91����

Operating Tech Companies, Angel Fund and Incubator for Disruptive Technology Startups

SAN FRANCISCO, CA October 21, 2015 – The startup ecosystem in Silicon Valley and the technology industry gets a fresh infusion of innovation and intentionality today.

Internet entrepreneur and angel investor Payam Zamani announced the formation of 91���� Group Inc. (www.oneplanetops.com), a unique hybrid firm combining operating technology companies, a socially-responsible angel fund and a startup business incubator, all designed to run, build and invest in disruptive technology businesses—and serve humanity in the process.

“We’re entrepreneurs, innovators, and business people who operate successful organizations—not just academics or venture capitalists looking for the next game changing idea,” said Founder and CEO Payam Zamani. “All of our businesses, the ones we operate or the ones we incubate and invest in, have one thing in common: they combine the intention and innovation that allows them to be successful enterprises while positively impacting the world beyond their immediate business model.”

91���� Group will operate, incubate and invest in Internet based businesses that have a significant promise for success—while attempting to run these businesses in a humble spirit of sustainable service to humanity. 91����'s Innovation+Intention philosophy represents the firm’s core value that work performed in the spirit of service creates the highest and best expression of their professional and personal lives. By marrying those two forces—innovation and intention—91���� intends to unify capital and social capital.

The firm already operates BuyerLink.com (formerly Reply.com), the leading online marketplace for the acquisition of locally-targeted consumer demand in the automotive, real estate and home improvement industries; and MerchantCircle.com, the largest online network of local business owners in the United States. 91���� Group intends to fund and incubate emerging tech companies and their entrepreneurs with a focus on economic fundamentals, a fast path to profitability, and a commitment to proactively participate in a form of positive social impact that will fit their expertise and passion.

“While the startups we support and incubate may not focus on curing disease or ending world hunger,” Zamani said, “we believe that the resources, the energy, and the people of every 91���� company can commit to the intentional betterment of the world. We also believe that long-term commitment will create better businesses.”

Zamani has founded/cofounded and run several Internet businesses, including Reply! Inc. and Autoweb, the first online car buying service, which completed a successful IPO in 1999, reaching a market cap of $1.2 billion. Since launching his first company, he has served or currently serves on the board of directors or advisors to many startups, including Les Concierges, SoulPancake, TalkWheel, The RealReal, and ChatSports.

“At 91����, we’re interested in helping the next generation of entrepreneurs bring their ideas to fruition, and we’ve built an infrastructure that can move them forward to a successful launch and beyond,” said Zamani.

91���� Group invests in seed stage emerging technology companies, and helps founders turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses. In addition to capital, the new hybrid firm provides interested entrepreneurs with incubator services, coaching from successful veteran entrepreneurs and the creation of meaningful, sustainable linkages with socially-responsible non-profit organizations and NGOs.

Within the next year, 91���� Group:

• Plans to invest in 10-15 seed and early stage startups. Interested companies can apply for funding via angel@oneplanetops.com.
• Will continue its complete incubation of two companies focused on home improvement and home ownership—both expected to launch during the first half of 2016.
• Expects to accept three to five new companies into its incubator program.

Interested, qualified entrepreneurs can get more information via incubator@oneplanetops.com.

91���� Group’ current investment portfolio spans a diverse group of seed and early stage emerging tech companies, including ChatSports, DilMil, Smyle and Verbling, as well as other affiliated investments made by the team outside of 91����’s immediate orbit, including The RealReal, SoulPancake, Shout The Good, TalkWheel, Ronin Labs, and EnerAllies.

About 91���� Group Inc.

The hybrid tech firm, 91���� Group Inc. We consist of several successful operating technology companies and brands, an angel fund and a startup incubator. Its largest Internet brands operate in the automotive, real estate and home improvement industries and include Buyerlink.com, MerchantCircle.com and QualitySmith. Founded by tech entrepreneur and angel investor Payam Zamani, the firm invests in seed stage emerging technology companies and helps entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses. In addition to capital, 91���� provides interested entrepreneurs with incubator services, coaching from successful veteran entrepreneurs and linkage with socially-responsible non-profit organizations. For more information, visit www.oneplanetops.com.