Sat.Dec 17, 2011 - Fri.Dec 23, 2011

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The End of the Web? Don’t Bet on It. Here’s Why

Both Sides of the Table

Fred Wilson recently posted a great video on his blog with the CEO of Forrester Research, George Colony. The money slide is the graphic below. The chart shows three scarce resources and their improvements over time. The top line is available storage (S), the middle line represents processing power (following Moore’s law) or (P) and the bottom line is the Network (N).

Web 355
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Top Ten infoChachkie Entries Of 2011

InfoChachkie

I began publishing my blog in 2008. For the first couple years, I wrote under the pseudonym Uncle Saul. I was hesitant to use my own name, as I did not want my blog to be perceived as a self-promotional vanity project. By early 2010, I found my stylistic voice and identified my audience of emerging entrepreneurs and thus dropped my penname. In addition, my role as Partner at Rincon Venture Partners provided me with a business reason to invest additional time and effort into my humble blog.

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Zui.com Launches Toolbar

socalTECH

San Diego-based Zui.com , the online search engine aimed at kids, said today that it has launched a new, browser toolbar called ZUIBAR. The toolbar, which was developed by Conduit, allows Internet users to access Zui.com's games, videos, and other content directly from a browser. Zui.com is aimed at helping kids connect with interesting, web content, which has been screened and approved by parents.

San Diego 185
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The Fifty Percent Startup Rule

Berkonomics

Fifty percent of all businesses formed fail within the first two years. . There are many variations of this number since there are a number of ways to measure failure. But the number is a startling reminder that creating a business is not easy, nor is it any assurance of success. . After speaking with many entrepreneurs over the years, each defines success in his or her unique way.

Startup 149
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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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Let Me Introduce Myself

Both Sides of the Table

I am a big believer in VC pitches that the bio slide should come up front. Actually, I think the advice in this post applies to any sales meeting also. The short answer is that by knowing the key members of the management team the VC firm can quickly identify strengths on your time and know whether you have some competitive advantage in your chose field relative to other people with whom you will compete.

Slides 296
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If You Think Making Money is Hard, Try a Non-Profit

Startup Professionals Musings

A common misconception I often hear in the startup world is that non-profits are easy and safe, since they don’t have to pay taxes, and they don’t have to make a profit for their shareholders. In reality, from the feedback I get from non-profit executives, exactly the opposite is true. Technically speaking, in the United States, a non-profit corporation or association is one which has been exempted from Federal income taxes by meeting the criteria set out Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue C

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What’s Next for TECH in 2012? | Infographic

Tech Zulu Event

It’s always interesting to see how we’ve progressed over the years in industry. The most rapid of those industry’s being technology. Over the last 15 years we’ve seen a surge of industry and even overall life changes that have come from the tech space. From the created services that altered how we communicate and interact with one another.

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The Amazing Power of Deflationary Economics for Startups

Both Sides of the Table

I’m often asked by people what investment areas interest me. It’s true that I have a functional focus on three areas: Performance-based marketing, digital television and mobile computing. I try to invest in things that I know and that I believe I might have better knowledge and relationships than the masses of VCs. I have other areas of interest & competence such as cloud computing and document management given my background.

Startup 386
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Early-Stage Startups Need Friends, Family, and Fools

Startup Professionals Musings

Most entrepreneurs have learned that it’s almost always quicker and easier to get cash from someone you know, rather than angel investors or professional investors (VCs). In fact, most investors “require” that you already have some investment from friends and family before they will even step up to the plate. You see, investors invest in people, before they invest in ideas or products.

Startup 98
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Xfire Connects Into YouTube Channels

socalTECH

Santa Monica-based Xfire , the online social networking and chat service aimed at gamers, said this morning that it is making it easier for users to capture and share videos of their game play, and post it on a YouTube channel. Xfire already allows its users to capture and share content on their own site; the new feature makes it easier to cross post that content to YouTube.

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Teaching Children Through Mobile Gaming | Go Go Mongo

Tech Zulu Event

These days we rarely find startups or mobile applications being built to focus on the progression of a children abilities for learning and their growth of a wider knowledge based from a younger age. Go Go Mongo, steps into that realm and has helped children learn about healthy eating. They’ve creatively done this with making a game that’s simple and fun that has children wanting to learn and eat cauliflower.

Mobile 89
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StartEngine To Get Own Reality Show

socalTECH

Los Angeles-based StartEngine , the startup accelerator headed by Activision co-founder Howard Marks, and Paul Kessler, is announcing today that it has partnered with the producers of reality series TECHSTARS to develop a show around startups going through Start Engine's accelerator program. TECHSTARS is the Bloomberg TV series which features companies going through the TechStars accelerator.

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Interview with Cliff Boro, KidZui

socalTECH

Last week, San Diego-based Kidzui --the kid's website and kid-friendly browser developer, announced another round of funding, and also launched Zui Studios, a new effort to create original content for the portal. We thought it would be interesting to hear about why KidZui is investing in original content, so we spoke with Cliff Boro , KidZui's CEO. Give us an overview on KidZui.

Content 165
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Stargreetz Powers Message From Santa

socalTECH

Los Angeles-based StarGreetz , the developer of technology which creates personalized, celebrity greetings and messages, is powering a new personalized video message from Santa Claus. The firm's technology is being used by Intel, Dell, and Sprint, which uses a user's Facebook information to generate a personalized greeting from Santa. Financial impact of the deal was not disclosed.

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Fandango Adds PayPal To iPhone, Android Apps

socalTECH

Los Angeles-based Fandango said Wednesday that it has added support for PayPal on its iPhone and Android apps. Fandango's apps provide movie showtimes, information, and ability to purchase tickets from a mobile phone. Fandango said that currently, more than 20 percent of its ticket sales are coming form mobile devices. READ MORE>>.

Fandango 164
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Myspace Launches New Music Player

socalTECH

Beverly Hills-based Myspace , the online entertainment site now owned by Specific Media, said this morning that it has released a new music player. The site said its new Myspace Music Player will provide free, unlimited on-demand listening, personalized radio, search, as well as sharing features on both Myspace and Facebook. Myspace said it has inked licensing deals with Sony, Universal, EMI, and Warner, along with 20,000 independent labels, to power the music service.

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Razer Lands $50M For Gaming Accessories

socalTECH

Carlsbad-based Razer , the maker of videogame accessories, announced this morning that it has raised $50M in a venture funding round, its first round of venture capital funding. The funding was led by IDG-Accel China Capital Fund. According to Razer, the minority investment will go towards investing in technology and to "pay for the video gaming habits of the management and staff.

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Kyocera Sues Kodak

socalTECH

Kyocera , the Japanese electronics firm which operates its U.S. business from San Diego, said this morning that it has sued Eastman Kodak Company , for infringement on an inkjet patent. Kyocera said its lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, alleges infringement on U.S. Patent No. 7,097,286, which covers the structure of inkjet recording heads.

Patents 157
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EnVerv Gets $12M For Smart Grid Chips

socalTECH

EnVerv , a developer of semiconductors used for the smart grid metering industry which has offices in San Diego, said this morning that it has raised $12M in a round of funding. The funding was led by Benchmark Capital, and also included prior investors New Enterprise Associates and Walden International. EnVerv's chips are used for communications via low voltage and medium voltage power lines.

San Diego 150
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Qualcomm Gets Approval On Spectrum Sale

socalTECH

San Diego-based Qualcomm said this morning that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has approved its sale of a block of 700 MHz spectrum. Qualcomm is selling the spectrum to AT&T, in a deal that was originally announced in December of 2010. The deal is worth $1.925 billion. AT&T is planning to use the new spectrum as part of its 4G network via carrier aggregation technology.

Sales 145
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SkinIt Names VP

socalTECH

San Diego-based SkinIt , the provider of personalized electronic "skins", said Thursday that it has named Frederik Torstensson as Vice President of Sales and Business Development. Torstensson was prevoiusly at Comarco Wireless, and also served at Kyocera Wireless, OZ Communications, and Ericsson North America. READ MORE>>.

San Diego 145
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BetterWorks Launches Bonus Bucks

socalTECH

Santa Monica-based BetterWorks , the developer of employee an perks and benefits service which is headed by prolific angel investor Paige Craig, said today that it has launched a new feature called "Bonus Bucks". The new feature allows companies using its products to reward employees with virtual "dollars" which can be used on anything from food and beverage, health and wellness, beauty, and other perks available through BetterWorks.

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Central Desktop Adds Engineering VP

socalTECH

Pasadena-based Central Desktop , the provider of cloud-based collaboration software, is growing out its executive ranks again today, saying it has hired Dhruba Kalita as its new Vice President of Engineering. Kalita was most recenlty Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Foodlink, and also served at NetInfo and Xerox. The executive appointment is the second this month; the company appointed Mark Smialowicz as COO just last week.

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FindTheBest Powers Comparisons On Edudemic

socalTECH

Santa Barbara-based FindTheBest , the online comparisons site headed by former DoubleClick founder Kevin O'Connor, continues to extend out its syndication strategy, saying yesterday that it has partnered with Edudemic , an online site focused on education. FindTheBest says it has build two custom comparisons for Edudemic, including comparisons of online schools and school districts.

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Aviir To Raise Up To $30M

socalTECH

Irvine-based Aviir , a venture-backed biotech firm targeting cardiac disease assessment, said late Monday that it has reached an agreement to raise up to $30M in a financing round. The firm said the round includes an initial $10M, plus up to $20M on meeting certain milestones. The funding was led by Merck Global Health Innovation Fund, and also included prior investors Bay City Capital, Aberdare Ventures, and New Leaf Venture Partners.

Funding 145
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Amgen Inks $400M Deal With Generics Maker Watson Pharmaceuticls

socalTECH

Thousad Oaks-based Amgen said Monday that it has inked a $400M, co-development deal with Watson Pharmaceuticals , where they two will work together on oncology antibody biosimilar medicines. The two said that Amgen will assume primarily responsibility for developing, manufacturing and initially commercializing the oncology antibody products, with Watson contributing the $400M for co-development costs, receiving royalties and sales milestones from product revenues.

Sales 145
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Meritage Pharma Gets $20M In Deal With ViroPharma

socalTECH

San Diego-based Metritage Pharma , which is developing drugs for treating chronic inflammatory diseases of the esophagus, is gaining up to $20M from ViroPharma , which is buying an exclusive option to acquire Meritage. ViroPharma said it paid an initial $7.5M, and up to an additional $12.5M for the development and exclusive right to purchase the company, upon completion of a series of clinical and regulatory deliverables.

San Diego 140
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BeachMint Expands To Canada

socalTECH

Santa Monica-based BeachMint said Thursday that it is expanding its service to Canada. The company said that, starting December 26th, it will begin extending access to its various brands to Canadian consumers. BeachMint runs StyleMint.com with Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, JewelMint.com with Kate Bosworth and celebrity stylist Cher Coulter, and Shoemint, with Rachel Bilson and celebrity stylist Nicole Chavez.

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Citrix Launches GoToMyPC For Android Tablets

socalTECH

The Santa Barbara-based online division of Citrix has launched an Android tablet version of its GoToMyPC software, the company said this morning. The new app allows users to access and control their PC from any Android tablet. The software is free, but requires an existing subscription to the GoToMyPC service. Citrix already offers up a version of GoToMyPC for the iPad and iPhone.

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SweetLabs Links With Social Games Developer Kabam

socalTECH

San Diego-based SweetLabs , the developer of the Pokki desktop app environment, said yesterday that it has linked with social games developer Kabam , to bring that firm's social games to the desktop. The two said that Kabam's popular social games Dragons of Atlantis, Edgeworld, and The Godfather: Five Families all have been launched on the Pokki platform.

Develop 140
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YouMail Debuts Caller ID App

socalTECH

Irvine-based YouMail , the developer of enhanced voicemail applications run by Alex Quilici, is debuting a new Android application this morning, focused on caller identification. YouMail said its new app-- WhoAreYou --will pull up caller information with name, city/state, and potentially a photo or business logo, for phone calls. The app works even if a caller is not in a user's address book.

Marketing 140
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GameFly Launches PC Client, Online Sales

socalTECH

Los Angeles-based videogame rental service GameFly said today that it has launched a new, PC client, which allows subscribers to play free PC games from the service. GameFly said its new, PC client will provide core, casual, classic, and independent games for free to GameFly subscribers. GameFly also said it will begin selling PC games on GameFly.com, as well as on its mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Sales 140
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NexSteppe Raises $14M For Biofuels Tech

socalTECH

Malibu-based NexSteppe , a firm developing renewable feedstocks for the biofuel industry, announced today that it has raised $14M in a Series B round of funding. The funding was led by Braemer Energy Ventures, along with CYM Ventures and Zygote Ventures. As part of the funding, the company said that Dennis Costello of Bramer has joined its board. NexSteppe was founded and is headed by Anna Rath.

Malibu 133
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TuneWiki Connects With Spotify

socalTECH

Santa Monica-based TuneWiki , which provides information on lyrics of songs and develops both apps and games combining those lyrics with music, said this morning that it has integrated its service with music service Spotify. TuneWiki said users of Spotify can add the service as an app, which will provide lyrics scrolling on the screen while users are playing a song.

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Somaxon Cuts Staff, Looks for Buyer

socalTECH

San Diego-based Somaxon Pharmaceuticals , a developer of sleep medication, said today that it has cut 60 percent of its non-field based employees, and has hired a financial advisor to help sell the company. The firm said it has hired Stifel Nicolaus Weisel to help in "strategic alternatives", and cut its staff to minimize its cash burn rate. The publicly held firm said it continues to maintain a sales force and will "protect the intellectual property position of its product", and will continue t

San Diego 133
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Quest Software Buys BiTKOO

socalTECH

Aliso Viejo-based Quest Software announced this morning that it has acquired BiTKOO , a developer of authorization and entitlement management for the enterprise IT market. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Quest said the buy will add BiTKOO's technology to its Quest One Identity Solutions. BiTKOO was based in North Hollywood, and was co-founded by Doron Grinstein and Eric Kotler.