Rim Semiconductor Company (fka RSMI)

[WHP03]

Austin - typically, banks do not collateralize again possible future revenues (12-18 months out). My fiance is a Exec VP Commercial Banker who manages customer relationship (Loans in the $10-150MM range) and she confirms it would be very difficult to do what you've suggested. Of course IP is often viewed as a hard asset. Recently Business 2.0 magazine, which used to be Red Herring, actually spoke of how many VC's (Lighthouse Capital being one) is doing exactly what you've suggested - loaning against IP.

http://www.lcpartners.com/about.htm

I wish NVI would look into them specifically on that front. I've more or less exhausted myself trying to help NVI in this regard so I am not going to waste my time on it this time. It would be a very wise move on their part however to pursue the obvious.

Bill