Chris Laird and David McIntyre Named Vice Presidents at Ventures West

Vancouver, BC – January 26, 2006 - Ventures West, one of Canada’s largest privately owned venture capital companies, is pleased to announce that Chris Laird and David McIntyre have been named Vice Presidents.

“These appointments reflect David and Chris's increased level of responsibility at Ventures West and their contribution to the growth and success of the organization,” said Ted Anderson, President of Ventures West.

Chris Laird joined Ventures West in 2000 and is based in the company’s Vancouver office.  He focuses on investment opportunities and portfolio management in the Life Sciences sector.  Chris currently serves as a Director of both Alder Biopharmaceuticals and OncoGenex Technologies Inc., and is an Observer on the Board for Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Prior to joining Ventures West, he gained several years experience working as a Research Associate in both academic and industry laboratories in the Vancouver biotechnology community.

David McIntyre joined Ventures West in 2000 and focuses on investments in the IT and Energy Technology sectors.

David currently serves as a Director of Fincentric Corp. and is an Observer of Cellex Power Products Inc. and Marqui. He is also a member of the Operations Committee for the Vancouver Enterprise Forum.

Prior to joining Ventures West, David worked as a Product Manager with QDesign Corporation, a start-up specializing in audio compression software components.

About Ventures West
Ventures West Management Inc., a private venture capital investment group, is one of Canada´s leading investors in early stage technology companies. Since its founding in 1968, Ventures West has formed eight venture capital funds which total over $700 million and has invested in more than 135 companies. Ventures West has the people, the expertise, and the capital to help entrepreneurs develop emerging technology companies into market leaders. Investments focus on four technology sectors: Biotechnology, Communications, Energy Technology and Information Technology. For more information, visit www.ventureswest.com.

Contact:
Christine Ramsay
Director of Marketing and Communications
cramsay@ventureswest.com
(416) 861-2280