SAN FRANCISCO, CA. - January 13, 2008 - Investors' Circle (www.investorscircle.net), a network of more than 200 investors with a single vision for a sustainable economy, announced today the last call for entries for the 2009 Spring Venture Fair. Any early or expansion-stage company whose core business addresses social or environmental issues can apply for a chance to present their investment opportunity to an exclusive group of accredited investors. The final deadline for submissions is 11:59 pm PST on Thursday, January 15. Ultimately, 20 companies will be chosen to participate in this year's Spring Venture Fair, which takes place during the Investors' Circle 2009 West Coast Spring Conference in San Francisco, April 19-21, 2009. Companies interested in applying should visit www.investorscircle.net to register and submit their online application.

"Our experience shows that social entrepreneurs are very well positioned right now, and our investors are keen to participate in this next generation of business and community success" said IC's President Karyn Barsa. "Investors' Circle conferences have been very productive events for investors and entrepreneurs alike, and we expect to see strong funding of Spring Venture Fair companies, as we saw following our November event. Several companies that presented recently at the 2008 Fall Conference are currently in funding negotiations."

Some of Investors' Circle more well-known success stories - companies such as Niman Ranch, Honest Tea, ZipCar and CitySoft - were funded during the most recent economic downturn of 2000-2001.

"Today these businesses are not just surviving, they are thriving," said Barsa. "We look at what these companies have achieved and know that there is always room for innovation and creative growth strategies."

The West Coast 2009 Spring Conference

The Investors' Circle 2009 Spring Conference is the meeting place for angel investors, professional venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, and entrepreneurs who are using private venture capital to promote the transition to a sustainable future. The event includes three days of cutting-edge deals, thought-provoking panels and thought leadership. The Venture Fair is typically a highlight of the conference, providing a showcase for some of the most interesting, early and expansion-stage triple bottom line businesses. Last year, the Spring Conference drew more than 300 attendees.

About Investors' Circle

Investors' Circle is a network of more than 200 angel investors, professional venture capitalists, foundations, family offices and others who are using private capital to promote the transition to a sustainable economy. Since 1992, Investors' Circle has facilitated the flow of more than $130 million into over 200 companies and small funds addressing social and environmental issues. For more information, please visit www.investorscircle.net.

Investors' Circle - SJF Institute

Investors' Circle - SJF Institute

SJF Institute was founded in 2001 as an independent nonprofit affiliate of SJF Ventures, a leading national impact investment venture capital fund. SJFI develops national and regional programs to connect, inspire and accelerate impact entrepreneurs and the fields that support them. SJFI has provided direct technical assistance to over 1500 impact entrepreneurs and has helped hundreds of others through its signature programs, including Getting Ready for Equity™, CleanLinks networking events, the SJF Cleantech Mentorship Program, the Green Jobs Award, and field-building reports such as Employees Matter: Maximizing Company Value Through Workforce Engagement.

Since 1992 Investors' Circle has built a network of over 150 angel investors, professional venture capitalists, foundations and family offices who are using private capital to promote the transition to a sustainable economy. During that time Investors' Circle has facilitated the flow of over $145 million into more than 220 companies and small funds addressing social and environmental issues. Members in IC's network of impact investors include some of the most experienced angels, early-stage and growth funds working to change the world.

Together, SJF Institute and Investors' Circle will increase entrepreneurs' access to capital, resources and networks, and will provide more opportunities for collaboration among impact investors.

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