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Interested in ‘crowdsourcing’? Check out UTest
Massachusetts-based startup puts new spin on outsourced software testing.
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Atlanta startup Band Metrics lands angel funding
Startup Band Metrics, which provides a variety of sales and performance services to musicians, has closed on an angel investment from Allen Graber, an Atlanta entrepreneur and high-tech investor.
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MySpace aims to bring mobile videos to the masses
MySpace mobile site already draws millions of unique visitors, so new service could provide a major boost for video streaming.
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The apps factor – What devices will do is shaping consumer choices
Analysis: Applications, not the network nor the phones, are reshaping mobile industry competition.
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Sensory Analytics closes on $1 million in new angel financing
Greensboro-based startup is focused on advanced measurement technology.
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The virtual machine tsunami is upon us
Analysis: Reality of movement to new multiple operating system technology is exploding demand – and costs.
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No more 'bad science' in Hollywood?
The Innovation Exchange: National Academy of Sciences teams up with Hollywood to help creators include more science and technology in scripts.
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Angel investing – The rest of the story
The Angel Connection: In ‘Fool’s Gold,’ author Scott Shane offers a condescending but in-depth look at world of angel investors.
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Peace in our time? Turning virtual swords into ploughshares
UniversityTech: Working with RTP-based Virtual Heroes, Duke develops simulation game to train a new generation of peacemakers.
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$ounds of success? UNC student wins entrepreneur ‘Race To BE’ music event
Louisburg native is co-founder of student music label Vinyl Records, which has received funding from Kenan Institute.
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Immigrants are more likely to be entrepreneurs
Analysis: A new study shows conclusive evidence that immigrants are more likely to start new businesses. And those businesses make significant contributions to U.S. economic activity
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Curiousor and curiousor – the mysterious Zune phone story
Is Microsoft about to launch a counter to Apple’s iPhone under code name ‘Pink’?
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Entrepreneurial spirit leads NouvEon exec away from Wachovia
Theresa Ulyatt, who led big bank’s tech and human resources recruitment for two years, relishes chance to help Queen City-based consulting firm grow. ‘I am joining a company that will be unforgettable in its industry,’ she says.
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PocketGear – formerly part of Motricity – off to smoking fast start
Smartphone application firm launches site for Android apps, is already profitable and is looking to hire additional personnel. Triangle entrepreneur Jud Bowman acquired PocketGear business from Motricity in June.
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Amid iPhone success, rumors of a Microsoft phone
Sources say the Microsoft phone would use the Nvidia Tegra chip. This chip is being aimed at the Internet-enabled handheld device market, and has some serious power when it comes to graphics
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Heads up, investors - Biotech may be moving toward hibernation
Angel Connection: Funding is drying up, leaving more biotechs headed for bankruptcy and development of many new drugs on the fiscal rocks.
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Jud Bowman’s PocketGear off to smokin’ fast start
Smartphone application firm launches site for Android apps, is already profitable and is looking to hire additional personnel. Bowman acquired PocketGear business from Motricity in June.
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Internet Summit - Lots of highs, a few lows
Innovation Exchange: Looking back at the first event, lasting impressions include size and quality of the crowd plus a collective positive attitude. But as with any event, a few tweaks would help improve a 2009 event.
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What do entrepreneurs do now?
Angel Connection: Entrepreneurs might ask if this is the right time to start a company. If asked, I would say yes. Think about it. All of these demands for more scrutiny on the entrepreneur’s business are things that they should be concerned about anyway. The economic mess we are in is simply forcing us to be more disciplined and focused.
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Internet Summit consensus: SaaS is hot!
Innovation Exchange: Better days for business seem to be in future for those who provide software-as-a-service.
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Quit building mansions and focus on execution, Lulu’s Bob Young says
At inaugural Internet Summit, Red Hat co-founder and many other execs say recession still offers opportunity for growth for entrepreneurs and tech startups.
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Interact911 closes on $28M in new financing
Winston-Salem-based startup lands additional backing from Triad investor SilkRoad Equity plus two new investors. Interact911 plans to step up expansion plans, create new products.
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Update 4: Blogging live from ‘Internet Summit’ – A warning from a VC, and marketing in Web 2.0 world …
Free-lance writer Noah Garrett is covering today’s Internet Summit in Chapel Hill for Local Tech Wire. His latest report: VC Kip Frey’s warning plus marketing in a connected world. Earlier reports: SaaS is hot …
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Mark Cuban versus SEC: Insider trading or insider politics?
In a memo posted online, Cuban asks why the SEC stopped a long-running investigation into other Mamma.com securities violations to start interviewing executives about Cuban’s own actions.
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‘Underwater’ stock options and ‘repricing’– The next dilemmas
The Angel Connection: With public and private companies facing downward prices on stock and valuations, what’s a board to do? Keep employees happy by ‘repricing’ options, thus angering existing shareholders? Or let unhappy execs, workers bolt?
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Looking for more meaningful search? Dive deep at DeepDyve
Formerly called Infovell, DeepDyne is designed to deliver detailed responses. It also indexes phrases up to 20 words in length.
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Crowdsourcing - One way to reach holy land of innovation
Innovation Exchange: ‘Crowdsourcing’ is just one way more organizations are now managing diversified portfolios of innovation sources that include not only in-house engineers and product managers but also external customers, suppliers, partners and investors.
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Raising capital – Don’t believe everything you read
Angel Connection: It’s credit crunch time. If reports have not factored in what is now happening, you are in danger of having a very incorrect picture of your chances of getting angel or venture capital financing.
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RTP startup Integrian is considering buyout opportunities
CEO of high-tech video surveillance firm says ‘lot of people’ looking to buy the business. Credit Suisse, Motorola, three VC firms – including two in Triangle – have poured $65M into Integrian.
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High-profile RTP tech firm Hatteras Networks lays off 2 VPs, about a quarter of staff
CEO says the global provider of high-speed communications gear is taken ‘proactive’ steps to deal with a forthcoming global financial ‘hurricane.’
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High-profile RTP tech firm Hatteras Networks lays off 2 VPs, nearly third of staff
CEO says the global provider of high-speed communications gear is taken ‘proactive’ steps to deal with a forthcoming global financial ‘hurricane.’
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Digitalsmiths closes on $12M in new financing
Durham-based startup, which is focused on video indexing and analytics, lands new investor for second round investment.
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Robotic-assisted surgery receives high marks in UNC study
In review of two groups where women received robotic-assisted treatment, doctors reported techniques are ‘feasible and safe.’ Device also led to less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, higher number of lymph nodes, study says.
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California studio to launch games based on Robert Jordan empire
Works in ‘Wheel of Time’ series by ate author, who lived in Charleston, S.C. will be turned into videogames and films by Red Eagle Entertainment. Two former IBM execs lead California-based entertainment company.
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IBM director of research remains bullish about opportunities
Now is the time for entrepreneurs and executives to invest, John Kelly tells CED crowd. IBM certainly will be, he adds. ‘Invest now, this too will pass,’ exec says of current tough climate.
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The T-Mobile G1 keyboard: A lesson in failed ergonomics
Product review: Sure, I could re-teach myself to hit the space bar and some of the other keys closer to the center-left with my left hand, but why should I? I have absolutely no problem with it on the iPhone’s keyboard.
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A ‘Wiimote’ device coming for Apple? Could be
Recent patent filings show Apple may be developing a Wii-like device for use with Apple TV.
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Web 2.0 investments dive in Q3 but cleantech surges
Is love affair with Web 2.0 ending and a new one beginning with environmentally friendly technology? Could be, with solar deals especially hot.
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Judge orders former IBM exec to ‘cease work’ immediately with Apple
Mark Papermaster quit Big Blue post to go to work for Steve Jobs, but IBM sued to block the move.
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Cash panic sweeping VC industry: The ‘capital calls’ problem
Increasingly, some large institutional investors are having trouble meeting their commitments to VC firms. That means less cash for VCs to put into their portfolio firms.
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Raising money? Warning: Private equity is getting tighter
Angel Connection: News is not good for entrepreneurs, especially those who have companies that are strained for cash and in need of additional financing now.
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‘Bilski’ decision and software patents – Good news for free, open source software community
Court declines to settle the issue of when, if ever, software based inventions should be patentable. Even so, the new test in the Bilski case will probably limit the patentability of software. The war is not over, but the odds of success are better.
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Game changer – ‘Gears 2’ symbolizes how videogames are altering pop culture
Immersion and ownership help gaming reshape the entertainment landscape. Devotees are more than fans. They are participants. Their experience is not controlled by a core group of elite creators.
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Despite economic woes, top analyst sees some bright spots for tech economy
'Having lived through a downturn before, companies that add value will survive,' Morgan Stanley's Mary Meeker says at Web 2.0 Conference.
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AT&T acquires WiFi provider Wayport for $275M — Now has 80,000 hot spots
Wayport hot spots also included Wyndham, Marriott Vacation Club and Four Seasons hotels; HealthSouth and Sun Healthcare locations.
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Microsoft looks to spark startups to use its products with a no costs upfront offer
BizSpark package includes software, support and promotion. To qualify, businesses must be less than three years old and generate under $1 million in revenue.
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Due diligence, recession style – It will be tougher
Analysis: As economic woes deepen, forecasts of increased emphasis on due diligence are probably accurate. Historically, investors and beneficiaries have tended to clamp down when the economy has soured.
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CED opens application process for its annual venture conference
Companies from across southeast can participate. Event is set for April 22-23 next year.
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Chips losing luster? Venture investments drop two consecutive quarters
Weak economy and the increased cost and time required to go public as reasons for the weakness in the semiconductor sector, says Global Semiconductor Alliance.
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Will ‘social capital’ be the next big industry to emerge?
Whatever the name, such as social entrepreneurism or ‘double-triple bottom line,’ making money from doing good appears to be generating growing appeal.
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Angel investors want to see decisive action from CEOs
Angel Connection: In these tough times, CEOs at startups need to assess revenue forecasts, tighten belts on costs, conserve cash – and more.
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Hatteras Venture Partners leads $5.2M round in Tennessee medical device firm
Hatteras member Bob Morff takes over as interim CEO at Pathfinder Therapeutics. Startup has FDA-approved device to assist in liver surgery.
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Downturn advice from Silicon Valley VCs: Don’t panic
During panel discussion, VCs acknowledge economy has taken a hammering but opportunities for startups remain for exploitation.
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Model this: Geomagic closes on $8 million in venture financing
3D software firm receives backing from Valhalla Partners, plans to scale up infrastructure, product development.
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Virtual vs. reality: NCSU researcher develops means to measure how ‘real’ virtual worlds are
UniversityTech: Tool to determine how business users ‘feel’ inside these online world environments.
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Service robots? New technology draws inspiration from service dogs
UniversityTech: Mimicking the work of expensive canines could provide less-expensive alternative for the impaired.
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Looking for more apps, BlackBerry Partners Fund picks first three outside investments
Locations-based social network, mobile commerce provider and mobile travel service land deals from $150M fund.
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LinkedIn’s platform opens up to third-party developers
Professional networking web site, which has more than 30 million members, seeks to offer ‘productivity’ applications.
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Web 2.0 application use sweeps across workplace, new study finds
Workplace monitoring software firm FaceTime finds 97 percent of respondents use Web applications. Three of four workers say they use work PCs for personal use.
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Venture capital returns dip but still top other private equity indexes
However, national venture group president sees tougher times ahead as drought on stock offerings drags on.
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Will credit crunch accelerate the ‘cloud’ punch?
Analysis: If necessity is the mother of invention, we might be poised for some truly terrific innovations in the cloud space. Just as the 9/11 meltdown was a catalyst for the adoption of Linux, a similar phenomenon might emerge for the cloud, says founder of Raleigh-based tech startup rPath.
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IBM, NCSU to N.C. students: Get on the 'cloud'
NCSU's Virtual Computing Lab, IBM team up for cloud computing initiative to make available more educational resources, computing power.
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Another honor for UNC computer science pioneer Fred Brooks: His name on a building
Scientist who helped create IBM supercomputers and is leader in 3D software research founded UNC computer sciences department 44 years ago.
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Want effective executive engagement? Leave the 'techie talk' at the office
‘You need to ditch the PowerPoint slides, have real conversations with your executive management team, make them feel comfortable with the information you're sharing, and be respectful of their time and information absorption,’ says former White House CIO.
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Entrepreneurism is key to economic recovery, study finds
However, only one if four of respondents in Kauffmann Foundation survey say they would be willing to start a business.
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Duke explores risks, opportunities in sharing data in a wireless world
UniversityTech: Duke’s Office of Information technology works with researchers to facilitate information while preserving security.
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iContact closes on $5M in new funding
The e-mail marketing firm plans to expand sales and marketing efforts with investment in debt capital from North Atlantic Capital.
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Let battle begin: T-Mobile launches G1 as rival to Apple’s iPhone
First phone that includes Android software from Google attracts a crowd - but nowhere near as big as Apple's second-generation iPhone. Nationwide rollout is Wednesday.
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Looking for backers? Angel investors want disciplined entrepreneurs
The Angel Connection: In tougher economic times, angels will be more selective when making deals.
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Former top exec at NCTA takes on new mission
Joan Myers looks to help build high-tech defense, security industry cluster across North Carolina. Defense Security Technology Accelerator in Fayetteville could just be a start.
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What’s with cloud computing? Fiction, fantasy or for-real business?
Virtual computing and virtual storage present legitimate opportunities for startups, service providers, says consultant at Sand Hill group.
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Impact of market crunch on startups? Valuations battles for tight Ca$h
Analysis: Look for venture firms, entrepreneurs to engage in hot debates over valuations as money crunch worsens. As for startups with no angel or VC backing, forget about raising money.
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Want a head’s up about related interests on web? Headup could be answer
Israeli firm Semantinet provides a plugin that helps users tracks news, items but without having to search.
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Color MySpace green – Networking site eyes $1B in revenue
What economic downturn? MySpace won’t get specific on revenues but say growth in dollars and traffic continues.
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$15M in second-round funding is uplifting news for CeNeRx
RTP-based startup, whose backers include Pappas ventures, plans to use funds for trial of proposed anti-depression drug. Company also could acquire other compounds.
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Despite the downturn, financing remains plentiful for cleantech
‘Now’s the time to put some money into new things, and find some good deals,’ angel investor tells forum.
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GSK business development exec to deliver SEBIO keynote
Southeast BIO venture conference is set for December in Florida. A total of 29 companies will make presentations.
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Cisco will back startup in smart grid space
New venture emerges as winner in networking giant’s ‘iPrize’ contest, which drew some 1,200 ideas.
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Personal planner – with the DARPA touch
Shadowy government project spins off Siri to help direct your affairs.
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Fewer VC firms raise money in third quarter
New funds outnumbered 4-to-1 as VCs close on $8.1B. Total of 55 funds is lowest three years.
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Pennies left in Heaven - Angels investors feeling the crunch
Angel Connection: Where’s the bottom? With the volatility in the public markets, some are already seeing their net worth and their cash flow from investments drop by 30 percent to 40 percent.
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Ole! Startup to launch netbook with iPhone dock
Olo Computer will make your iPhone look like the computer it really is
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Who needs ‘crowdsourcing'? Innovation needs experts
Many executives are rethinking next steps and cutting costs anywhere and everywhere they can. Many are turning to ‘crowdsourcing’ as a way to find inexpensive labor from the masses to create content and solve problems. Big mistake.
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Apple to unveil new products (notebooks?) on October 14
Invitation simply says: 'The spotlight turns to notebooks.'
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Apple for everyone’s eye? Mac could be launching $800 laptop
Reports keep circulating Apple will soon unveil new line of notebooks, including a modestly priced one.
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Startup Aldagen withdraws plans for $80.5M stock offering
Life-sciences startup Aldagen has withdrawn plans for an initial public offering.
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Drug discovery firm Trana to commercialize screening technology targeting staph
Backed by N.C. Biotech Center, Cary-based startup says testing could lead to development of anti-infectives.
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$ounds of new music: ReverbNation lands $3M in funding
New investor ETF Venture Funds joins Novak Biddle, Southern Capitol in second round of investment for Durham startup. ReverbNation helps link bands, fans.
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What downturn? Private equity still going strong
Venture fund raising increases 3%. Overall, fundraising is up $22B over 2007 in fewer funds.
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Silicon Valley exit feast – Celebrating eBay’s $945M buy of Bill Me Later
Azure Capital Partners’ dinner becomes a rare victory lap for an investment firm in a rapidly souring economy.
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Semiconductor startup drops interim name for siXis
Formerly known as Beeco, company backed by Intersouth, RTI International rolls out beta product featuring silicon-to-silicon.
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Biolex Therapeutics closes on $60M in financing
Pittsboro-based life science startup lands new investors as part of colossal Series D round. Biolex withdrew $80M IPO earlier this year.
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Entrepreneurs caught in a perfect storm of financial incompetence
Analysis: Angel investors and startups will pay big price for Wall Street meltdown. Angels have less to invest. Entrepreneurs will suffer from lack of funding sources.
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Looking to cash in, more people are linking up
Shaky economy is driving more job seekers, hopefuls to LinkedIn.
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Erroneous CNN citizen journalism report sparks Apple selloff
Poster at iReport claimed Steve Jobs suffered a heart attack. Apple stock shares drop 10% but recover after company denies report.
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SaaS startup Astadia closes on $7 million in second-round financing
North Atlantic Capital, Kodiak Venture Partners lead round in Atlanta firm.
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Council for Entrepreneurial Development backs ‘Internet Summit’
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development is signing on as a co-presenter at Internet Summit 08.
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SAS going ‘green’ with new building, related projects at headquarters in Cary
Construction begins on new 260,000 square foot office structure that integrates energy-saving technology. Solar farm expected to be finished by year’s end.
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RTI wins contracts worth up to $7.1M for nanotech energy project
Triangle researchers, partners to explore how thermoelectric materials could covert wasted heat to electricity.
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Exit ramps are staying closed for emerging companies
Latest statistics show this year’s IPO market weakest since 1977, and M&As are in the gutter.
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Does venture capital spur innovation?
Some research shows that money follows innovation, not the other way around.
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Wall Street fallout to weigh on venture capital firms’ ability to ‘call down’ funds?
One example: As Washington Mutual and other banks fall, aftermath could rock venture firm FTVentures.
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NCSU, Southern Capitol Ventures team up to showcase local companies
In first of two events, top entrepreneurial students match up with some of Triangle region’s leading tech, life science companies.
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Right info, right now – just for you?
New York-based Sociocast launches personalized content delivery platform.
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Searching for a greener environment in Western N.C.
Caldwell County, search engine giant Google team up to reduce carbon footprint at Lenoir data center.
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Microsoft may buy Yahoo and AOL if the latter two merge
If the government rejects an advertising deal between Google and Yahoo, Yahoo could be a takeover target.
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Angels on your shoulders – and in growing share of startup deals
Angel Connection: Veteran investor and Angel Capital Association board member Catherine Mott tells big crowd investment world is growing far beyond limits of venture capital.
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Charlotte-based solar technology firm lands $15.6M in capital
Sencera is building first factory in N.C., plans to employ 75 people by 2011.
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Still hunting for deals, Southern Capitol’s David Jones earns a promotion
Early-stage venture capital firm in Raleigh names Jones, a former U.S. Navy sub-hunter pilot, as partner.
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Looking to keep children safe on web? Check out Glubble
UK-based firm unveils new version of family activity center focused on kids under age 12.
