Northwest Energy Angels adds Eric Berman to its board of directors

Seattle, WA – February 7, 2012 – Northwest Energy Angels, the Pacific Northwest’s only angel group focused exclusively on providing early-stage capital to cleantech entrepreneurs, announced that Eric Berman has joined its board of directors. Berman will join the current seven member board, including co-chair’s Byron McCann and Lars Johansson, to create successful cleantech companies and a vibrant cleantech industry in the Pacific Northwest through angel investing. 

“I believe the renewable energy and cleantech sector is the most critical area to address as a society over the next 20 to 30 years,” said Berman.  “I wanted to become active in the cleantech sector and the Northwest Energy Angels have been the perfect vehicle for me. I enjoy meeting the smart entrepreneurs we have in our region and I look forward to taking a leadership position within the group.”

In his new role, Berman will be chairing the organization’s newly formed Due Diligence Committee focused on helping guide efficient and effective best practices into the group’s due-diligence process.  Berman has made five investments through the Northwest Energy Angels over the past three years. For the past 20 years, Berman spent much of his time at Microsoft and Expedia.  He also runs MyFlightbook.com, a service for pilots to track flight hours and he volunteers with environment and education oriented non-profit organizations.  

“We are excited to welcome Eric and know he will be a great asset to our board,” said Lars Johansson. “He has extensive experience in the technology sector and holds many leadership positions in the community, which further strengthens our group.  Plus, Eric has a sincere passion and drive to advance the cleantech community, which is exactly what we’re trying accomplish through our angel investing.”

Berman is also the board treasurer for Seattle-based Explorations in Math, a trustee for Cheetah Conservation Fund, a National Council member for World Wildlife Fund, a partner at Social Ventures Partners and a volunteer for Angel Flight West.  He holds degrees in electrical engineering and physics from MIT and an M.A. in electrical engineering from Stanford. 

For more information on Northwest Energy Angels and others serving on the board of directors, please visitwww.nwenergyangels.com.

About Northwest Energy Angels

Northwest Energy Angels, founded in 2006, is the first angel investment group in North America to focus exclusively on the cleantech industry. A non-profit organization, Northwest Energy Angels helps create successful cleantech companies by connecting promising entrepreneurs with experienced cleantech investors. Northwest Energy Angel members add value to the companies they invest in and act as a bridge to institutional investors. To date, members have invested more than $4.8 million in 31 companies. For more information, visitwww.nwenergyangels.com.

Media Contact: Helen McClenahan
206-576-5502
hmcclenahan@webershandwick.com

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