Launch Pad Ignition Joins TechStars Network To Accelerate StartupBusinesses and Enhance Entrepreneurship in New Orleans

As a TechStars Network Member, Launch Pad Ignition Takes Part in White HouseStartup America Program

NEW ORLEANS, LA – February 1, 2011 –

Launch Pad Ignition is today announcing that it isnow a member of the TechStars Network, a newly launched White House sponsored alliance of independently owned and operated startup accelerator programs from dozens of cities acrossthe United States and around the world. The TechStars Network is comprised of other startup accelerator programs similar to LaunchPad Ignition that provide seed funding and mentorship to innovative entrepreneurs. Launch PadIgnition will collaborate with these organizations and learn best practices from the mentorship-driven model pioneered by TechStars, the leading startup accelerator program in the UnitedStates. As a member of the TechStars Network, Launch Pad Ignition will have access to a richset of strategic resources including professional development and ongoing support to effectivelylead and mentor innovative entrepreneurs in New Orleans. The TechStars Network is part of the Startup America initiative, launched yesterday byPresident Obama. In partnership with the White House, the goal of the TechStars Network is tobecome an engine for job growth by ensuring that over the next four years, 5,000 experiencedbusiness leaders and investors will mentor and support 6,000 promising young entrepreneurs.The aim is to increase the success rate and sustainability of each program, and to ultimatelycreate 25,000 new economy jobs by 2015. “We are pleased to have Launch Pad Ignition join the TechStars Network,” said David Cohen,Founder and CEO of TechStars. “The TechStars Network signals and formalizes our supportfor credible mentorship-driven programs like Launch Pad Ignition. We believe the proliferationof the mentorship-driven accelerator model is healthy for entrepreneurs. Through this networkof independent organizations, we can help increase their impact dramatically and makeentrepreneurial communities the real winners.” “Launch Pad Ignition is thrilled to be part of the launch of the TechStars Network. Techstarsis the leader in this new generation of incubators and accelerators that actually work because