CVCA Appoints New President, Dr. Robin Louis

CVCA Appoints New President, Dr. Robin Louis

TORONT O, ON - September 16, 2003 – The Canadian Venture Capital Association (CVCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Robin Louis, President of Ventures West Management Inc., as President of the Association.

Dr. Robin Louis joined Ventures West in 1991 and oversees the company's operations and investment funds. Ventures West is one of Canada's largest privately owned venture capital companies with offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa. Established in the Canadian venture capital market for over 30 years, Ventures West has invested over $400 million in more than 125 technology companies.

Prior to joining Ventures West, Dr. Louis was the CEO of a publicly traded (TSE) software company that became the leader in its marketplace. He has served as a director of the CVCA, and is currently a director of Chancery Software Ltd., and INEA Corp. and chairman of Fincentric Corp.

"As the Canadian venture capital and private equity industries adjusts to more realistic investment and valuation levels following the internet ‘bubble', there is an excellent opportunity for the asset class to grow in importance for investors in Canada and internationally," Dr. Louis commented. “I look forward to leading the CVCA in building the industry's stature, here at home and abroad."

Dr. Louis replaces Brad Ashley who served as CVCA's President until September 2003. Mr. Ashley will assume the role of Chairman of the Association.

Samuel Duboc, President and Managing Partner of EdgeStone Capital Partners will fill the new position of Senior Vice President of the Association.

The Canadian Venture Capital Association (CVCA)
The CVCA was founded in July 1974 and is the association that represents Canada's venture capital and private equity industry. It is a member-based organization consisting of venture capital firms and organizations who manage pools of risk capital designated to be invested in small and medium-sized growth businesses in Canada. With close to 900 members, the CVCA represents the majority of venture capital and private equity invested in Canadian based companies. CVCA's mission is to facilitate the development of the Canadian venture capital and private equity industry.

For further information, please contact:
Lauren Linton, Director of Marketing, CVCA, 416 487-4299
Christine Ramsay, Ventures West, 604 891-3252