SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- O'Reilly Media, Inc. and CMP Technology, co-producers of the annual Web 2.0 Summit, today announced an evolution of their annual Launch Pad program, a unique public forum that is designed to highlight the best start-ups in the Internet world.

For the first time, Web 2.0 Summit Launch Pad will give deserving Web 2.0 companies a rare chance to present in front of leading venture capitalists, while getting raw, real-time feedback from both judges and audience members. The Web 2.0 Summit takes place October 17-19, 2007 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

"It's an honor to be chosen as a Launch Pad company, but a true test of most companies is the presentation they must make in front of VCs," said John Battelle, Web 2.0's Program Chair. "Our new and innovative approach to the Launch Pad, Venture Capitalist Edition, is a direct response to how the market determines who wins and who loses in the world of startups."

The Web 2.0 Launch Pad judging panel will be entirely made up of venture capitalists sponsoring the program, thus freeing the presenting companies from any participation fees. Additionally, three vital adjustments will raise the stakes this year:

-- Any company in any stage of financing can compete for a slot on stage, regardless of whether they're launching companies or products. -- Judges will select up to eight finalists that will be given five to ten minutes on stage in front of the entire Web 2.0 Summit audience and the VC judging panel. -- Each company will be provided feedback on its presentation in real time, by both the VC judges and the audience. The Launch Pad session takes place October 18th at 5:00 p.m.

"We're proud to be a part of this year's Launch Pad because it allows for an entirely new and interactive level of engagement between the panel of judges, the audience and the companies that will be leading the next generation of the Web," said Jim Lussier, general partner, Norwest Venture Partners (NVP). "The Web 2.0 Summit is a valuable opportunity to network with leading Internet entrepreneurs and explore cutting-edge business models. As active investors in the consumer Internet, business Internet and digital media sectors, we look forward to helping put the spotlight on these innovative entrepreneurs during Launch Pad."

Final determination of the eight Launch Pad companies will be made by John Battelle, Web 2.0's Program Chair, in concert with VC judges that includes:

-- Michael Skok / Dayna Grayson - North Bridge Venture Partners -- Jim Lussier - Norwest Venture Partners -- Mark Jacobsen - O'Reilly AlphaTech Ventures -- Chris Albinson and Mike Jung - Panorama/JP Morgan

The Web 2.0 Summit is known for its interactive format stressing audience participation. Industry leaders will present their unique perspective on the Web's Edge -- this year's conference theme.

Conference attendance is limited to maintain an intimate setting and foster dialogue among participants. General attendee registration is by invitation only; requests for invitations are being accepted through mid September. Media credentials will also be extended by invitation only.

The conference is produced in partnership with O'Reilly Media, Inc. and CMP Media, and is moderated by John Battelle, Program Chair, and O'Reilly CEO Tim O'Reilly.

About CMP Technology

CMP Technology (http://www.cmp.com/) is a marketing solutions company serving the technology industry. Through its market-leading portfolio of trusted information brands, CMP has earned the confidence of more technology professionals than any other media company. As a result, CMP is the premier provider of access, insight and actionable programs designed to connect sellers and buyers in ways that yield superior return on investment. CMP Technology is a subsidiary of United Business Media (http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/), a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $3 billion.

About O'Reilly

O'Reilly Media spreads the knowledge of innovators through its books, online services, magazines, and conferences. Since 1978, O'Reilly has been a chronicler and catalyst of leading-edge development, homing in on the technology trends that really matter and spurring their adoption by amplifying "faint signals" from the alpha geeks who are creating the future. An active participant in the technology community, the company has a long history of advocacy, meme-making, and evangelism.

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CONTACT: Natalia Wodecki, PR Manager of CMP Technology, +1-415-947-6762,
nwodecki@cmp.com; or Dawn Applegate, Communications Manager of O'Reilly Media,
Inc., dapplegate@oreilly.com

Web site: http://www.cmp.com/
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