Madrona Venture Group Chosen to Participate in Microsoft Investor Connection Program.

Business Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 14, 2001

Madrona to Support the Microsoft.NET Platform and Deliver

.NET Products and Services to Select Portfolio Companies

Madrona Venture Group, a leading Seattle-based, early-stage venture capital firm offering extensive investment, technology and entrepreneurial experience to the largest portfolio of Pacific Northwest technology companies, today announced that Madrona has been selected by Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) to participate in the Microsoft Investor Connection Program (ICP).

Madrona, one of only a few firms chosen to participate in the exclusive program, will identify a select number of companies within its portfolio best positioned to support Microsoft's .NET platform and services. Under the terms of the program, those companies have access to the following resources:

 -- Discounted hardware/software product bundle solutions and product support services  -- Co-marketing opportunities with Microsoft  -- Discounts on MSN media buys  -- Vouchers for certification training  -- Sponsored time in Microsoft Technology Centers  -- Complimentary technology strategy consultation  -- Invitations to quarterly VC roundtables and other seminars 

"Our selection of Madrona for the Microsoft Investor Connection Program speaks to the firm's reputation in the VC community and the quality of technology supporting our .NET platform and services efforts within its extensive portfolio," said Peter Boit, vice president of E-Commerce at Microsoft. "We believe that offering our products, solutions and services to Madrona's portfolio companies can help with the success of these emerging businesses by increasing their agility and enabling them to quickly grow and succeed in the fast changing and competitive Internet business environment."

The Microsoft Investor Connection Program (ICP) is designed to help build relationships with select Venture Capitalists who act as direct technology influencers to emerging businesses. This program offers VC's a new way to partner with Microsoft by providing a conduit to .NET and XML Web Service-related solutions, services and products to help optimize the success of their portfolio companies.

"We're excited and proud to be one of the few firms chosen nationally to participate in this far-reaching program," said Chuck Hirsch, Managing Director, Madrona Venture Group. "Many of our companies are well-positioned to standardize on the .NET platform and benefit from the development of XML web services. Access to special events, consulting, marketing and pricing discounts on Microsoft technology is yet another benefit we can offer our portfolio companies, helping them accelerate growth of their businesses while preserving their hard-earned capital."

About Madrona Venture Group

Madrona Venture Group LLC (www.madrona.com) is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on Information Technology in the Pacific Northwest. The firm targets investments with an emphasis on communications and networking, infrastructure and platform technologies, and consumer and business software and services. Madrona's team combines deep venture experience, technology knowledge and entrepreneurial and business-building expertise to select and grow the strongest investment opportunities. Based in Seattle with a presence in Portland, Oregon, Madrona manages a $250 million fund, and its extensive portfolio represents an invaluable network for entrepreneurs and those seeking access to the most diverse and promising set of companies in a thriving technology region.