South Texas Funding Forum Issues Call for Angel Investors Seeking Promising Technology Startups.

Business Editors

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 16, 2002

STFF in its Second Year of Connecting Angel Investors with the Most

Promising Seed Stage Technology Startups in South Texas

South Texas Funding Forum, the only seed stage focused funding event covering Texas and Northern Mexico, today announced that they are now accepting registrations from Angel and Seed Stage investors to participate in the second annual South Texas Funding Forum Investor Showcase, taking place November 7th, 2002, at the Marriott Riverwalk Hotel in downtown San Antonio. The goals of the event are fourfold:

-- Bringing together Angel and Seed Stage Investors based in Texas and Northern Mexico with the most promising technology startups in the area.

-- Easing the Angel Investors' job by rigorously screening applicants, enabling them to focus on only the most promising technology startups.

-- Creating a nurturing climate for technology-based entrepreneurs by educating them on the intricacies of the funding process and the key components of a successful business plan.

-- Creating an atmosphere of growth for Texas-based technology companies.

After a successful event last year where four of the most promising technology startups were able to directly raise seed capital and many others were able to learn how to become fundable, the South Texas Funding Forum is poised to surpass last year's success. In July, the South Texas Funding Forum issued a regionwide call for entrepreneurs and technology startups interested in participating in November's event with the hope of securing seed stage funding.

How the Investor Showcase Works

Angel and seed capital investors from around Texas and Northern Mexico will be presented with ten technology start up ventures. The ten startups will be selected on criteria that take into account viable business ideas in need of reasonable funding support. Applicants will be rigorously screened, selected and groomed in preparation for their formal presentation to potential investors.

Entrepreneur Boot Camp

The STFF will hold a concurrent track for entrepreneurs, the Entrepreneur Boot Camp. This high energy, content filled workshop is designed to prepare entrepreneurs to pursue future funding opportunities. These sessions will focus on business startup issues such as: hallmarks of a successful business, getting the attention of investors, securing the investor relationship, and funding campaign do's and don'ts.

How to Register

Angel and seed capital investors interested in investing in the brightest technology people and ideas that Texas has to offer are encouraged to contact the South Texas Funding Forum at 210/458-2523, visiting the STFF website at www.stff.net, or by emailing [e-mail] for more information.

About the South Texas Funding Forum

The South Texas Funding Forum was the first, and is the only angel and seed stage event operating in Texas and Northern Mexico, bringing the most promising technology entrepreneurs and their unique new business ideas together with angel investors. The second annual South Texas Funding Forum is hosted by the SATAI Network (San Antonio Technology Accelerator Initiative) and by Angels SA. The STFF is supported by our Platimum sponsor, KPMG, and supporting sponsors, Frost Bank, Ernst & Young, Alan Weinkrantz And Company, CBIZ Valuation Service and Fulbright & Jaworski.