NetObjects will use an object-oriented software framework developed over the past three years to dramatically improve and simplify the task of Web site authoring, publishing, and content management. "NetObjects' technology is the primary site publishing tool for the 24 Hours in Cyberspace project", said Tom Melcher, Producer of 24 Hours in Cyberspace.

"After discussions with many prominent venture capital groups we concluded that Norwest and Venrock are two of the most experienced and seasoned players in the creation of successful internet and enterprise software companies. We are pleased that they have partnered with us," said Samir Arora, CEO and founder of NetObjects.

"NetObjects will provide a set of products that are well differentiated by their unique focus on both content management needs of web designers and developers, and scalability and interoperability needs of enterprise webmasters," said Promod Haque, General Partner of Norwest Venture Capital. With $750M under management, Norwest has invested heavily in client-server and data warehousing tools, in application companies such as PeopleSoft, Tivoli Systems, Prism, and Forte, and in internet companies such as Raptor Systems and Connect, Inc.

"With Microsoft acquiring Vermeer, the general internet tools market needs an independent software vendor that will provide an open, flexible environment that addresses the needs of designers, developers, and publishers," said Terence Garnett, Venture Partner with Venrock Associates, the Rockefeller family's venture capital organization. Since its inception in 1969, Venrock has provided early stage financing to over 150 startup technology companies including Intel and Apple Computer, and more recently to internet companies such as Spyglass, Checkpoint Systems, and Digital Express.

The object-oriented software foundation for NetObjects products, called Structure of Linked Objects(TM) (S.O.L.O), was developed and used successfully by parent company Rae Technology, Inc. to create page-based information applications for consumer and corporate use.

NetObjects creates Web site authoring, publishing, and management products for people and organizations who design and develop for the Web. The company's first products will solve key limitations of currently available tools. An early version of a NetObjects product is being used to automatically create, publish, and update the entire 24 Hours in Cyberspace Web site on February 8, 1996. NetObjects was formed in November 1995, by Rae Technology, Inc., a premier provider of applications recognized for their superior navigation, user interface, and design; and Clement Mok designs, Inc., an identity and information design firm specializing in design planning and design services.

The company is led by founders Samir Arora, CEO, who served in key engineering and marketing management roles at Apple Computer, and as CEO of Rae Technology; David Kleinberg, EVP Marketing and Sales, who held director positions in Macromedia in marketing and sales; and Clement Mok, Chief Creative Officer, founder and chairman of Clement Mok designs. NetObjects board members include Samir Arora, Promod Haque, and Terence Garnett. The company is closing additional funding from private investors.

About NetObjects
NetObjects, Inc. develops products that enable Web site builders to dramatically improve the design, authoring, publishing and updating of Web sites. NetObjects Fusion provides the first visual, site-oriented approach to building Web sites, unlike first generation, text-based, page-oriented tools. NetObjects Fusion is the first smart Web site building application that integrates automated site building, professional-quality design and data publishing, thereby lowering the cost, time and tedium of building high-quality Web sites. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Redwood City, CA, NetObjects is privately-held and funded by Norwest Venture Capital, Venrock Associates and private investors. Information about NetObjects and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.netobjects.com or by calling 1-888-449-6400.

For press inquiries, contact:
Kamini Ramani
Director of Corporate Communications
(415) 482-3238
kamini@netobjects.com