Second Round Funding

Brainspark PLC 22 May 2001 BRAINSPARK plc SMILE-ON COMPLETES SECOND ROUND OF FUNDING FROM THE BOOTS COMPANY, BRAINSPARK AND PRIVATE INVESTORS London, May 22nd, 2001 - Brainspark plc, the incubator focused on investing in, and developing technology and Internet-related businesses, today announced the successful completion of a second round of funding for Smile-on Holdings plc (www.smile-on.com), one of its partner companies. Smile-on, the independent Internet education and online service for dental professionals, has secured £1.05m of second round funding from The Boots Company plc, Brainspark and private investors. Brainspark, which previously provided seed investment of £400,000 for the company, has incubated Smile-on since January 2000. Smile-on, which provides the dental profession with access to information, education and commercial services, will use the additional funding to fuel business expansion and to meet the growing demand for e-learning. The company also plans further to develop its partnerships, which currently include organisations such as the British Dental Association. Noam Tamir, CEO of Smile-on said: ' We are delighted to have closed this funding round, which we believe will benefit both Smile-on and the dental profession. We are continuing to experience tremendous growth and the new investment will help us meet the needs of this emerging market. The Boots Company's investment signals to us a validation of our team and of our commitment to raising the standards of efficiency and information for the dental community.' Stewart Dodd, CEO of Brainspark added: 'This is another piece of great news for Smile-on and for Brainspark. Noam and his team have built a great offering and this funding round is evidence of the value that has been created by their business. We look forward to Smile-on's continued growth and innovation.' Last month, another of Brainspark's investments, Metapack, completed its third round of funding of £3.25m. Enquiries: Brainspark plc (020 7843 6600) David Hart Smile-on (020 7843 6832) Paul Rogers Citigate Dewe Rogerson (020 7638 9571) Martin Jackson / Charles Vivian