August, 2015

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Fighting Back Against Mobile Phones in the Bedroom

Both Sides of the Table

Technology. It has been a hobby of mine since 1981 when I fell in love with programming, applications and online games. My brain is wired for logic and for problem solving and computers have always helped me fill this compulsion. And since I was 13 years old I have been accustomed to the debate about the limitations of technology or rather the downsides of being overly obsessed with gadgets, devices, software or applications.

Mobile 278
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Flippers vs Keepers–At times earnings don’t matter

Berkonomics

Dave’s note: We are privileged this week to host a post by Arthur Lipper, a well-respected member of the international financial community since 1954. He has served as advisor to and member of numerous financial exchanges, and was the founder and CEO of Arthur Lipper Corporation and co-founder and Chairman of New York & Foreign Securities Corporation.

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Water Planet Raises Series B Funding

socalTECH

Los Angeles-based Water Planet , which develops water treatment membranes, said today that it has raised a new, Series B funding round. Size of the funding was not disclosed. Water Planet said the investment came from Air Liquide's ALIAD Corporate Venture fund, Bluestem Capital and UCLA Venture Fund. As part of the funding, the company said it has changed its name dfrom Water Planet Engineering, LLC to Water Planet, Inc.

UCLA 125
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This Hollywood Star Proves Entrepreneurs Should Be Clueless

InfoChachkie

A version of this article previously appeared in Forbes. Sometimes being clueless makes you fearless. This was certainly the case with Hollywood star turned inventor, Hedy Lamarr. In 1937, Ms. Lamarr abandoned a successful European film career to become a Hollywood star. Although successful, she quickly became bored with the vapid nature of stardom, once saying, “Any girl can be glamorous.

Hollywood 166
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Can You Ask for Office Rent Relief? How to Manage Your Lease During COVID-19

Office leases are one of companies’ largest expenses, and if your whole team is working from home with no clear end in sight, you may be wondering what to do about your lease.

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Why PR?

Tech Coast Venture Network

As long-time PR pros and communications advocates, we’ve grown accustomed to questions like “What is PR?” or “Why do we need PR?”. By definition, public relations (PR) is the practice of managing the spread of information between an individual or an organization and the public; but the strategic communication process that occurs in today’s PR world requires so much more than just information management.

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Fiesta Santa Barbara is For Amateurs Like Me

Eric Greenspan

Fiesta or Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara has been an annual festival in Santa Barbara and has been equally present for all of the 28 years I’ve been here. I’ve often avoided it. Traffic, people, drunks, confetti, fattening food, and other debauchery. This week however, I took my three kids and a wonderful woman and magically, it all made sense.

More Trending

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Nothing commands a higher multiple than hope!

Berkonomics

Dave’s note: Guest author, David Steakley returns to explain his theory of exit valuations. It’s a short but excellent read… By David Steakley. You may recall that earlier in this series, I explained the definition of an inciting incident, using the movie industry and its story telling as the model. The inciting incident in a movie is the event at the beginning of the story that causes the hero’s life to be completely transformed and irrevocably changed, and makes the w

Equity 173
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VUBIQUITY Acquires Juice Worldwide

socalTECH

Los Angeles-based VUBIQUITY > , a provider of content monetization technology and services, said this morning that it has acquired Juice Worldwide. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Juice was based in Toronto, and provides media management and distribution of film, television and music content on the Internet. VUBIQUITY said the deal will bolster its network of content providers.

Content 125
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How To Make (Almost) Anything Go Viral

InfoChachkie

A version of this article previously appeared in Forbes. There are two schools of thought regarding how to make anything go viral. In The Tipping Point , Malcolm Gladwell emphasizes the importance of the messenger. In contrast, Jonah Berger’s Contagious: Why Things Catch On proclaims that a properly structured message makes the messenger inconsequential.

Tips 183
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Start-ups…The Ultimate Risk-Reward Game.

Tech Coast Venture Network

In my youth I read a Jack London tale about a scruffy teen who hung around the wharf in Oakland. He did whatever work he could find as he was alone, no family or resources. The time line was in the 1930’s. Not a great time in American history. The Great Depression, the Dust Bowl and other circumstances made just living very difficult. Not all this teen’s activities were above the law.

Startup 100
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Watch Fifth Grader Ari Get Fitted For A New 3D-Printed Hand

TechCrunch LA

During the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles last week, a fifth grader named Ari stopped by a booth set up by Google. The booth had information about its “Impact Challenge” for disabilities. What Ari didn’t know is that her life would change before she left the games. Read More.

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Making Sense of the Stock Market Drops in Relation to Venture Financing

Both Sides of the Table

If you didn’t notice that the stock markets in the US dropped nearly 4% today (after falling last Thursday and Friday) then you were probably completely off-the-grid and on vacation. It was a nerve racking morning. My favorite Tweet of the morning came from Hunter Walk. You thought media twitter was bad… You thought tech twitter was bad… — Hunter Walk (@hunterwalk) August 24, 2015.

Marketing 279
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Look for your strategic buyer first.

Berkonomics

Dave’s note: John Huston is founder and past manager of the 300+ member Ohio TechAngel Funds and a past Chairman of both the Angel Capital Association and the Angel Resource Institute. . By John Huston. While you are busy building your high growth venture, you may have occasionally thought about which large companies might be the ultimate buyer of your company – a buyer that could optimize your idea, customer base, and team.

Template 206
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Qualcomm Adds Mobile Malware Detection To Snapdragon

socalTECH

San Diego-based Qualcomm announced this morning that it has launched a new, anti-malware technology, embedded into its Snapdragon processors. According to Qualcomm, it has launched a new technology called Qualcomm Snapdragon Smart Protect, which uses on-device machine learning to detect zero-day, malware threats. The company said the feature is aimed at use by OEMs and mobible, anti-malware application providers.

Mobile 143
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Is Time Tracking Unethical?

Eric Greenspan

I just got back from Sage Summit and met Ron Baker and Ed Kless. These two do NOT believe in time tracking and are paving the way for making it considered not only unethical, but even illegal, I think. So I ask, Is Time Tracking Unethical? I had a chat with my pal and co-worker Seth David today about this same topic. He too met with Ron and Ed and they shared the gospel.

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10 Examples of Companies With Fantastic Cultures

Tech Coast Venture Network

Having great company culture is no longer just an option. Today’s workers consider it as much as they consider salary and benefits. In fact, fantastic company culture is almost expected along with other traditional benefits. While the culture that works for one company might not work for another , you can learn a lot from companies who are doing it right, and get started on company culture hacks of your own. 1.

Examples 100
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6 Startup Strategies That Turn Off Most Investors

Startup Professionals Musings

Don’t bash the competition. Every investor knows how vulnerable a new startup is to competitors, so investors always ask about your sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace. How an entrepreneur answers this question speaks volumes about their knowledge of business realities, customers, confidence, and their ability to handle investor funding.

Startup 118
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What I’ve Learned About Venture Funding

Both Sides of the Table

VC funding. Our perspectives on the topic wax and wane with market cycles. We love capital efficiency until we love land grabs until we abhor over funding until we get huge payouts and ring the bell for more funding until we attract every non-VC on the planet to invest in startups until it crashes and we start the cycle all over again none the wiser.

Funding 329
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Pro Athletes Are the Best Marketing Tools You Can Get

Tech.Co

I can honestly that, without a doubt, my favorite technologies are ones that get people up, out, and interacting with the real world. It could be an augmented reality platform that takes people to new parts of their city, or a superb set of element-proof, Bluetooth speakers built for the outdoors. There are few market verticals where this mindset is more applicable than the world of sports technology.

Tool 82
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Disney Launches Infinity 3.0 Edition

socalTECH

Burbank-based Disney Interactive said this weekend that it has launched Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition , the latest update to its software which ties collectible figurines with video game software. Disney said that the latest video game includes an updated "Toy Box" mode which mix and matches Star Wars, Disney, Disney-Pixar, and Marvel characters together in the game; new racing and farming simulation games; and more.

Burbank 125
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3 Signs Your Financial Projections Are Off

Tech Zulu Event

One question everyone asks is what investors look for when deciding whether or not to fund a startup. Having a high-caliber team with a good track record and a clear value proposition are givens. But the bottom line is that it comes down to the numbers. VCs are looking to make investments that pay off big. That means you need to develop credible financial projections that demonstrate the viability and future potential of your target market and clearly spell out how investing in your business wil

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Why PR?

Tech Coast Venture Network

As long-time PR pros and communications advocates, we’ve grown accustomed to questions like “What is PR?” or “Why do we need PR?”. By definition, public relations (PR) is the practice of managing the spread of information between an individual or an organization and the public; but the strategic communication process that occurs in today’s PR world requires so much more than just information management.

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6 Top Motivations That Drive The Best Entrepreneurs

Startup Professionals Musings

In my experience mentoring new entrepreneurs and aspiring business leaders, I see far too many who seem to be driven by all the wrong reasons. Everyone seems to espouse extrinsic motivations, such as getting rich, having power, and fulfilling parent dreams, when in fact a focus on satisfying internal interests and desires will likely lead to more success, as well as satisfaction.

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What to Make of Amazon’s Work Practices?

Both Sides of the Table

There is much discussion about this weekend’s article in the NY Times regarding Amazon’s work practices. People seem polarized between, “that’s what it takes to succeed” to “I can’t believe what a heartless, intolerant and misogynistic company culture they’ve built.” I’ve heard the gamut from reading opinions online and even hearing the debate in circles of my close friends and family.

Startup 298
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The Future of Immersive Tech: Demos & Drinks [ LOS ANGELES ]

Tech.Co

Want to learn more about the future of augmented and virtual reality? Well now’s your chance! There will be a demo showcasing the hottest augmented/virtual reality companies all over LA. Demo Company: . VR Playhouse. VR Playhouse is an independent creative studio and production company specializing in VR native experiences. They have made VR content for Red Bull, Discovery Channel, Brain Farm, and have three original immersive series in various stages of production, including a dramatic na

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Hulu To Carry Epix After Netflix Falling Out

socalTECH

Los Angeles-based streaming television site Hulu scored a major win this weekend, and has inked a deal with television network Epix , after Netflix said it would not renew and existing deal with Epix for its content. Epix--known for its Hollywood movie lineup--is a joint venture of MGM, Lions Gate Entertainment, and Paramount. Hulu said that the move will go into effect on October 1st , giving its subscribers access to such movies as Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Transformers: Age of Extinction,

Netflix 125
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Amazon’s First Transparency Report: What Does It Mean?

Tech Zulu Event

After releasing its first ever report, Amazon has left many consumers and users wondering about a number of things. Of all Fortune 500 companies dealing with tech, Amazon is the last one to disclose publicly the number of data requests it has received from the government. Between January and May 2015, Amazon has indicated it has received about 813 subpoenas with 542 already responded to.

Report 53
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Start-ups…The Ultimate Risk-Reward Game.

Tech Coast Venture Network

In my youth I read a Jack London tale about a scruffy teen who hung around the wharf in Oakland. He did whatever work he could find as he was alone, no family or resources. The time line was in the 1930’s. Not a great time in American history. The Great Depression, the Dust Bowl and other circumstances made just living very difficult. Not all this teen’s activities were above the law.

Startup 116
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Why You Must Really Know Yourself Before A Startup

Startup Professionals Musings

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, you need to take a hard look at yourself before leaving that regular paycheck. Don't assume you will be happier and make more money starting the business of your dreams. The good and the bad news is that as an entrepreneur, you won’t have a manager charged with directing your efforts or peers helping you implement, and your new team will be quick to tell you only what you want to hear.

Startup 108
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Counting Angels

Steve Reich

How many Angels do you want in your cap table? Mark Suster wrote a great piece in July giving his answer: “If all else fails, angel-load away! If you can’t raise from a few strong angels, from seed funds or from a VC then raising from a ton (let’s say 20+) angels is a perfectly acceptable strategy. There. I said it. It’s not terrible, it’s just not ideal if you can avoid it. ” Well said, Mark.

Angel 43
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Engadget Live [ LOS ANGELES ]

Tech.Co

Unlike all the tradeshows and press-only events that don’t let consumers attend, Engadget Live is designed specifically to bring gadget lovers and tech brands together. As always, we’ll have a bunch of great companies with us at the event ready to show you their newest products and hear what you think. There’ll be tons of great swag and chances to win some awesome gear.

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EvoNexus Deadline Approaches Monday

socalTECH

San Diego-based startup incubator EvoNexus said Friday that the deadline for its Fall startup class is Monday. The startup incubator--which has location in both San Diego and Irvine--offers up free office space, broadband connections, conference calling, IT services, printing/copying, web hosting, plus a host of other services (HR, accounting, payroll, banking, etc.) through the incubator.

Incubator 138
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How to Stay Motivated While Working Remotely From Your Team

Tech Zulu Event

The perks of working remotely are undeniable. Your transportation costs are nearly diminished, you have more control over your work-life balance and you can set your own culture. A uStamp study reported 65% of companies allow employees to work remotely and 69 percent of remote employees say they feel liberated being able to work away from the office.

Study 76
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10 Examples of Companies With Fantastic Cultures

Tech Coast Venture Network

Having great company culture is no longer just an option. Today’s workers consider it as much as they consider salary and benefits. In fact, fantastic company culture is almost expected along with other traditional benefits. While the culture that works for one company might not work for another , you can learn a lot from companies who are doing it right, and get started on company culture hacks of your own. 1.

Examples 116
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6 Ways A Prototype Will Enhance Your Startup Idea

Startup Professionals Musings

These days, everyone wants to be an entrepreneur, pitching their latest and greatest new idea, and looking for someone to give them money. Angel investors, like me, have long figured out that asking to see the prototype is a quick way to separate the ‘wannabes’ from serious players. Talk is cheap, but entrepreneurs who show you a working model of their idea know how to execute.

Ideas 107
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My One Wish For All Startup Employees

Both Sides of the Table

This summer I had the extreme pleasure of watching one of the funniest, funnest and most insightful documentaries in a long time: Supermensch. If I had one wish for all startup employees it would be that you watch this film. It’s not for everybody: it condones sex, drugs and rock & roll. But please read on before deciding. Supermensch (I won’t give anything away here other than high-level, obvious storyline of film) is about the life of Shep Gordon, one of the most revered talent

Startup 268