Silicon Valley Bank Sponsors and Participates in Springboard 2001: Silicon Valley on February 1

Santa Clara, CA -- February 1, 2001 -- Silicon Valley Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Silicon Valley Bancshares, will be a sponsor of and contributor to Springboard 2001: Silicon Valley, a conference serving as a showcase for women-led startups seeking first-, second- and third-round investments. The conference will be Thursday, February 1, 2001, at the Oracle Conference Center at 350 Oracle Parkway in Redwood Shores, Calif.

Springboard 2001 is co-hosted by the Forum for Woman Entrepreneurs (FWE), an entrepreneurial organization for women building and leading high-growth technology and life sciences companies, and the National Woman's Business Council.

"Our first event, Springboard 2000, was an unprecedented success for us," says Denise Brosseau, CEO and co-founder of FWE. "From a pool of more than 350 applicants, 26 highly-qualified candidates were chosen to present their business plans to over 300 accredited investors, partners and sponsors. These women-led businesses have collectively raised more than $260 million in venture capital since the event, reflecting the tremendous strength of the companies involved."

Four employees from co-sponsor Silicon Valley Bank (Barbara Kamm, Heather Hamilton, Diane Thompson and Terri Auwaerter) have been involved in the preparation for Springboard 2001: Silicon Valley. The Bank's employees initially screened the applicants, interviewed the second round finalists, coached the business plan presentations, will judge the "dry run" rehearsal and will observe the presentations the day of the event.

"This event is important because it reflects the Bank's commitment to helping women obtain venture capital funding and grow their high-tech businesses," said Barbara Kamm, executive vice president of Silicon Valley Bank, and member of the National Board of FWE. "Women-founded or owned businesses get only 5 - 6 percent of total venture capital funding, mainly because they don't have the contacts or the experience to attract venture investment."

For more details on Springboard 2001: Silicon Valley, or to register to attend, go to www.springboard2000.org.

About Silicon Valley Bank

Silicon Valley Bank serves emerging growth and middle market companies in targeted niches, focusing on technology and life sciences, while also addressing other specific industries in which it can provide a higher level of service and better manage credit through specialization and focus.

The Bank operates throughout the Silicon Valley: Santa Clara, Palo Alto and Sand Hill, the center of the venture capital community in California. Other regional offices within California include: Irvine, Los Angeles, Napa Valley, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Sonoma. Office locations outside of California include: Phoenix, Arizona; Boulder, Colorado; West Palm Beach, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Durham, North Carolina; Portland, Oregon; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Austin, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Northern Virginia; and Seattle, Washington.

SVB Contact: Andrea McGhee, (408) 654-3078, amcghee@svbank.com.