James Socas Joins Updata Partners As General Partner



Updata Partners, a leading growth-stage venture capital firm focused in the information technology industry, announced today that James Socas, former Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Development at Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC), has joined the firm as a General Partner based in the Reston, Virginia office. Mr. Socas is an industry veteran with more than 15 years of experience in the technology field as a senior executive, investment banker and entrepreneur. He will focus on a broad range of information technology investments with particular emphasis on enterprise software, information services, and Internet companies.

"James is an exceptional addition to the Updata team bringing with him that unique combination of operational experience, strategic insight, and deep software domain expertise that is at the core of Updata's approach," said John Burton, Updata Partners' Managing General Partner. "I've known James for several years; with his industry-wide network and strategic insight, he will prove a valuable resource for both our current and future portfolio companies. I am delighted to welcome James to Updata."

Mr. Socas led corporate development at Symantec, the world's fourth largest independent software company, where he was responsible for mergers and acquisitions, venture investments, and strategic alliances. He conceived, negotiated and executed Symantec's international joint venture with Huawei Technologies, one of China's leading technology companies, and drove the successful acquisition of systems management leader Altiris. Prior to Symantec, Mr. Socas was a Managing Director and investment banker at Credit Suisse First Boston and Donaldson, Lufkin Jenrette where he advised many leading software companies in their strategic initiatives.

"Updata Partners is recognized as one of the most dynamic and respected venture capital firms in the industry," said Mr. Socas, newly appointed Updata General Partner. "I am thrilled to work alongside the current team of world class partners to continue that record of success and drive the next stage of growth for the firm, its investors and our portfolio companies."

In addition to his industry experience, Mr. Socas has also worked on the staff of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee and currently is appointed to serve on the State of Virginia's Board of Corrections. Mr. Socas earned an M.B.A. from Harvard University and a B.A. from the University of Virginia.

About Updata Partners

Based in Reston, Virginia and Edison, New Jersey, Updata Partners is a leading venture capital firm that invests in growth stage information technology companies with innovative intellectual property enabling market-leading products and services. Led by an investment team averaging more than 20 years of operational and private equity experience in the technology industry, we seek investments where the combination of our financial backing and operating expertise will accelerate growth. With close to $500 million under management, the firm also selectively provides recapitalization and management buyout financing. For more information, visit www.updatapartners.com.





James Socas Joins Updata Partners As General Partner