SAN JOSE, Calif. and EAST PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 17, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SDForum, Silicon Valley's leading source of information and education in the technology community, today announced that James Koshland, a partner and former co-chair of the Emerging Growth and Venture Capital practice at DLA Piper, has been appointed to SDForum's Board of Directors.
"SDForum is honored to announce the appointment of James Koshland to our Board of Directors," said Ann Winblad, Co-Chairman of the SDForum Board of Directors and Co-Founder of Hummer Winblad Venture Partners. "Jim Koshland's long-standing role and exceptional reputation for helping emerging companies raise capital and navigate their way to maturity will be an invaluable asset to the SDForum Board of Directors . Jim has a clear understanding of the issues facing emerging technology companies and we look forward to his contributions in growing SDForum."
With more than 25 years experience working with emerging technology companies and leading venture capital firms, Koshland is considered one of these Valley's most knowledgeable and experienced emerging growth and venture capital attorneys. Koshland is the former co-chair of the Emerging Growth and Venture Capital practice at DLA Piper, one of the world's leading law firms with 3,500 lawyers located in 30 countries and 69 offices. At DLA Piper, Koshland concentrates on handling matters for emerging growth companies and venture capital firms, and has significant expertise and experience in fund formation, public offerings and mergers and acquisitions, as well as technology transfer and license agreements between tech, software and Internet companies.
"James' unique relationships with venture funds from Silicon Valley and around the country will enhance the organic growth, reputation and reach of SDForum," said Deborah Magid, Director Software Strategy, IBM Venture Capital Group and a longtime member of the Board of Directors at SDForum.
Koshland is also well-known in the bay Area for his civic activities, serving on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Jewish Federation and the San Francisco Jewish Endowment Fund; serving as Strategic Council for the Dean of the Stanford Law School; and on the Board of Trustees, University of California Berkeley Foundation.
"SDForum's commitment to fostering and supporting emerging growth companies in Silicon Valley is something that I greatly admire and certainly understand the value of," said James Koshland. "I am pleased to have been selected to serve on the SDForum Board of Directors – and hope my insights and experience can serve the organization and the very promising class of emerging growth technology companies in Silicon Valley."
About SDForum
SDForum has been instrumental in setting the technology industry agenda for more than 25 years. As the largest and oldest non-profit in the valley dedicated to educating and creating relationships within the technology community, SDForum provides the latest insights on emerging technology trends and best business practices through events, specialized services and resources. SDForum reaches 12,000 professionals annually. Long-standing relationships in Silicon Valley include technology companies such as HP, IBM, Microsoft, Nokia and SAP as well as over 30 venture capital firms, financial institutions and international organizations. For more information, visit www.sdforum.org.
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