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SpeakOut.com Secures Major Funding for Internet Activism Website
$8 Million Investment Led by Constellation Ventures

WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 25, 1999 — SpeakOut.com, a Washington, DC, Internet start-up that will empower its users to interact with key decision makers and other advocates through a community Web service, finalized $8 million in funding, led by Constellation Ventures, an affiliate of Bear Stearns, to build and launch their Web site.

SpeakOut.com is a privately held Web portal that will provide a platform for users to debate, comment and communicate with government, political and business leaders on issues and news events. It also will serve as a valuable asset that gives government and special interest groups the ability to conduct polls and receive streamlined information on the pulse of America.

"SpeakOut.com leverages the Internet to promote American advocacy and provides the public with a forum to speak out, be heard and create change," said Ron Howard, chairman and CEO. "Using innovative technology, SpeakOut.com will provide its users with an interactive platform to voice their opinions, and its customers with a valuable source of highly targeted and customizable information."

Constellation Ventures is a $100 million venture capital fund investing in early- to mid-stage companies that capitalize on the convergence of media, communications and technology.

"SpeakOut.com marries sophisticated technology with an elite team of accomplished managers and a substantive advisory board of political and opinion leaders," said Ron Celmer, general partner, Constellation Ventures. "SpeakOut.com represents an entirely new forum for American activism."

SpeakOut.com has also strategically partnered with Rare Medium Group Inc. (Nasdaq: RRRR), a leading Internet and e-commerce services firm, for the Company's Web site development. Rare Medium has also invested capital in the Company.

"Rare Medium Group, Inc. is implementing SpeakOut.com's cutting-edge portal using state-of-the art technology to create the most effective tools for individuals to participate in the democratic process," said Derrick A. Chen, Director Venture Investing, Rare Medium Group, Inc. "We're proud to be a significant strategic partner and equity holder in SpeakOut.com."

The mission of Rare Medium Group is to incubate paradigm-shifting ideas and build the next wave of blockbuster Internet companies by leveraging its award-winning development arm.

About SpeakOut.com

Based in Washington, DC, SpeakOut.com's primary mission is to enhance the democratic process by enabling citizens to make a direct impact on the decisions that affect their lives.

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