Path4 Creates Venture Fund for Investing in Unique Opportunities in Orthopaedics Market
Former Centerpulse Executives complete initial funding on new venture capital fund, Path4 Innovations I, to invest in the growing orthopaedics industry

Austin, TX - November 19, 2004

Path4, LLC has completed initial fundraising activities for its first venture capital fund to be used for investing in orthopaedic opportunities. The company has created Path4 Innovations I, to make investments alongside its partner Austin Ventures in promising technologies in the musculoskeletal industry. These co-investments with Austin Ventures are opportunities identified and then managed by the principals of Path4.

The principals of Path4 are: Jerry DeVries, Jim Rogan and Steve Whitlock, formerly vice presidents of marketing, sales, and research and development, respectively. This team will work together in a unique collaborative partnership to engage in management-centric venture capital activities. The team has the passion, experience and track record to successfully seek out and then commercialize promising technologies for the orthopaedics industry. DeVries, Rogan and Whitlock worked together at Centerpulse Orthopedics and positioned it to become one of the fastest growing businesses in orthopaedics. Ultimately, Centerpulse was bought by Zimmer in late 2003 for over $3.2 billion.

Path4 recognizes the exciting opportunity in the fast growing orthopaedics industry, estimated to be $17 billion in 2004 with forecasted growth over the next 8-10 years at over 12% a year. As this industry continues to grow, fueled by the coming wave of aging baby boomers, there will be increasing need for orthopaedic companies to acquire new technologies that are innovative, exciting and accessible. Path4 is focused on seeking out these types of opportunities for commercialization in the orthopaedics space. The creation of this fund will assist Path4 to identify investments worthy of further development and market introduction. Combining this with their unique partnership with Austin Ventures, Path4 is well positioned to capitalize on new opportunities in this exciting field.

About the Company
Founded in 2004, Path4 LLC is a privately held company based in Austin, Texas. The company identifies, creates and develops opportunities in the healthcare industry. As a strategic consulting firm to companies and physicians in the orthopaedic sector, Path4 is focused on strengthening clients’ competitive position and increasing revenue potential. More information is available at www.path4.com.

SOURCE: Path4, LLC
Media: Jerry DeVries, +1-512-437-2582
jerrydevries@path4.com
www.path4.com
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