Global Entrepreneurs Programme Expands in California with Appointment of Ken Cannizzaro; Silicon Valley Veteran to Identify Promising Early-Stage Technology Companies for Innovative Business Development Program.

NEW YORK & SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The UK Trade & Investment's Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP) today announced that it has appointed Ken Cannizzaro as a senior advisor with responsibility for the California market. A successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur for more than two decades, Cannizzaro will be responsible for identifying early-stage companies with disruptive technologies and strong growth potential in the European market.

Cannizzaro joins a worldwide group of GEP "dealmakers," who play a unique role in the venture landscape today by acting as a counsel, coach and strategist, all at the same time.

Beyond offering business and entrepreneurial expertise, the dealmakers provide access to the broader range of resources available through the GEP, which helps companies with all aspects of establishing a global business. The GEP facilitates introductions to financing sources, technology and management expertise and provides assistance for entrepreneurs to locate their operations in the U.K.

"The GEP offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs worldwide. While many governments have assistance programs and incentives for small- and medium-sized enterprises, the GEP is the only organization that is specifically geared to promote and advance entrepreneurship and exceptional talent wherever it may be," said Cannizzaro. "Working with the GEP, I look forward to enabling more entrepreneurs to bring their businesses to the global stage."

Cannizzaro joins Peter Holden, the GEP's director of East Coast operations, who has been with the GEP since 2004. "Dealmakers bring start-up companies years of experience, savvy and a deep understanding of the technology sector," Holden said. "These are precious resources for an early-stage company, and it often spells the difference between growth and stagnation. Our dealmakers provide expertise that most entrepreneurs could only get the hard way - by painful trial and error."

Cannizzaro has vast experience in entrepreneurial management, business development and intellectual property commercialization. As a technology executive and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of domestic and international operations, sales and marketing experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the GEP.

"Ken's years of experience and strong contacts in Silicon Valley will prove invaluable in tapping into the country's largest pool of entrepreneurial talent," Holden added. "Together we hope to enable an ever increasing number of entrepreneurs and early stage companies, who are normally below the radar screen of larger venture capitalist firms, realize their business goals."

Since its inception in 2003, the GEP managed to record a 100 percent year-on-year increase each year in the number of entrepreneurs it has assisted. Nearly 40 have participated in the program to date, and the GEP has helped secure more than US$120 million in financing for them. Companies based in the U.S. accounted for 70 percent of GEP assistance last year.

"The GEP's main goal is to enable entrepreneurs from all over the world to succeed and achieve their dreams in an increasingly competitive and global marketplace," noted Derek Goodwin, Head of the Global Entrepreneurs Programme. "The rapid growth of our client list is a testament to the success of our program, and we are thrilled to have as accomplished an entrepreneur as Ken on board. He will be instrumental in expanding the reach of our program in this very important market."

During his career, Cannizzaro has worked with a variety of software, hardware, communications and professional services companies, including Tadpole Technology, Massachusetts Computer Corp., Digital Equipment Corporation and Xerox. His entrepreneurial experience includes the founding of Technology Services, a successful San Jose based consulting firm, and the co-founding the Danzante Resort in Mexico, voted one of the top 10 boutique resorts in the world by Conde Nast Traveler. Cannizzaro has also served as a key management member of four start-up companies.

Most recently, Cannizzaro was Vice President Licensing at IPVALUE Management Inc., where he managed and executed intellectual property commercialization programs for British Telecommunications and Xerox Corporation. Additionally, Cannizzaro holds patents in areas of satellite communications and has extensive experience in intellectual property, technology license and PTO process.

About UK Trade & Investment and The Global Entrepreneurs Programme

UK Trade & Investment is the government organization that provides integrated support services for UK companies engaged in overseas trade, and foreign businesses focused on the UK as an inward investment location. For more information visit the web site at www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk.

UK Trade & Investment launched the Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP) in 2003 as a new approach to economic development. The GEP champions new business ideas by bringing together entrepreneurs and those who can best guide them towards success in the UK. Dealmakers act as a liaison between the government and entrepreneurs. For more information visit the GEP website at www.entrepreneurs.gov.uk.