Eighth Annual Mass High Tech All-Stars Program Recognizes Innovation

Boston, Mass., October 24, 2003 — Mass High Tech, the Journal of New England Technology, announced this year's 13 All-Stars at a networking reception held at Boston's Museum of Science. The reception was sponsored by Goulston & Storrs, Grant Thornton, and Invest UK.

According to publisher Mark Pillsbury, Mass High Tech's All-Star program, now in its eighth year, recognizes New Englanders from all sectors of the technology community who help make the region a center of innovation.

Pillsbury said, "The program spotlights the region's most innovative leaders whose achievements are most likely to affect how we work, live or play today and in the future."

This year's Mass High Tech All-Star in Finance is Joan Parsons, chief banking officer of Silicon Valley Bank, the primary banking subsidiary of Silicon Valley Bancshares (Nasdaq: SIVB). Parsons, who has 22 years of banking experience, leads SVB's Commercial Bank sales force from the company's Northeast region based in Newton, Mass.

Jim Malone, Mass High Tech editor, said, "In New England's high tech world, the Mass High Tech All-Stars are those people who set the bar that much higher."

"It is a pleasure to honor these outstanding members of New England's technology community," Malone added, "Mass High Tech wishes them further success, success that's sure to benefit everyone."

"For 20 years Silicon Valley Bank has been dedicated to one mission — helping entrepreneurs succeed," said Joan Parsons, chief banking officer, Silicon Valley Bank. "I'm honored to accept this award and I share it with my local team and a company that supports and encourages enterprise and innovation among its employees. Our goal is to work closely with technology and life science companies to understand their opportunities and struggles and do what it takes to help them continue to innovate and prosper."

About Silicon Valley Bank
Silicon Valley Bank provides diversified financial services to emerging growth and mature companies in the technology and life sciences markets, as well as the premium wine industry. Through its focus on specialized markets and extensive knowledge of the people and business issues driving them, Silicon Valley Bank provides a level of service and partnership that measurably impacts its clients' success. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., the company serves more than 9,500 clients across the country through 27 regional offices. More information on the company can be found at www.svb.com.