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CEOs initiating change – that’s much harder than identifying the problem
The Angel Connection: Solving the business problem may involve the entire company and create a lot of resistance to the change.
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Atlanta financial software firm lands $10.2M in funding
Adobe Ventures joins list of investors backing Oversight Systems.
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CED lays off five staff members as part of ‘right-sizing’ moves
The entrepreneurial organization had become ‘too large,’ says incoming board chair Stephen Wiehe. Board wants CED to be better stewards of members’ donations, funds, he adds. Current chair Mary Musacchia says moves follow a review of CED’s focus and purpose.
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Patriotism goes mobile – Multimedia content available for download
Cary-based 2ThumbZ teams with U.S. military, AT&T to launch more than 300 products. Selections include ringtones, music, unit logos, videos, 3D graphics and slideshows.
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Alimera, a Georgia-based drug development firm, eyes IPO
Intersouth-backed company wants to raise $75M, be traded on Nasdaq.
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Zink and Polaroid’s inkless printers hit stores this Sunday
VentureBeat: Zink operates manufacturing facility in Triad.
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Startups facing ‘capital market crisis,’ venture capital group warns
No VC-backed firms went public in second quarter. Merger and acquisition activity dropped as well. National Venture Capital Association says reasons for drought extend beyond weak markets. But local VC says crisis is ‘too strong a word.’
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Durham-based drug startup lands $25M in new financing
Papas Ventures, which launched CoLucid in 2005, participates in new round. CoLucid has anti-migraine compound in development.
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EA star leaves to start iPhone games company Ngmoco
VentureBeat: ‘We are finally at the place where we can reinvent the experiences and the economics of the mobile games business,’ says former EA exec Neil Young. ‘The industry has been stagnant for a few years. I feel the iPhone is a real opportunity to change that industry.’
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Bank of America invests in mobile banking platform maker mFoundry
VentureBeat: Bank already has 1 million mobile users.
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What really is ‘Thinking outside of the box’?
Angel Connection: By understanding and utilizing this process, CEOs can better define and then solve problems.
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Social media firm Vitrue to acquire N.Y. company
UGENmedia founders to join venture-backed Vitrue. Companies work with clients for branding videos, interactive applications.
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Want in the game? New Web site puts your there
VentureBeat: InGameNow allows sports fans to micro-message each other about events, topics.
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rPath, seeking to put more companies in ‘clouds,’ closes on $10M
Raleigh-based startup says funding will be used to expand its efforts in virtualization, cloud computing markets.
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Personal Web that never forgets? That’s Evernote
VentureBeat: Web 2.o application startup touts itself as users’ ‘external brain.’ It stores pictures, data, other information.
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Video shockwaves ahead from startup?
VentureBeat: Seesmic raises another $6M for video comments.
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North Carolina improves slightly in technology and science survey
New Milken Institute study places N.C. 18th, Georgia 25th, South Carolina 42nd in preparing economies for growth based on technology and science assets.
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Dassault Systemes buys Cary-based software firm for $40M
Engineous Software, a venture-backed developer of high-end simulation applications, will become part of Dassault software business unit. Engineous CEO Janet Wylie will leave firm, but the deal is not expected to affect most jobs in Cary.
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CEO decision making – A key quality investors seek
The Angel Connection: To get to a good decision, it is necessary to be focused on the right problem which consequently becomes the foundation to good decision making. This process starts with a critical analysis through probing questions.
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California firm is ready to spread the news for mobile users
VentureBeat: Location-based services from Verve Wireless focus on local news
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National entrepreneurial honor could be next for iContact’s co-founders
Aaron Houghton, Ryan Allis say winning Carolinas E&Y honor came as a surprise. It’s an award they share with teammates at five-year-old company.
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Water woes: ‘Man-made’ H20 has different chemistry
UniversityTech: Study by Duke researcher says desalination will change the environment.
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Water woes: Scarcity points to big opportunities in desalination
VentureBeat: Desalination costs are decreasing, and world capacity for process of making sea water drinkable is soaring.
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Arbovax closes on $1.43M in first-round financing
Piedmont Angel Networks leads round in startup that is developing technology to help combat insect-borne viruses such as dengue fever.
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UNC technology licensed by Liquidia is enrolled in hunt for life on Mars
UniversityTech: NASA scientists build a ‘lab-on-a-chip’ device utilizing microfluidic technology that venture-backed Liquidia is commercializing.
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Yap this: Charlotte talk-to-text startup lands $6.5M in financing
Company, which launched in 2006, secures first-round funding from three venture firms and existing investors.
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iContact founders could bring home another honor – E&Y Entrepreneur of Year
Carolinas list includes executives from wide variety of firms, including Red Hat’s Szulik, TransTech Pharma’s founder.
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NC IDEA picks six startups for $183,200 in grants
Software, micro liquid display, medical device firms receive latest economic development awards.
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NewTeeVee launches online video review site
VentureBeat: Editor calls site ‘a bet that online video is a legitimate entertainment medium.’
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Mobile software developer picks Triangle for new office, plans 50 hires
Novarra, a venture-backed firm based in Illinois, plans to open technical operation in RTP area by end of the month. Among its recruiting targets: Employees laid off by Motricity.
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ClickFox lands another $12.5M in financing
Atlanta-based firm focuses on analysis of customer experiences. Ascent Venture partners leads round.
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Semiconductor startup Beeco closes on $5M in financing
Intersouth, RTI co-lead round. Beeco is a spin-out of RTI. The new firm received CED's spin-out award.
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Widget-maker RockYou raises $35M, claims larger reach than competitor Slide
VentureBeat: Rockyou is competing neck and neck with Slide. RockYou’s reach stands at 87.5 million users a month, compared to Slide’s 63.7 million.
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A new chip off the old block – is MRAM ready for prime time?
VentureBeat: Freescale spins out its MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory) chip business. New venture raises $20M in venture capital.
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Rockport Capital closes third cleantech fund at $450M
VentureBeat: Boston-based firm has already invested $386M in more than 40 startups.
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Best vs. best: ‘IBeatYou site lets users make up contests
VentureBeat: Site also includes wide variety of social applications. More tools are coming.
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Do you listen? Effective CEO communication isn’t one-way.
Angel Connection: Some CEOs don’t realize that communication is a two-way process. In addition to getting your own message across, it is also important to listen to and understand what others have to say, a technique known as ‘active listening.’
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Building an ethical culture – CEOs set the pace
Angel Connection: A frequently unrecognized challenge for CEOs and business owners is to fully understand how they are the symbol and the source of the culture of their organizations.
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MIT researchers make predictions for next tech boom
VentureBeat: Plasma advances, more robots, increased fabrication are just a few highlights.
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Maryland firm building solar power farm near Charlotte raises $131M
VentureBeat: SunEdison also secures $30M in debt to help finance expansion plans
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World Bank will raise $5.5 billion cleantech funding with the U.S., Britain and Japan
VentureBeat: While the sum may dwarf some of the announced VC funds, it remains to be seen how transparent and effective the mechanisms for disbursing the money will be.
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Throw away the Wii — 3D sensing technology due within a year, says SoftKinetic
VentureBeat: A camera mounted on your TV or computer captures your movements, and with a combination of sophisticated hardware and software, extrapolates them into three dimensions. The effect is as if you had Wii controllers strapped to your body.
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Building ethical business environment is essential for successful investment
Angel Connection: In an ethical environment, employees and business partners understand that ethical behavior is the means by which business success is achieved.
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Life science firm establishing offices in S.C. lands $2M more in funding
Myconostica, which is focused on anti-fungal technology, secures investment from new U.K. fund.
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Unitrends closes on $9 million in Series C funding
Aurora Funds, Trelys Funds participate in round of financing for S.C.-based data management technology firm.
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Widget infrastructure company Clearspring raises $18M
VentureBeat: Virginia-based company, backed by Novak Biddle and New Enterprise Associates, offers a platform for variety of Web applications.
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River Cities Capital Funds invests in Georgia medical technology firm
EndoChoice, a provider of endoscopy products and services, plans to expand service offerings.
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With new release and new funding, Wetpaint wants to ‘wikify’ the web
VentureBeat: Wetpaint Injected does exactly what the name says — it injects wiki functionality into any webpage.
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Business plan competitions backed by VCs offers plenty of green – as in cash
VentureBeat: DFJ’s Steve Jurveston discusses clean tech business plan competition – and playing god
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Want better climate for performance? Improve CEO communications
Angel Connection: Even though you may already be a good communicator, everyone can improve on their current abilities and approaches to communications.
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Investors flip out over SilkRoad, invest $54M
Winston-Salem talent management services firm founded by ‘Flip’ Filipowski plans major expansion, names new CFO.
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Let’s make a deal – Southern Capitol VC talks about eTix investment
Jason Caplain, a general partner at Raleigh firm, cites eTix management team, its technology and its growing customer base as key reasons for investment.
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On-demand ticketing software eTix lands $1M from Southern Capitol Ventures
Morrisville-based eTix, which launched in 1999, plans to expand staff, operations with new funds.
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UNC-CH transfers protein production technology to Liquidia
Discovery could lead to improved therapeutics, says UNC professor and Liquidia founder Joseph DeSimone.
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Personalized health startup Proventys lands $5.65M in financing
Durham-based company, which was launched by former Duke Chancellor Ralph Snyderman, also names new CEO. Plus, healthcare IT firm McKesson will include Proventys software inn product offerings.
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Startup Genomatica has plans to turn the chemical industry green
VentureBeat: Firm isn’t entirely alone in its plans. Novomer wants to revolutionize plastics manufacturing, although it will rely on chemistry, rather than biological processes. Another startup, Segetis, appears to plan on using biological feedstocks,
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Smalltown expands its scope to the Internet community at large with Webcards.com
VentureBeat: Webcards.com is designed to simplify advertising campaigns over multiple platforms. The idea is still to focus on small local business, but to help these companies easily expand to the Internet at large.
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Aldagen aims for $80.5 million IPO
Company focused on stem cell research is backed by Intersouth, Aurora Funds. Formerly known as Stemco, Aldagen closed on $18.4M in venture funding in April.
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Web, messaging going mobile with open source
VentureBeat: Funambol, Laszlo Systems team up on open source mobile-web messaging.
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More acquisitions looming? Peak 10 secures $60M credit facility
Charlotte-based provider of data hosting, other services plans expansion, CFO says.
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Business presentation – What’s the opportunity and how do you get it?
Angel Connection: All the information about the product or service should simply demonstrate that the buyer’s need is addressed and that it will win against the competition.
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Triangle tech community loses advocate, entrepreneur, investor in Paul Rasmussen
Memorial service is set for Friday afternoon at First Flight Center in RTP. Rasmussen ran, invested in, and mentored many high-tech firms in region for 15 years.
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The ‘titans’ of venture capital: Entrepreneurs, we’re here to serve you
VentureBeat: An National Venture Capital Association, ‘Midas List’ leaders John Doerr, Michael Moritz stress their service to up-and-coming firms.
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PwC’s Jeff Barber to retire, seek new opportunities
Managing partner of financial services’ Raleigh office helped take some of region’s best-known companies public. He has worked at PwC for 31 years.
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Spot Runner raises $51 million to expand global media business
Firm can target ads more precisely and distribute multiple versions of ads to different audiences. It has thousands of clients and says its revenue is growing rapidly.
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Serial life science entrepreneur Max Wallace takes on new challenge
Wallace will leave startup TheraLogics to become CEO of Bain Cancer Cure foundation. However, he plans to stay in Triangle and remain involved in Chapel Hill-based firm.
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Gaming breakthrough? Prime Sense claims to have the best 3D game controller
VentureBeat: Israel-based company says its technology enables computer to perceive the world in 3D and derive an understanding of the world based on sight, just the way humans do.
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X marks the spot: Xobni launches e-mail organizer for Outlook
VentureBeat: After tests from 50,000 users, a beat version is now available.
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Is LinkedIn being sold? The world wonders
VentureBeat: Company’s user base doubled last year to more than 20 million active users worldwide. It claims that 1.3 million new members are joining per month. The average user is 41 years old and makes around $110,000.
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Business presentations – Tell the whole story
Angel Connection: Many presentations omit one or more areas of information, causing the audience to question whether the business owner actually understands their business.
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Personal finance site Mint adds investment tracking
VentureBeat: Site looks to be the first of the general personal finance sites to move beyond basic bank accounts and expenses into investment tracking.
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Kongregate to launch Facebook games, raises $3 million from Amazon’s Jeff Bezos
VentureBeat: Investments from Bezos Expeditions will be used to fuel the company’s expansion to new platforms and expand beyond the mostly male audience that plays Adobe Flash-based games at Kongregate.com.
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Medical Device Startup CivaTech Raises $1M
Two-year-old company is developing means to deliver a radioactive ‘sting’ to combat cancer.
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Startup Sunrgi claims major advances in solar power
VentureBeat: California-based startup says its technology can produce cheap energy.
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Massachusetts-based stent technology firm Names CEO, picks RTP for headquarters
Guidant veteran will lead Tryton Medical, which closed on $14 million in venture funding earlier this month.
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NileGuide Aims To Own Trip Itinerary Business
VentureBeat: NileGuide will offer a site that has experts in multiple locations around the world who can give you information that is accurate and relevant.
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Investors Pour $18.4M More into Biopharmaceutical Firm Aldagen
Durham-based startup, which is basked by Intersouth and Aurora, has four potential drugs in development.
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Silverpop Closes on $15M, Plans Additional Acquisitions
E-mail and on-demand marketing firm run by Raleigh entrepreneur Bill Nussey also lands new investor.
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Take Heart, Entrepreneurs – Outlook for Angel Funding Is Good
Angel Connection: Angel Capital Association seeks positive signs despite a souring economy.
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MobiTV Lands $5M in Additional Venture Capital
VentureBeat: California-based provider of streaming video services, has now raised $130M.
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Raleigh-Based Business Financial Services Raises $9M
Edison Venture Fund provides funding for company, which offers cash advances to businesses.
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Argos Therapeutics Closes on $35.2M in New Funding
Third round of financing includes three new investors. Funds will be used to advance potential immune-system based treatments for HIV, renal cell carcinoma.
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New York Private Equity Firm Invests in RTP-Based Carpio Systems
Amount of deal isn’t disclosed, but Carpio CEO says funds will be used for growth, acquisitions.
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Writing Next RTP Tech Success Story? That Could Be Mi-Co
Father-and-son team Jim and Greg Clary are turning proprietary technology for electronic forms and data-capture into a growing business. Now they are ready to seek their first venture funding – up to $5M.
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Atlanta-Based Wound Therapy Firm Raises $2.3M
Biofisica’s technology combines wound dressing with electrical stimulation.
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Marc Andreessen’s Social Network Creator Ning Raises $60M at $500M Valuation
VentureBeat: Funds to fuel growth, also ‘to make sure we have plenty of firepower to survive the oncoming nuclear winter, Netscape co-founder says.
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Venture Investing Declines 8.5% in First Quarter
Declining IPOs will continue to be a drag on startup funding, VC says.
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Investor Presentations – Motto for Success Is ‘Be Prepared’
Angel Connection: All audiences are not the same. Customize your presentation to the needs of your audience. You need to cover all the basic material, but emphasis should be placed on the areas of most interest to your audience.
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Venture Outlook for 2008 Is Promising Despite Slowing Economy, Venture Group President Says
Venture 2008 Preview: Mark Heesen, who leads National Venture Capital Association, will deliver largely upbeat message at CED’s 25th annual event.
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Motricity Executive Signs on as Chief Operating Officer at Hosted Solutions
Christopher Turco is part of expanding management team being put in place after Hosted acquisition.
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Charlotte-Based Solar Energy Cell Firm Raises $3.6M
Sencera International secures funding from Quercus Trust. Company pursues proprietary technology for rewnewable energy.
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Phase Bioscience Names Pharma Veteran as CEO
UPDATE: Christopher Prior replaces Nick Ellis who left firm in March to become CEO at Argolyn Bioscience. PhaseBio also adds two other execs to management team.
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Wakefield Group, Noro-Moseley Invest in Tennessee-Based Payments Solution Firm
FrontStream Payments closes on $16M in funding, plans to use funds for acquisitions and expansion.
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evincii’s Search Box Helps You Navigate the Drug Store
VentureBeat: California-based company puts search technology in brick-and-mortar environment.
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Fewer Venture Firms Are Raising Larger Funding Rounds
In first quarter, 57 funds raised $6.26 billion compared with 83 firms and $6.2 billion in 2007, a report from the National Venture Capital Association and Thomson Financial said.
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New S.C. Angel Network Hires Clemson Grad as Managing Director
Upstate Carolina Angel Network plans first meeting with presenting firms on April 18.
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Do’s and Don’ts - Tuning Up for the Investor Presentation
The Angel Connection: Entrepreneurs must – and can – get their message across about 12 crucial points in 10 minutes.
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Venture 2008 Preview: VCs Still Ready To Pull Triggers on Good Deals
As Council for Entrepreneurial Development’s 25th annual venture capital event nears, Wakefield’s Steve Nelson says slowing economy isn’t affecting deals or fund raising.
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U.K. Life Science Firm Picks Charleston for U.S. Headquarters
Myconostica, which focuses on combating infections, lands $7.7M in venture funding.
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Music Startups Stay on Track, Landing More Funding
VentureBeat: OurStage, MTraks creating enough buzz to land capital.
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UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Launches ‘Sustainable Business’ Accelerator
Program to include incubator space, faculty support for enterprises focused on financial profitability, social equity and environmental sustainability.
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In Exploding Casual Games Market, THQ Remains a Powerhouse
VentureBeat: Communities of interest built around games are expanding video games reach, says California-based gaming firm executive.
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Pharma, Biotech Software Startup Lands $2.6M in Financing
Hatteras Venture Partners, Southern Capitol Ventures lead backing for ArtusLabs. Firm’s management team also launched and sold Synthematix in Triangle.
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SocialMedia Is Cashing in on Advertising
VentureBeat: Social networks’ importance in online marketing is growing, says SocialMedia CEO.
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Home Runs on PCs – Inlet Helps Speeds up Major League Baseball’s Video
Raleigh-based company’s compression technology enables MLB to deliver more games faster – and in higher quality.
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Angel Investing Steady, Cautious in Wavering Economy
2007 angel market data released by Center for Venture Research
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Venture Firms Pour $200M into Open Source
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