Tech Wildcatters Welcomes Sponsor Silicon Valley Bank

DALLAS, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Tech Wildcatters, a mentor-driven accelerator program for startup technology entrepreneurs, added Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) as a sponsor to help selected start-up companies build their business and obtain seed or venture capital financing. Silicon Valley Bank is a financial partner to technology and life science companies of all sizes worldwide. SVB opened its doors in Texas in 1996 and today employs 24 people in its Austin and Dallas offices. SVB works with technology, cleantech, life science and venture capital companies of all sizes in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston.

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Tech Wildcatters selects 8-10 applicants twice a year for its 12-week accelerator program. The invited companies receive up to $25,000 in seed funding, intensive mentoring, and the opportunity to pitch to angel investors, venture capitalists and corporate development teams at the end of the program on "Pitch Day," which is today, May 26, 2011 for this spring class.

"Silicon Valley Bank is all about helping entrepreneurs grow successful companies," said Gabriella Draney, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Tech Wildcatters. "Silicon Valley Bank's strong strategic fit with our mission makes SVB a perfect partner for us and an invaluable resource to early stage companies."

"Silicon Valley Bank has been dedicated to helping tech entrepreneurs succeed for nearly 30 years," said Brian Brown, Senior Relationship Manager for Silicon Valley Bank and coordinator for the Tech Wildcatters sponsorship. "We are looking forward to meeting and collaborating with many new and amazing start-ups through our relationship with Tech Wildcatters, which is highly supportive of the entrepreneurial community in Texas."

As part of its sponsorship, Silicon Valley Bank will offer its Accelerator and other services to Tech Wildcatters companies. Interested entrepreneurs can apply for future programs with Tech Wildcatters at http://techwildcatters.com/apply

Dedicated to entrepreneurs and start-ups, Silicon Valley Bank's Accelerator Program helps emerging companies make the right business connections, meet potential investors and handle basic business banking activities. As companies grow, they can continue to work with Silicon Valley Bank's experienced bankers who offer a comprehensive suite of financing solutions, treasury management, corporate investment and international banking services.

About Tech Wildcatters

Tech Wildcatters is a mentorship-driven, microseed fund and startup accelerator. Its 12-week accelerator "bootcamp" runs every spring and fall in Dallas. Tech Wildcatters is selective accepting 8-10 companies for each class. The invited companies receive up to $25,000 in seed funding, intensive top-notch mentorship, and the opportunity to pitch to angel investors, venture capitalists and corporate development teams at the end of the program on "Pitch Day." More information can be found at http://techwildcatters.com/

About Silicon Valley Bank

Silicon Valley Bank provides commercial banking services to emerging growth and mature companies in the technology, life science, private equity and premium wine industries. Through its focus on specialized markets and extensive knowledge of the people and business issues driving them, Silicon Valley Bank provides a level of service and partnership that measurably impacts its clients' success. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., the company serves clients around the world through 26 U.S. offices and seven international operations. Silicon Valley Bank is a member of global financial services firm SVB Financial Group (Nasdaq: SIVB). More information on the company can be found at www.svb.com.

Banking services are provided by Silicon Valley Bank, a member of the FDIC and the Federal Reserve System. SVB Financial Group is also a member of the Federal Reserve System.

SOURCE Silicon Valley Bank