SANTA CLARA, Calif. and BOULDER, Colo. –– May 9, 2011 — TechStars, a mentorship-driven seed stage investment program, added Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) as a national sponsor to help start-up companies build their business and obtain seed or venture capital financing. Silicon Valley Bank is a financial partner to technology and life science companies of all sizes worldwide.

"For nearly 30 years we have been dedicated to the innovation sector and our intent has been to increase a start-up company's chances for success," said Mike Devery, market manager for Silicon Valley Bank's Central Division and national coordinator for the TechStars sponsorship. "We are eager to share our knowledge and expertise with some of the country's brightest entrepreneurs and interesting new technology companies through our relationship with TechStars."

"TechStars makes a dramatic impact on each TechStars company by surrounding them with members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem who want to see their success," said David Cohen, Founder and CEO of TechStars. "In addition to our incredible network of mentors, this ecosystem includes businesses like Silicon Valley Bank that support start-ups through their services. By partnering with like-minded businesses that also believe in supporting innovation and start-ups, we can have a greater impact on the entrepreneurial community."

As part of its sponsorship, Silicon Valley Bank will offer certain of its services at special rates to TechStars companies. TechStars Boulder, Colorado program begins on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Interested entrepreneurs can apply for future programs with TechStars online at http://www.techstars.org/apply/

Dedicated to entrepreneurs and start-ups, Silicon Valley Bank's Accelerator Program helps emerging companies make the right business connections, meet potential investors and handle basic business banking activities. As companies grow, they will continue to work with Silicon Valley Bank's experienced bankers who offer a comprehensive suite of financing solutions, treasury management, corporate investment and international banking services.

About TechStars TechStars is an elite, mentorship-driven start-up accelerator. The TechStars philosophy focuses on deep mentorship, and surrounding small programs with highly engaged members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem to coach and support them to success. The TechStars community currently includes more than 250 mentors, more than 1000 investors, and 78 alumni TechStars companies. TechStars currently operates 5 programs each year: Boulder, Boston, Seattle, New York (winter) and New York (summer).

About Silicon Valley Bank Silicon Valley Bank provides commercial banking services to emerging growth and mature companies in the technology, life science, private equity and premium wine industries. 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 clients around the world through 26 U.S. offices and seven international operations. Silicon Valley Bank is a member of global financial services firm SVB Financial Group (Nasdaq: SIVB), along with SVB Analytics, SVB Capital, SVB Global and SVB Private Client Services. More information on the company can be found at www.svb.com. 

Banking services are provided by Silicon Valley Bank, a member of the FDIC and the Federal Reserve System. SVB Financial Group is also a member of the Federal Reserve System.