First Tuesday, the Global Entrepreneurial Meeting and Marketplace, Launches in Atlanta.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 15, 2000

World's Largest Technology Business Development Network

Makes Atlanta Premiere at The Biltmore, Dec. 5

First Tuesday (www.firsttuesday.com), the global networking phenomenon that connects entrepreneurs with capital, talent and technology, is coming to Atlanta with a gala opening event at The Biltmore on Dec. 5, from 6-9 p.m., presented by the Andersen Consulting Business Launch Centre, with supporting sponsorship by Adams Capital, Inc., Red Hot Law Group and others.

Three hundred leading technology entrepreneurs, investors, and professional service providers will gather in the Georgian Ballroom to eat, drink and make important connections. The program will feature remarks on "Imagining the eFuture" by Glover Ferguson, Chief Scientist for Andersen Consulting, but the true focus of the evening will be on bringing people together and starting new business relationships.

Since its founding in a London pub in 1998, First Tuesday has become the global meeting and marketplace for technology start-ups. First Tuesday events attract over 100,000 people every month in over 100 cities around the globe. Since its inception, start-ups worldwide have raised $150 million in capital as a result of First Tuesday events.

"The international nature of First Tuesday makes this launch an exciting opportunity for the technology community in Atlanta and the Southeast," according to First Tuesday Atlanta City Organizer Evelyn Ashley, founder and managing partner of the Red Hot Law Group. "Technology is increasingly a global business. By joining this successful network, Atlanta businesspeople can connect with investors, partners and business opportunities from around the world."

Mark Wolfe, lead partner for the Andersen Consulting Business Launch Centre, agrees. "Andersen Consulting has supported First Tuesday in cities worldwide precisely because we recognize First Tuesday's success in bringing together the ingredients for building technology businesses at the global level. At the Andersen Consulting Business Launch Centre, we are proud to be both the lead sponsor for First Tuesday's Atlanta debut as well as part of a strong board of advisors for First Tuesday Atlanta drawn from across the local and regional technology community. First Tuesday will help Atlanta's energetic technology scene reach funding, markets and talents far beyond our region."

In addition to its worldwide focus, another secret of First Tuesday's success is creating the right mix of people at the events themselves. Participants are identified by colored dots on their nametags. Guest lists are a careful mix of investors (red dots), entrepreneurs (green dots), and professional service providers (yellow dots). This system makes it easier for attendees to find the people they need to meet and ensures that the event can be productive for all, with no one category over-represented.

"Developing a successful business is not just about money, but about relationships between people," says Laura Meyer, U.S. Director of Operations for First Tuesday. "Plans to build a better mouse trap are nothing unless someone can finance its construction, oversee its development and provide guidance on selling more of them than anyone ever has. Success, therefore, is as much about bringing people together as the pieces of the business itself. First Tuesday makes these connections happen."

To attend the Dec. 5 event, interested participants should register at the First Tuesday Atlanta web site (http://www.atlantafirsttuesday.com) before Nov. 28. Due to demand and the need to balance the mix of attendees, registration does not guarantee a space at the event. Selected participants will receive an e-mail confirmation by Dec. 1. Those not selected will be encouraged to attend the next First Tuesday Atlanta event on Jan. 9.

For more information, visit www.atlantafirsttuesday.com or contact Dan McGirt at 404-575-1929.

About Andersen Consulting

On January 1, 2001, Andersen Consulting, the $8.9 billion global management and technology consulting organization, will change its name to Accenture (pronounced: ak-SEN-chure, similar to "adventure" and stressing "accent" + "future"). The firm is reinventing itself to become the market maker, architect and builder of the new economy, bringing innovations to improve the way the world works and lives. More than 65,000 people in 48 countries deliver a wide range of specialized capabilities and solutions to clients across all industries. Under its strategy, the firm is building a network of businesses to meet the full range of client needs--consulting, technology, outsourcing, alliances and venture capital. Andersen Consulting's home page address is http://www.ac.com.

About Adams Capital

Adams Capital, Inc. is a leading provider of strategic valuation and financial advisory services. The company designs custom financial solutions focused on achieving maximum after-tax profits and wealth for businesses and individuals. Adams Capital, Inc.'s extensive industry experience includes agribusiness, automotive, banking, distribution, entertainment, healthcare, high technology, insurance, manufacturing, real estate, retail, textiles, telecommunications and utilities. Its professionals' backgrounds in finance, accounting, engineering, taxation and law provide a solid basis for delivering opinions on a diverse array of valuation projects.

About Red Hot Law Group

Founded by Evelyn Ashley in March 1998, Red Hot Law Group of Ashley LLC is the boutique law firm of choice to the brightest stars in information technology, providing pragmatic legal and general business counseling to technology businesses in various stages of development, growth and operation.

About First Tuesday

First Tuesday (www.firsttuesday.com) is a global meeting place and market place, connecting people, ideas, money and services in the new economy. Founded in October 1998, it expanded in Europe through a grassroots network to 17 cities by September 1999. Since then, it has grown to 100 cities globally.

The company merged recently with Yazam, a leader in international seed-stage investing and business development. First Tuesday offers a full array of services ranging from business plan evaluation and seed funding to matchmaking events and online recruiting in order to accelerate business growth. Currently, there are more than 100,000 members in First Tuesday's global network. To date, more than $150 million in seed capital has been raised by start-up companies resulting from First Tuesday events and activities.

For further information, contact Tony DeFazio at Gregory FCA Communications, Inc. at 610-642-8253 or by e-mail at [e-mail].