Maverick Angels and Gold Coast Business Forum to Host SoCal Biotech Ventures Summit 2007

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - September 5, 2007) - Leading angel investment group, Maverick Angels, and Gold Coast Business Forum, the 101 Corridor's premier business forum, announced today that they will host the SoCal Biotech Ventures Summit 2007 featuring an expert panel discussion on "Opportunities and Challenges to Starting a Successful Biotech Company." This will be the first conference in the 101 Corridor focused on providing business resources, education and networking opportunities to the region's biotechnology entrepreneurs, executives, investors and scientists. The Summit will take place on Thursday, September 27, 2007, at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif., from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event is by invitation only.

The Summit is debuting at a pivotal time for the biotechnology community in this area given the recent announcement of layoffs by local pharmaceutical giant, Amgen. "This is an opportunity for us to support the local biotech community which is currently facing a great deal of change and transition," says John Dilts, Founder and President of Maverick Angels, based in Westlake Village, Calif. Maverick Angels investors take an "entrepreneurial approach to angel investing" and understand the fundamental need to support entrepreneurship locally.

"Many aspiring biotech entrepreneurs don't know where to go to gain the crucial relationships they need to get their new ventures started," says Dilts. "This Summit is designed to create a dynamic, new forum for the exchange of valuable knowledge and resources to support the growth and success of biotech start-ups in the region."

"The Gold Coast Business Forum was started over eight years ago to provide a forum where 101 Corridor business executives and entrepreneurs can obtain practical business information and networking opportunities," explains Gold Coast Business Form Founder and Chairman, Brent Reinke. "We view the goals of the Summit as a natural extension of our mission and believe GCBF's extensive relationships with the region's business community and its executives will provide an invaluable resource to the Summit and its attendees," Reinke adds.

The Summit's luncheon program is comprised of an open discussion with a select panel of professionals from the biotechnology industry, angel investment, legal and entrepreneurial communities. Greg Cauchon, Ph.D., a former Amgen scientist, is one of the featured speakers. As president of biotech start-up Designed Polymers, Inc., he will share his experiences in establishing his company in Thousand Oaks, Calif., over the last two years. "As a scientist with no formal training in running a business, starting Designed Polymers from scratch presented some formidable challenges," says Dr. Cauchon. "I hope that sharing some of these experiences will encourage other technically oriented professionals to strike out on their own and to succeed."

Future plans for the Summit include a full-day conference dedicated to matching biotech entrepreneurs with investors along with a track of educational symposiums focused on launching new biotech ventures. Additional events will include a spring social mixer and an evening networking event.

Price Waterhouse Coopers, Administaff, and Musick Peeler & Garrett have been selected as the Summit's corporate sponsors. The Summit is open to scientists, engineers, researchers, executives, investors and entrepreneurs in the biotechnology industry.

About Maverick Angels

Maverick Angels is a "next-generation" angel investment group which takes an "entrepreneurial approach to angel investing." Maverick Angels members are all accredited private equity investors willing to serve as mentors to start-up ventures. The investment focus of the group includes any early-stage opportunity from any industry which provides the possibility for a multiple return on investment. The group has established an affiliation to share deal flow with other angel networks across the country and in Canada. Maverick Angels also actively engages in social and charitable activities designed to build camaraderie and support our local communities. Please visit www.maverickangels.com for more information.

About Gold Coast Business Forum

Gold Coast Business Forum (GCBF) is a non-profit corporation and the 101 Corridor's Premier Business Forum. GCBF provides a combination of educational, informational and social-networking events for owners and managers of the numerous companies located in Ventura County and surrounding regions (including the San Fernando Valley and Santa Barbara County). Our mission is to facilitate the development and growth of companies located in these areas through interaction with executives, professionals and the finance community who have extensive experience in successfully navigating the many challenges facing regionally based companies.

Media Note: This event is by invitation only. If you are interested in attending the SoCal Biotech Ventures Summit 2007 on September 27th, please contact Shelley Toy at shelley@maverickangels.com.

Contact Information: Company Contact: Shelley Toy Maverick Angels (818) 706-7686