Canada's first Co-Investment Summit draws Universal Acclaim

    Courageous Investors And Successful Entrepreneurs Optimistic About The
    Future

    TORONTO, Nov. 21 /CNW/ - Despite a shaky economy, more than 150 angel
investors from across Canada and the US filled the Faculty Club at the
University of Toronto to see 25 of the best angel-backed companies in the
country and execute follow-on financing deals. This full-day event was
organized by the National Angel Capital Organization, the industry association
representing Angel capital throughout Canada.
    "In tough economic times, angels have become about the only viable
economic engine for the effective commercialization of innovation," W. Daniel
Mothersill, NACO president said. "Individually and in groups Angel investors
fund about $3.5 billion in early stage financing in Canada - more then double
what the VCs are doing."
    He went on to note that Canadian angel investors have become a true asset
class in their own right in Canada. "We have emerged as a highly disciplined
group of investors in which our ability to mentor companies and to guide their
efforts to successful commercialization is as important as our cash," he
added.
    Addresses were also delivered by Dr. David Naylor, President of the
University of Toronto, Alan Shepard, Provost and Vice-President Academic of
Ryerson University, and Ms. Carissa Reiniger, President of the Women
Entrepreneurs of Canada.
    The event drew angel investors for a full day of presentations and
networking. Deals were done, commitments were made for follow-on financing,
and the angels voted to hold another event in the near future.
    Enrique Lopez de Mesa of Protea Inc. commented, "As an investor myself, I
must say this is the most exciting event I have attended in the past 6 months
- there was a real pulse about the place! It is great to have sophisticated
investors being matched up with well-vetted opportunities. The Summit is
exactly what this market needs. I give it a 10/10, or even more considering
the current economic context."
    Judee Sibbitt, CEO of Comagulation Inc., one of the presenting companies,
said, "After this event, I received 14 different requests for information or
continued discussion, and have two meetings lined up next week already. The
process from start to finish was efficient and the event itself was
well-planned and executed. I would recommend this to any company seeking
growth capital."

For further information: Media Contacts, Bryan Watson, NACO Executive
Director, T: (416) 581-0009, E: bwatson@angelinvestor.ca, W:
www.angelinvestor.ca