Legendary Venture Capitalist Franklin "Pitch" Johnson to Be Honored at Innovation Catalyst Awards on September 30

Venture Capital, Business, and Government Leaders to Speak


PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwire - September 24, 2009) - VC Taskforce will honor Franklin "Pitch" Johnson for his outstanding contribution, dedication and leadership in the venture capital community at the First Annual Innovation Catalyst Awards gala on Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

Johnson, founder and chairman of Asset Management Company, is one of the founders of the venture capital community in Silicon Valley. "Pitch has worked tirelessly with visionary entrepreneurs to help create valuable new companies and important new industries, paving the way to success in the venture community for over four decades," said June Riley, CEO of VC Taskforce.

Renowned venture capitalist William (Bill) Draper III, founder and general partner, Draper Richards L.P., will make remarks and present the award. Menlo Park Mayor Heyward Robinson and Amgen Chairman, CEO and President Kevin Sharer are also scheduled to make remarks. Martin Pichinson, founding partner and co-managing director, Sherwood Partners, LLC will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The award reception and presentation will take place at the Tesla Motors Showroom in Menlo Park, CA from 6:30 - 9:30 pm.

The award embodies VC Taskforce's vision to honor and recognize those individuals in the venture capital community who have been catalysts for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Event sponsors include platinum sponsor Amgen, gold sponsor Latham & Watkins, and bronze sponsor Financial Advisor Dr. Connie Chen.

More information about the Innovation Catalyst Award can be found at www.vctaskforce.com.

-  What: 2009 Innovation Catalyst Award
-  When: September 30, 2009
         6:30 - 9:30 Reception and Award presentation
-  Where: Tesla Motors Showroom, 300 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA
-  Contact: June Riley, (650) 776-1040, june@vctaskforce.com

About VC Taskforce

VC Taskforce™ has built an organization that provides forums for real-time information exchange and dialogue through a series of networking events -- panels, workshops and roundtable meetings conducted by business and industry experts that assist venture capitalists, institutional investors and venture-backed company executives in managing their businesses for maximum success. Today, more than 6,000 members and participants are actively involved in VC Taskforce. www.vctaskforce.com.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Carol Felton InsightCircle PR 408.807.3780