Speakeasy Adds Cornerstone Ventures Partner to Board of Directors.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2002

Neville Vere Nicoll, a Managing Director of Cornerstone Ventures,

LP Joins Broadband Service Provider's Board

Following $6 Million Funding Round

National broadband service provider Speakeasy today announced the appointment of Neville Vere Nicoll, a founding partner and managing director of Cornerstone Ventures, LP to its board of directors.

Vere Nicoll brings to the board of directors more than 20 years of experience as both a venture capital investor and CEO of venture backed companies.

"Neville played a prominent role in Cornerstone's decision to lead Speakeasy's most recent funding round," notes Michael Apgar, CEO of Speakeasy. "We were impressed with his sharp analysis and knowledge of the market. As we continue the national expansion of our network, we know his experience will be a strong asset to the board."

"Speakeasy has a method of rolling out new services and technology that is unique in this market because it is based on listening to the needs of the customer," Vere Nicoll adds. "By continuing its emphasis on customer service, the company can expect to win over discontented small business owners and consumers whose current DSL services are less than satisfactory, and convert dial-up consumers to high speed Internet access for better and more expansive digital entertainment offerings. I believe the buzz about Speakeasy will continue and we will see its customer base grow exponentially in the coming months."

Vere Nicoll began his career in 1983 as a founding partner in UK-based Beaverbrook Group, a venture capital and private equity fund that invested in healthcare companies in the United States and Europe. He then served as president and CEO of Soricon Corporation, a manufacturer of advanced document readers, and Kryptonics, a leading manufacturer of sporting goods products. In 1998, he co-founded Cornerstone Equities, LLC, a predecessor to Cornerstone Ventures, LP.

In addition to Speakeasy, Vere Nicoll currently serves on the board of directors for Tachyon, Inc., OneRealm, Inc. and SageCircle Group, Inc.

About Speakeasy

Founded in 1994, Speakeasy is the largest privately held, national Broadband Service Provider specializing in DSL. Fusing a high performance national network, award-winning customer service, superior Internet utility and content, and a wide range of pioneering value-added services, Speakeasy delivers a comprehensive online experience that redefines the broadband frontier for both businesses and consumers.