News Releases

Comerica Co-Hosts 'Attracting Early Stage Capital' Events

Sept. 23, 2002 - Comerica (NYSE: CMA), a leading financial services company, announced today that its Northern California Technology and Life Sciences Division is co-hosting two "Attracting Early Stage Capital" events for local entrepreneurs. The programs, also co-hosted by Ernst & Young and Morgan, Miller & Blair, will be held on Sept. 24 in the East Bay and on Sept. 25 on the Peninsula.

Dee Power and Brian Hill, co-authors of "Attracting Capital from Angels" and "Inside Secrets of Venture Capital," will present the keynote address. They will highlight findings from their books as well as from hundreds of interviews they’ve conducted with early-stage investors and venture capitalists.

A panel discussion about trends and key issues involved in attracting capital for early-stage ventures will also take place. Scheduled panelists are Bob Bozeman of Angel Investors L.P., Randy Haykin of Outlook Ventures, Keng Lim of Escalante, Ravi Mohan of Battery Ventures, Patrick Sheehan of 3i, Nick Sturiale of Sevin Rosen Funds, Barry Waitte of Waitte Financial, and Randy Williams of the Keiretsu Forum.

"Today’s economic climate has made it difficult for all companies to secure capital, but the challenges faced by early stage ventures are certainly unique," said Sam Bhaumik, senior vice president and managing director of Comerica’s Northern California Technology and Life Sciences Division. "Since many of our customers are emerging technology companies, we are familiar with their concerns about funding. As a result, we are pleased to co-host this valuable event for them, and for other entrepreneurs who want to explore their options and learn about trends and issues that affect their ability to attract capital."

About Comerica’s Technology and Life Sciences Division
Comerica’s Technology and Life Sciences Division is one of the nation’s leading technology banking practices, offering a wide range of financial services tailored to corporate customers, entrepreneurs and professionals. Veteran bankers provide credit and financial services and products to young, growing, professionally backed technology and life sciences companies, as well as their more mature counterparts. From 19 offices located across the U.S., Comerica’s Technology and Life Sciences Division serves all major technology centers. Comerica is among the 20 largest banking companies in the nation, with $51 billion in assets.

Media Contacts:
Adrienne Moch
Pacifico (for Comerica’s Technology and Life Sciences Division)
(408) 293-8600 x319
amoch@pacifico.com
or
Keith Turner
Comerica Bank-California
(408) 556-5111
keith_turner@comerica.com