Both Sides of the Table

DECEMBER 6, 2015

I came off of a few tough weeks at work. In part that’s why you’ve heard less from me recently. I had some good days and bad days like most of you. I had a very big negative surprise which I’ve mostly worked through but will take time. And I’ve had some good moments, too, for sure. But through all of this I’m always reminded that in tough times some people pull up their socks and help get the job done while others turn to being critics: Even some who don’t act

Doc 230

Doc Help Design Invest 230

socalTECH

DECEMBER 9, 2015

Attention Muppet fans! Did you ever wish you could talk to Miss Piggy on a one on one chat? Miss Piggy has been offering up one-on-one, live chats via Facebook Messenger all this week--part of the first deployment of technology from the Disney Accelerator. According to Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Labs , The Muppets Studios and Disney Accelerator company imperson , Miss Piggy offered up live chats both Monday and Wednesday, and will also do so on Friday between 10am and 11am PS

Artificial Inteligence 152

Artificial Inteligence Screening Media Technology 152

Berkonomics

DECEMBER 10, 2015

“Broadcast the message and they will come!” “Segment my broadcast and I will have better response.” Both of these time–honored methods of reaching our customers have worked for as long as there was print and radio–TV to get the message out. And both have become increasingly obsolete as new channels of reach have evolved, allowing direct and personal contact with our potential customers, and better yet, free and near–free forms of marketing just for the asking.

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Custom Customer Marketing Email 139

InfoChachkie

DECEMBER 7, 2015

A version of this article previously appeared in Forbes. Who makes more money, entrepreneurs or venture capitalists? I recently came across an interesting Quora response from a friend and one of my favorite co-investors, Jason Lemkin. If you haven't already subscribed yet, subscribe now for free weekly JohnGreathouse.com articles! The Answer: “Yes and No”.

Venture Capital 122

Venture Capital Capital .Net Entrepreneur 122

Advertiser: Aggregage

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.

Company

Tech.Co

DECEMBER 7, 2015

We talk a lot about college entrepreneurs here at Tech.Co, but what about the younger generations? That’s right, I’m referring to high school students. Specifically, two high school seniors in LA, Dillon Rosenblatt and Tyler Makhani, recently built out an app called Tutors , a platform for on demand tutoring. During the first marking period of their senior year this fall, the app officially went live so that students and parents might find a tutor at roughly 70 to 90 percent cheaper and faster t

Demand 128

Demand Technical Review Los Angeles Platform 128

socalTECH

DECEMBER 9, 2015

Action camera maker GoPro said Tuesday that it has tied with the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (UCLA TFT), to launch a program to provide students with GoPro cameras and accessories to create content, and where it will also provide guided workshops, education, and one-on-one mentorship to students. According to GoPro, the link with UCLA is an extension of its university program--originally launched at USC in October --and also includes a deal with the NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

UCLA 136

UCLA USC Education Guide 136

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 11, 2015

As an angel investor, I hear many entrepreneurs making negative comments about competitors or asserting they don’t have any competitors. They don’t realize that knocking competitors is assessed as a weakness and denying that you have any competition suggests there is no market for your solution. The smart approach is to find competitors to highlight your strengths.

Capital 63

Capital Competition Case Study Patents 63

Tech Zulu Event

DECEMBER 11, 2015

Much has been made about the ongoing cloud wars. For those not familiar with the term, the cloud wars refers to the intense competition between public cloud providers as they seek to increase their share of the lucrative and growing cloud market. In fact, to describe the competition as intense is probably an understatement. Announcements regarding new features and slashed prices have become a regular occurrence, leading to battles over retaining customers while attracting new ones.

Competition 48

Competition Startup Marketing Custom 48

socalTECH

DECEMBER 11, 2015

Santa Monica-based Arrowroot Capital , an investment firm which invests in software-as-a-service and Internet-based businesses, said in a regulatory filing that it is raising a $50M fund. No details on the fund have been announced by Arrowroot Capital, which did not indicate any limited partners yet committed to the fund. Arrowroot lists such portfolio investments as Zift Solutions, EiQ Networks, 4Tell, and MedNet Solutions.

Invest 122

Invest Capital Funding Santa Monica 122

socalTECH

DECEMBER 10, 2015

Los Angeles-based advertising software developer SteelHouse is announcing this morning that it has raised $49M in a new funding round. The funding was led by Mercato Partners, and also included Staley Capital and Silicon Valley Bank. SteelHouse is led by Mark Douglas. SteelHouse saaid that it was able to find significant capital, even as many advertising companies are running into "challenges" securing financing from traditional venture capital funds.

Funding 122

Funding Advertising Venture Capital Software Development 122

socalTECH

DECEMBER 8, 2015

One, high flying online document sharing site Docstoc has quietly closed its doors, as of December 1st--and now only features a simple message saying that the service is closed for business. Docstoc--which was founded by Jason Nazar--had been acquired by Intuit in December of 2013. Docstoc had said earlier in September that it would be shutting down entirely.

Sites 122

Sites Services Startup Acquisition 122

socalTECH

DECEMBER 7, 2015

Ashton Kutcher and his Los Angeles-based venture firm, Sound Ventures , are one of the backers of a new startup which says it can offer up on-demand, software development and design services. San Francisco-based Gigster said this morning that it has raised $10M in a Series A funding, which came from Andreessen Horowitz, along with Ashton Kutcher and Sound Ventures; Y Combinator; SV Angel and Ron Conway; and Jason Calacanis and Launch Fund.

Funding 122

Funding Design Demand Software Development 122

socalTECH

DECEMBER 11, 2015

Los Angeles-based Oncam , a new startup developing group video calling apps, has raised $7M in a funding round, according to the company. The funding was led by Tonn Investments, and also included un-named high net worth individuals and firms. Oncam said it is directing its group video calling app at actors, directors, writers, musicians, athletes, and others to address their fans.

.Net 116

.Net Entertainment Los Angeles Invest 116

socalTECH

DECEMBER 10, 2015

Camarillo-based Semtech said today that its LoRa wireless technology has been selected by building automation specialist Schneider Electric, for use in its building monitoring solutions, electrical load switching devices, grid monitoring systems, HVAC controls and predictive maintenance tools. Financial impact of the win was not announced. Semtech said the companies will develop a combined oRa Wireless RF, LoRaWAN and WMBus solution for Schenider's customers.

Tool 116

Tool Custom Customer Technology 116

socalTECH

DECEMBER 9, 2015

Los Angeles-based SGN said today that it has acquired two, new game development studios, as a result of its recent $130M strategic investment round. SGN said it has acquired Fat Rascal Games , based in Seattle, and the talent behind Kiwi Inc. in Palo Alto. Financial details of the buy were not disclosed. SGN said that the team at Fat Rascal have produced popular titles such as Zynga Slingo, Matrix Online, and Hidden Chronicles.

Develop 116

Develop Development San Diego Los Angeles 116

socalTECH

DECEMBER 7, 2015

El Segundo-based children's tablet maker Fuhu has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, in surprising news from what had been one of LA's fastest growing technology companies. The filing was made in the U.s. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Delaware. Fuhu is reportedly in a deal to be acquired by Mattel for $9.5M as a part of that filing. The filing is very surprising, given that the company was named to both the Deloitte Fast 500 in 2014, nationally, last year for its growth rate, and was also In

El Segundo 116

El Segundo News Report Technology 116

socalTECH

DECEMBER 11, 2015

Camarillo-based religious broadcaster and publisher Salem Media Group has acquired its own, mobile app, called InstaPray , the company said late Thursday. Financial details of the acquisition were not announced. Instapray develops iOS and Android apps which lets users submit and share prayer requests to others. Salem Media said the addition to its Salem Web Networks arm helps expand its portfolio of Christian websites and apps.

Media 109

Media Web Mobile Acquisition 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 11, 2015

Ontario, California-based SIGMAnet , a provider of IT consulting, solutions, and managed services, has been acquired by Minnesota-based ConvergeOne. Financial terms of the acquisition were not announced. SIGMAnet was founded in 1990, and has more than 250 employees spread between Orange County, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, San Diego, and San Jose. Converge One said the acquisition was backed by Clearlake Capital.

Orange County 109

Orange County San Diego Acquisition Los Angeles 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 11, 2015

Los Angeles- and Austin, Texas-based CrowdTorch , the operator of an online ticketing service which had been part of Cvent, was acquired by Silicon Valley-based Vendini , the companies said this week. Financial aspects of the deal were not announced. Vendini is a provider of ticketing and live event management tools. READ MORE>>.

Los Angeles 109

Los Angeles Tool Services Angel 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 11, 2015

Hermosa Beach-based Precipice Labs , a new startup developing mobile apps, has announced a new platform and SDK which helps mobile app developers add photo sharing to any mobile app. According to the startup, its new Ostetso platform is designed to help developers add their own, photo sharing social network with only a few lines of code. The platform handles everything from the photo gallery within the app to all the back-end database and image storage.

Hermosa Beach 109

Hermosa Beach Social Network Venice Mobile 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 10, 2015

Los Angeles-bassed data startup Factual , which is led by Gil Elbaz, said Thursday that it has raised $35M in a Series B funding round. The funding came from Altpoint Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, Data Collective, Haystack Partners, Heritage Group, Index Ventures, Miramar Ventures, Tamarisk Global, and Upfront Ventures, plus Saif Mansour, Michael Ovitz and Tom Unterman.

Miramar 109

Miramar Google Los Angeles Sales 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 10, 2015

Culver City-based DataScience , led by former Sometrics' founder Ian Swanson, said today that it has raised $22M in a Series B funding. The funding was led by Whitehart Ventures, and also included Greycroft Partners. DataScience says it is using data science to help businesses make predictions to drive business results. The company has now raised more than $28M in funding.

Culver City 109

Culver City Belkin Funding Help 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 10, 2015

Irvine-based nuclear and hazardous waste remediation technology developer Kurion reported another win in Japan on Wednesday afternoon, saying that it has licensed its GeoMelt virtification technology with ISV Japan, Limited and Daiei Kankyo. The company said the deal calls for the companies to collaborate more closely on treatment of nuclear waste in Japan.

Organization 109

Organization Report Technology Develop 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 10, 2015

Los Angeles-based online advertising technology developer Rubicon Project has added a new member to its board, the company said earlier this week. Rubicon Project said that it has named Lewis W. Coleman as an independent director. Coleman was most recently Vice Chairman of Dreamworks Animation, and also had been President and CFO at Dreamworks. Coleman also sits on the boards of Immune Design, DCI LLC, and eBond Advisors.

Advertising 109

Advertising Los Angeles Design Technology 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 10, 2015

In its first launch since a failed launch in June, SpaceX is planning to launch a new mission to space on December 19th, according to CEO Elon Musk. SpaceX--which has a large backlog of missions on its books--puts its launches on hold after the failed launch to the International Space Station in June, despite a long list of successful missions to space.

SpaceX 109

SpaceX 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 10, 2015

Los Angeles-based Flipagram , the mobile app developer which is led by serial entrepreneur Farhad Mohit, said this morning that it is doubling the size of its free clips to 60 seconds. Flipagram's mobile app lets users create a video story, by matching up a users' photos and videos to popular, licensed music clips. Flipagram says it is now offering up millions of free, 60-second clips, ranging from both popular to obscure songs.

Flipagram 109

Flipagram Los Angeles Mobile Entrepreneur 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 9, 2015

Calabasas-based network testing equipment and software developer Ixia is reporting a win with the University of Texas at Austin this morning, saying that its products have been selected to provide end-to-end network visibility in a security effort at the school. FInancial details of the win were not announced. Ixia said the school is using its Net Tool Optimizer NTO 7300 and Application and Threat Intelligence Processor (ATIP) products.

Calabasas 109

Calabasas .Net Software Development Networking 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 9, 2015

Los Angeles-based LED lighting manufacturer EcoSense Lighting has acquired fellow LED lighting developer Journee , according to EcoSense. Financial terms of the acquisition were not announced. Journee Lighting, which was based in Westlake Village, developed downlight and track lighting. Journee was founded by Clayton Alexander in 2005. EcoSense Lighting is led by Mark Reynoso.

Westlake Village 109

Westlake Village Los Angeles Acquisition Angel 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 9, 2015

San Diego-based life sciences equipment maker Illumina has made an investment in UK-based Desktop Genetics Ltd. , Desktop Genetics said late last night. Financial details of the investment round were not announced. Desktop Genetics Ltd develops software used for gene editing. According to Desktop Genetics, the funding will go towards development and commercialization of its products.

Invest 109

Invest San Diego Software Funding 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 9, 2015

Interule , a media startup which says it is developing video that responds to a person's emotions and interests, has raised $18.2M in a new funding round. The funding came from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM), along with Sequoia Capital, Intel Capital and others. Inerlude--which has an office in Los Angeles, but is based in New York--said that MGM CEO Gary Barber has joined the company's board as an observer.

Content 109

Content Los Angeles Tool Capital 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 9, 2015

The City of San Bernardino said this morning that it has opened up a GoFundMe campaign to help support victims of last week's terrorist attack. The new Support San Bernardino campaign was established by the Mayor and Common Council of San Bernardino. The group said that San Diego-based GoFundMe will be waiving all of its fees associated with the fund, so that the total sum will go only to the victims.

San Diego 109

San Diego Sites Funding Help 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 8, 2015

San Diego-based Qualcomm has made an investment in a developer of low cost, highly accurate GPS receivers, via its investment arm, Qualcomm Ventures. San Francisco-based Swift Navigation , which develops a low cost, highly accurate GPS receiver kit, said this moring that it has raised $11M in a Series A funding. Qualcomm joined such investors as Lior Susan and Pierre Lamond of Eclipse, New Enterprise Associates and Promus Ventures, First Round Capital, Felicis Ventures, Fall Line Capital, and Le

Seed Funding 109

Seed Funding San Diego Capital Invest 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Los Angeles-based Hyperloop Technologies , one of the startups looking to bring Elon Musk's grand idea for high speed transportation to life, has inked a deal for a test site in North Las Vegas, as it looks to complete an $80M, Series B funding round. Hyperloop--the one backed by Khosla Ventures, Formation 8, Sherpa Ventures, Caspian Venture Capital, Zhen Capital, David O.

Sites 109

Sites Technology Venture Capital Los Angeles 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Is Google Fiber , the ultra-high-speed, gigabit Internet service, coming to Los Angeles? Google said this morning that it is exploring the possibility of bringing its high speed fiber network to both Los Angeles and Chicago, its first spread into two of the largest metro areas to date. Google said that although it can't guarantee it will bring Google Fiber to LA--it is starting the process of working with city leaders to collect information on deployment.

Los Angeles 109

Los Angeles Google Angel Networking 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Santa Monica-based Lenny , a startup which develops a mobile app and service which provides microloans to Millenial students, said today that it has raised a new round of fudning. Size of the seed funding was not announced. According to Lenny, it is initially focusing on providing microloans to students, using such information as their GPA to qualify them for loans.

Funding 109

Funding Seed Funding Santa Monica Mobile 109

socalTECH

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Guvera , an Australian music streaming service, said Monday that it has expanded into the U.S. market, and set up shop in downtown Los Angeles. According to Guvera, it has opened up a new, production studio it is calling the "House of Guvera" in downtown Los Angeles, in the arts district, as a part of that expansion. Guvera says it offers up free access to millions of tracks from both local and internatoinal artists.

Services 109

Services Los Angeles Angel Funding 109