SAN FRANCISCO, June 14, 2001—Groxis, Inc., a next generation information and knowledge management software company today announced the addition of R.J. Pittman as CEO and member of the company's founding team and board of directors. Mr. Pittman is founder and Managing Director of Venture Factory Partners, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm. He has led investments in several technology companies including Cosine Communications, Method Networks, Startups, Inc., Privacy Right, and Aravo Solutions. Mr. Pittman brings over 15 years experience with building and operating Internet software and service companies to Groxis, including recent roles as CEO of DCTI, and CEO of Broadway.com, Inc., for both of which he was also a founder. At Groxis, he will be responsible for overall corporate strategy, and for building the necessary infrastructure to successfully deploy its new software platform.

“At Venture Factory we’ve analyzed and interviewed hundreds of companies over the years. With this kind of experience and perspective across a broad technological landscape, it became clear to me where the voids in the industry exist. I was determined to address those opportunities through a close relationship with a world-class concept technology. Groxis will be very instrumental in taking the information industry a giant step forward, and I look forward to making this happen. I have been working with the company for several months now, and formalizing the relationship became the logical next step for us both,” stated Mr. Pittman.

Mr. Pittman joins forces with a powerful founding team, including Paul Hawken, best selling author, recognized speaker, co-founder of Metacode (acquired by Interwoven in 2000), and co-founder of notable retail innovator Smith and Hawken. Mr. Hawken will serve as Chairman of the company’s board of directors and work closely with Pittman to refine and execute the corporate vision. The pioneering developer of Groxis’ core technology and founder of the company, Jean-Michel Decombe, will serve as Chief Technology Officer of the company.

“We’re very pleased to have R.J. joining our executive team. His senior management experience and broad technical expertise strongly compliment the company. We very much look forward to his contributions and leadership,” stated Paul Hawken, Chairman of Groxis.

The company has yet to release details regarding its upcoming software product, but has attracted the interest of some very influential technologists, scientists, advisors, and investors. Announcements regarding these appointments and affiliations will be coming soon. The company is currently raising additional venture capital, and aggressively pushing its product cycle forward.

Venture Factory will continue to explore and invest in emerging growth companies across a variety of technology industries. Mr. Pittman will continue to serve as an advisor and board member to his Venture Factory portfolio companies, and will continue to advise Venture Factory Partners on future venture opportunities.

For more information see: http://www.venturefactory.com and http://www.groxis.com.