control systems; and other factors detailed from time to time in the company's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reports and the company's annual reports to stockholders. The company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.