Tech Coast Angels Reaches $100 Million Investment Milestone

IRVINE, CA, May 19 (MARKET WIRE) --
Tech Coast Angels (TCA), the largest angel investment network in the U.S.
and the number one source of start-up funding in Southern California,
today announced that its members have invested a total of $100 million in
promising Southern California companies since the group's inception in
1997. The network continues to actively invest in Southern
California-based companies and encourages entrepreneurs seeking financing
to apply through its website at www.techcoastangels.com.

Companies receiving first-time investments or follow-on rounds from TCA
most recently include Bikestation, MicroPower and eGuardian.

The $100 million total represents funding, as well as mentoring, expertise
and industry contacts, provided by TCA members over the last 12 years to
more than 150 young California-based companies in a range of fields
including life sciences, software, Internet, biotechnology, media,
business services, and consumer products. TCA's contributions to these
companies subsequently helped attract more than $1 billion in additional
capital.

"This milestone demonstrates the value and staying power of angel
investors, even in more challenging economies," said Ralph Mayer,
chairman of the board for Tech Coast Angels. "Receiving funding and
guidance from TCA not only enables promising companies to grow, but also
provides a huge dose of credibility. This, in turn, results in further
investment from private investors as well as TCA's venture partners. By
filling this critical early funding gap and providing the support of
successful executives, TCA helps these companies make a leap they
otherwise couldn't have made."

In an era when banks have significantly curtailed lending -- and
investment capital is hard to find -- angel investing can be a critical
lifeline for young, innovative companies. As investment from traditional
funding sources declined during 2008, TCA provided 15 first-time
financings and 16 follow-on rounds, compared with 12 first-time
financings and 14 follow-on rounds in 2007.

"Studies have shown that start-up companies, in addition to being
important sources of technical and societal innovation, are critical
sources of jobs, particularly during economic downturns," said Mayer.
"These companies play an essential role both in propping a sagging
economy, and eventually, contributing to turnaround. We're proud to play
a part in their growth."

TCA has more than 250 members in five chapters across Southern California:
Los Angeles; Orange County; San Diego; Westlake/Santa Barbara; and the
Inland Empire.

One of the many TCA investment success stories is Airsis(TM), an innovator
in remote asset management with a position in the maritime industry.
Airsis is the developer of PortVision, a maritime tracking system that
now is used by virtually every oil company in the world. TCA provided the
company with a first round of financing in 2005 and a second round in
2007.

"Airsis is a poster child for all the benefits of angel investment," said
Dean Rosenberg, CEO of Airsis. "The money TCA members invested in our
company became a benchmark for other investors. Equally important,
continual access to experienced TCA members with contacts in our targeted
industry has allowed us to operate extremely efficiently and hit the
ground running. We really hit traction in 2008 and since then have been
experiencing quarter over quarter growth despite the economy."

More recently, TCA provided a first round of financing for Bikestation, a
company that plans, designs and operates bike-transit centers, enabling
bicycling and other alternatives to be an integral part of the
transportation system. "Bikestation had a backlog of demand for
alternative transportation facilities that we were struggling to meet as
a non-profit. With TCA's guidance and their investment, we created a
for-profit company with a non-profit arm," said Andrea White-Kjoss, CEO
of Bikestation. "To date, there are 12 facilities in place and we're
racing ahead to get many more built. Plus, we continue our education and
outreach regarding alternative transportation through our non-profit."

"Despite the downturn in the economy, TCA continues to look for exciting
new companies in which to invest both money and expertise," said Mayer.
"We believe that many of the novel technologies and new ideas that will
improve the quality of our lives and the strength of our businesses will
originate in these companies."

About Tech Coast Angels

Tech Coast Angels, www.techcoastangels.com, is the largest angel investor
network in the United States and the leading source of funding to
early-stage companies in Southern California. Since its inception in 1997,
TCA members have focused on building valuable companies, personally
invested nearly $100 million, and helped portfolio companies attract more
than $1 billion in additional capital, mostly from venture capital firms.
TCA members give companies more than just capital; they also provide
counsel, mentoring and access to an extensive network of potential
investors, customers, strategic partners and management talent. TCA has
more than 250 members, including its venture capital affiliates, in five
networks in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Westlake/Santa Barbara
and the Inland Empire. More information on investment with Tech Coast
Angels can be found at www.techcoastangels.com or at
twitter.com/techcoastangels.

For more information:
Deborah Jones
Strategies
714-957-8880, ext.113
Email Contact

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