The Sal Buccieri Venture Memorial Impact Award

The Sal Buccieri Memorial Venture Impact Award is awarded to an individual in the venture capital and entrepreneurial community who exemplifies the passion towards seeing early stage entrepreneurial opportunities succeed and
flourish. This individual is one who has clearly impacted early stage technology and fast growth venture opportunities by providing the essential capital, extensive counseling and necessary vision to allow such companies to win in today's competitive environment. The recipient of this Award is
one who strives to create a better environment for all so that entrepreneurs achieve their dreams and attain success.
The Sal Buccieri Memorial Venture Impact Award is named in memory for Salvatore Buccieri. Sal passed away in December 2000 after a hard-fought battle with cancer at the age of 39. Sal was a partner at Arthur Andersen in the Growth Company Practice that he joined in 1984 after graduating from
Drexel University. He worked extensively throughout his career assisting early stage companies with financial and business issues. Sal was closely involved with Early Stage East and is missed by all.

2005 Recipient – John Martinson

Mr. Martinson is founder and Managing Partner of the Edison Venture Fund. He founded the company in 1986, which has financed more companies in NJ, PA, MD, and VA than any other private equity firm. Edison has raised $420 million and is currently raising their sixth fund. As Managing Partner, Mr. Martinson shapes overall investment strategy and leads the organization. He mentors rising investment professionals and assists the general partners in growing their regional and industry practices. Also, Mr. Martinson actively leads Edison’s investments in information technology companies serving the pharmaceutical industry and education. He made multiple investments in application software serving the drug industry, customer relationship management, education, human resources, manufacturing and enterprise solutions. As a board member, he contributes expertise in strategy, marketing and business planning. Mr. Martinson is a director of 10 Edison investments including three in the Boston area.

Mr. Martinson has guided many venture industry networking organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region. He has served on the Board of Directors of 40 companies. He is past Chairman of both the National Venture Capital Association and the Greater Philadelphia Venture Group. He served as director for eight years at both organizations. He is co-founder and former Chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Venture Fair and founded the New Jersey Venture Fair. He is a frequent speaker at an entrepreneurial events, technology conferences and financing seminars.

Mr. Martinson has his BS in Aeronautics from the U.S. Air Force Academy, his MS in Astronautics from Purdue University and his MBA from Southern Illinois University.

The Early Stage East Founders' Award

The Early Stage East Founders' Award is awarded to an individual who has shown outstanding commitment, leadership and support of the venture capital community as a whole. This individual is committed to the growth of the overall venture capital community and has shown a belief in and commitment
to this region in the development of venture capital and entrepreneurial activity.