BOULDER, Colo.--Square 1 Bank today announced the opening of Square 1 Bank Colorado, a new loan production office within their Mountain Northwest region. The new location in Boulder brings veteran venture banker Ken Fugate, SVP, back to Colorado from his previous post with Square 1 in the Silicon Valley. Bob Van Nortwick, SVP Regional Manager for the Mountain Northwest, will continue to oversee and work closely with the venture community throughout Colorado.

"I have continually been impressed by the vibrant entrepreneurial community in the Colorado area and I'm thrilled to be back. They have supported and embraced Square 1's focused approach to working with venture backed companies," said Ken Fugate, "Being on the ground full time and directly involved is the next step for us in serving this market. It is a tight knit and cohesive community, and we appreciate this opportunity to be a daily contributing member."

"I've served the Colorado venture market since Square 1's inception, and key to our model is truly understanding and respecting the experience of the entrepreneur," said Bob Van Nortwick. "Ken is also a founding team member of Square 1, having joined the bank prior to its opening in 2005. He has made significant contributions to the success Square 1 enjoys today. Our growth has been tremendous and the experience he has amassed stands to benefit our customers and the region."

Mr. Fugate brings over eight years experience in the venture banking industry, having previously worked in both the Silicon Valley and Rocky Mountain regions. Prior to Square 1, Ken worked in Denver as a Venture Banking Officer with the Technology and Life Sciences Division of Comerica Bank, formerly Imperial Bank's Emerging Growth Division. Ken has also served as a strategy and finance consultant to an early stage provider of software to the healthcare industry. He has an MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California and a BA from the University of Colorado Boulder.

The new Square 1 Bank Colorado office is located at 1801 13th Street, Suite 204 in Boulder, Colorado. Ken Fugate may be reached at the office by calling (303) 938-3094.

About Square 1 Bank

Square 1 Bank is a full service commercial bank dedicated exclusively to serving the financial needs of the venture capital community and entrepreneurs in all stages of growth and expansion. Square 1's expertise, focus and strong capital base provide solid support for its clients' needs. The bank offers tailored products and solutions aided by the latest in technological innovations. To serve its relationships, Square 1 now has 10 offices coast to coast in Boulder, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, the Silicon Valley, Austin, Boston, Durham, McLean, and the New York metro area. More information is available at www.square1bank.com.

Contacts

Square 1 Bank
Denise Gutschmit, 919-314-3073
fax: 919-314-3110
dgutschmit@square1bank.com
http://www.square1bank.com/