CIVITAS GROUP LLC AND PALADIN CAPITAL GROUP TO PARTNER ON EARLY-STAGE INVESTMENTS IN THE HOMELAND AND NATIONAL SECURITY SECTORS
Washington, D.C. - October 28, 2008

Civitas Group llc and Paladin Capital Group announced today that they will partner on investments in the homeland security sector. Civitas, a strategic advisory and investment firm serving the homeland and national security markets, will source and manage equity investments in early-stage technology companies in coordination with Paladin, a premier Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm. Through this agreement, Paladin is expanding its commitment in the homeland security market to early-stage technologies to complement its highly successful investments in mid and later stage companies.

“Few, if any, firms truly understand the complexities of the security space like Civitas, both nationally and internationally,” stated Paladin Managing Partner Michael Steed. “They know the issues, the trends and the technology. We’d be hard-pressed to find a more valuable partner.”

Civitas and Paladin will concentrate their efforts on companies with compelling technology offerings in the prevention, protection and response and intelligence areas, considering for investment software, hardware and service-focused ventures.

Civitas CEO David Howe stated, “The need has never been greater for thoughtful and effective solutions to security challenges. We’re excited to strengthen our relationship with Paladin and help support companies with emerging technologies and promising ideas for how to best protect the nation.”

Civitas has extensive ties to all levels of the market: early-stage technology, established security-focused companies, and government buyers – allowing the firm to provide unrivaled insight into both deal flow and assessment of potential investments. The firm’s consulting operation has an exceptional record of accelerating the growth of early-stage technology ventures and will apply this expertise to its future portfolio companies.

Civitas Group is led by CEO David Howe, former Special Assistant to the President at the Homeland Security Council (HSC) at the White House, and a former Consultant at McKinsey &Co. Also serving the firm as Managing Directors are: Dr. Penrose “Parney” Albright, former Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology at the Department of Homeland Security and a former official at the White House, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA); Rick Gordon, a former early-stage technology CEO and former investment banker at Bear Stearns; Kirstjen Nielsen, former Special Assistant to the President at the HSC and official from DHS; and Mark Shaheen, a former Foreign Service Officer and State Department counterterrorism official. The firm’s Board is chaired by Robert Swindell, former head of technology banking at Lehman Brothers and is comprised of a bipartisan group of leaders in the national security, investment, and technology sectors.

About Civitas Group llc:
Civitas Group llc is a strategic advisory and investment firm serving the homeland and national security markets. Civitas’ advisory clients include top-tier government technology integrators, leading security services providers, global technology companies, early stage companies with promising technologies, governments, and private investment firms. The firm has helped numerous companies and technology providers with their strategic approach to the security market. In addition to assisting corporate clients, Civitas provides advice and assistance in the development of government agency plans, policies and programs and is a trusted advisor to senior-level U.S. policy makers. The firm’s Managing and Advisory Boards are comprised of leading figures on the homeland and national security and finance sectors. More information can be found at www.civitasgroup.com.

About Paladin Capital Group
Headquartered in Washington D.C., Paladin Capital Group is a premier private equity firm that provides expansion capital for growing companies. Paladin has over $900 million under management across multiple funds, with over thirty portfolio companies. Paladin invests in enterprises whose principal business centers on products and services that address homeland security issues and needs. Importantly, the fund's leadership comprises individuals with a proven track record of financial expertise, national security experience and specialized technical competence. For more information, see www.paladincapgroup.com.