Title	Spotlight Article: Santa Barbara Technology Incubator
Date:	12/13/2000
Author:	Andrea Estrada
Source:	Santa Barbara Magazine

"We're looking for a combination of the idea and the person" says Dennis Cagan, CEO of the Santa Barbara Technology Incubator. "If the idea is big enough we'll invest in it without the person. Conversely, if the person is big enough we'll invest in him or her rather than the ides." Right now, SBTI is working with internet companies like Ants.com, providing seed money, office space, infrastructure, legal and financial services and access to funding and guidance from several experienced executives and advisors.

The company recognizes that many a great scientific advancements began with someone asking the question, "What if?" That question then leads to research, which in turn leads to cutting-edge technology and a new way of understanding old concepts. Creating an entire business, however, requires more than just a bright light bulb going off above one's head. That's where SBTI comes into the picture.

Established in January 2000, SBTI brings very early stage high-tech ventures from the concept phase to their first round of top-tier venture financing. It acts as a nursery, so to speak, where newly born ideas are nurtured, coddled and grown. With 11 full-time employees, several contractors and more than 250 ideas have been laid on the table, SBTI has outgrown its office space and is negotiating for a 90,000 square-foot building in Santa Barbara.