InfoChachkie
OCTOBER 1, 2012
I was shocked by the headline: "71% Of President Barack Obama's Twitter Followers Are Fake." By this measure, of the President's nearly 19 million followers, 13.5 million are bogus. Irrespective of your political affiliation, one must admit that nearly three-fourths is an extremely high percentage of phony followers, suggesting that some shenanigans were employed to bolster the President's social status.
socalTECH
OCTOBER 2, 2012
It looks like the annual TCVN Survivor event is heating up this year, as the group said it will be offering up a new $25,000 cash investment for startups looking to pitch their company in front of an audience. TCVN has been running its Survivor events for a number of years, with the last event being held in 2010. This year's event looks to have slightly changed the format of the event, requiring prospective entrepreneurs to fill out an application to present, and send a quick pitch video to the
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Berkonomics
OCTOBER 4, 2012
Boards of directors have a number of important functions, both legal and structural. Boards provide or see to it that there are resources for the company (especially money) to operate. The board selects, monitors, helps, and oversees compensation for the CEO. The board can replace an underperforming CEO. The board is responsible for approval of all deferred compensation for all employees at all levels, such as stock option grants, and is responsible for the vision and strategies for growth a
SoCal Tech Calendar
OCTOBER 3, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012 -- Do or Die: How to acquire and retain customers. Dealmaker Media. Acquiring customers is the biggest challenge facing startups today. Startups who are building companies for the first time or launching a new product struggle with focusing on the right priorities, measuring their efforts, and converting leads into customers.
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.
Startup Professionals Musings
OCTOBER 1, 2012
Based on my experience as a mentor and an entrepreneur, if you fail on your first startup, you are about average. That’s not bad, but who wants to be average? Every young entrepreneur knows implicitly that startup success is a long hard road. Statistics show that the failure rate for new startups within the first 5 years is as high as 50 percent. How can you improve your odds?
socalTECH
OCTOBER 3, 2012
Anyone with the slightest interest in the world of social Internet services nowadays has by now heard of Pinterest , the online site which allows users to "pin" and comments on their favorite photos from across the web. Pinterest is one of the latest services to sweep the Internet world in terms of popularity, particularly with women. However, how about similar services aimed at the male demographic?
Southern California Tech Central brings together the best content for technical professionals in Southern California from the widest variety of industry thought leaders.
SoCal Tech Calendar
SEPTEMBER 29, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012 -- Startup Weekend Santa Clarita. Startup Weekend is a global grassroots movement of active and empowered entrepreneurs who are learning the basics of founding startups and launching successful ventures. It is the largest community of passionate entrepreneurs with over 400 past events in 100 countries around the world in 2011.
Tech Zulu Event
OCTOBER 3, 2012
Hours after the panelists debated the future of content distribution at the Silicon Beach @ USC conference, across campus at the Annenberg Innovation Lab a remarkable product demo was taking place by Coincident.TV. A technology that will surely revolutionize how viewers interact with content and television in the very near future. Coincident has created a platform that will allow storytellers and producers to create robust second screen stories on the fly that incorporate video, images and othe
socalTECH
OCTOBER 4, 2012
Bragstr , a new startup based in Chatsworth, said today that it has launched a new service which combines fantasy sports and social gaming. Bragstr said its new service will let fans compete, socialize, and tout their knowledge of sports, allowing users to make fantasy bets on upcoming sporting events for virtual gold coins. The site said users can earn players virtual coins which can be redeemed for real world prizes.
Startup Professionals Musings
OCTOBER 2, 2012
Most entrepreneurs think that risk is just an “occupational hazard” that can be minimized or eliminated by a smart businessman. That way of thinking is simplistic and wrong. In reality, some risks are good and should be embraced for growth and a competitive edge, while others are bad and should be avoided completely. Traditional risk management focuses only on bad risks, and seeks to contain losses.
SoCal Tech Calendar
OCTOBER 1, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012 -- iSideWith.com Presidential Debate Watch Party. iSideWith.com and Pink Taco are hosting a watch party for the first Presidential Debate.
Tech Zulu Event
OCTOBER 5, 2012
Music Prodigy , a Los Angeles based music education technology firm serious on improving the way people learn, play and interact with music beat over 70 startups with their app Rock Prodigy to win the Silicon Beach Awards. Rock Prodigy is Music Prodigy’s pioneer product and is a revolutionary interactive music app powered by patent-pending polyphonic pitch-recognition technology that allows musicians of all skill levels to use any instrument and provide instant performance feedback to ac
socalTECH
OCTOBER 3, 2012
A new project out of the University of Southern California is looking to help people visualize public sentiment towards the 2012 United States presidential candidates, by analyzing Twitter. According to the school, its new real-time sentiment analysis project analyzes public sentiment towards President Obama and Mitt Romney, by analyzing the emotion of tweets--figuring out if those Tweets are positive, negative, neutral or otherwise--and using it to figure out, in real-time, how the public is re
Startup Professionals Musings
SEPTEMBER 29, 2012
Every so often a promising entrepreneur seems to freeze in the oncoming headlights and gets run over by his competition. Why is it that his idea which seemed so fundable only months ago fails to attract investors today? The team is the same. The company's market is the same. The only difference might be the start of another recession like the last one, resulting in lower liquidity and investors with no money, and that makes all the difference.
SoCal Tech Calendar
OCTOBER 5, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012 -- Smithers Apex's 13th Annual LEDs Conference. Book your free exhibit pass to LEDs 2012! Network with LED and solid state lighting professionals from all over the world at LEDs 2012, taking place October 11-12 at The Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa. Companies participating in the LEDs exhibit hall include American Bright Optoelectronic Corp., Bergquist Company, Cree, Gamma Scientific, Palomar Technologies, Seren Photonics Ltd, TUV SUD and many others.
Tech Zulu Event
OCTOBER 2, 2012
This December in Dubai, without your consent, your company’s business model could change radically with the tap of a gavel and the stroke of a keyboard. Got your attention? A serious threat to our online way of life has emerged in the form of the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT). Commonly referred to as “Wicket,” it’s an irregularly scheduled meeting organized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the UN’s telecom regulatory agency.
socalTECH
OCTOBER 4, 2012
You've got a great idea for a web video series, but how do you learn about how to make that happen, to get distribution, and monetize that video? Los Angeles-based CreatorUp (www.creatorup.com) wants to help aspiring online video producers with an online web education series. We spoke with Michael Tringe , one of the startup's co-founders, to learn more about what the company is getting set to launch.
Startup Professionals Musings
OCTOBER 3, 2012
It seems like everyone has an Internet startup these days. The cost of entry is so low – you can create a web site for almost nothing - and you are on your way to riches with ecommerce, your latest invention, or personal services. But the low cost also means that your competition will also be there in force. Mashable claims there are 150,000 new web sites created per day.
SoCal Tech Calendar
OCTOBER 5, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012 -- LEDs 2012. LED and solid state lighting professionals will gather for a 2-day conference and exhibition featuring presentations from the US Department of Energy, Marriott, Cooper Lighting, Bridgelux, NIST, IKEA, OSRAM Sylvania, Cree and more. The keynote presentation will be delivered by Ken Honeycutt, Senior Vice President and Chief Venture Executive, LED Lighting Systems Division, Toshiba International Corporation.
Tech Zulu Event
OCTOBER 2, 2012
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing engineer and PageWoo ’s CEO and co-Founder Jason Crilly about his side project, the new hacker news site for the Southern California tech community called Develop.la. First off, there are a few things about Jason you should know. Jason is a passionate advocate for. the rising tech movement sweeping through the burgeoning Los Angeles startup scene — he wants to put L.A. tech on the map and he is behind it “120%.
socalTECH
OCTOBER 2, 2012
Los Angeles-based NewAer , a startup developing software which enables phones, tablets, and computers to automatically perform actions based on the proximity on who or what is nearby, has scored funding from Intel Capital , according to Intel today. Financial details of the investment were not disclosed. NewAer's apps--which currently run on Android--allow users to tag people, places, or things based on their wireless presence, and do things like automtaically forward phone calls when a user lea
Startup Professionals Musings
SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
Many entrepreneurs still dream of “going public,” making billions of dollars, and playing with the big boys. They don’t realize that this option would likely be their worst nightmare, since it costs millions for the road show, usually dilutes your equity to a tiny fraction, and takes away all your entrepreneurial control. Consider the recent example of Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg.
SoCal Tech Calendar
OCTOBER 4, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012 -- Ecosystems for Solid State Lighting (SSL). Chaired by Dr. ?Chips? Chipalkatti, Sr. Dir. SSL and Emerging Market Initiatives for OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc., Ecosystems for Solid State Lighting (SSL) is a must-attend high-level leadership summit for anyone interested in how lighting will integrate into future infrastructures. Ecosystems for SSL will bring together companies, government, investors and clean energy advocates and others to maximize future opportunities for int
Frank Addante
OCTOBER 1, 2012
When it comes to top hires, the questions people ask tell you far more than the answers they give. When I interview, I don’t ask many questions. Instead, I simply open with, ”What can I tell you about the company?” It forces candidates to think of questions to ask me , rather than inviting them to recite canned, rehearsed responses about their background and goals.
socalTECH
OCTOBER 4, 2012
Los Angeles-based ShoeDazzle has cut a significant amount of its staff, according to sources, saying that the company had "major layoffs" Thursday morning. ShoeDazzle's public relations firm could not comment on the report, and the company had yet to reply to requests forwarded to them at press time. ShoeDazzle recently re-installed co-founder Brian Lee as CEO, let go of its prior CEO, and apparently raised a small round of venture funding in recent weeks.
Startup Professionals Musings
OCTOBER 5, 2012
I still get business plans, looking for an investor, that say all too clearly that the primary “use of funds” will be to do research and development (R&D) on some promising new technology, like superconductivity or cancer cures. Investors are looking for commercial products to make money, rather than R&D sunk costs, so your investment hopes are sunk as well.
SoCal Tech Calendar
OCTOBER 4, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012 -- Poly Founders Hosts Accelsor @ Cal Poly Pomona. Join Poly Founders as we host Hunter Owens and Mark Nadal, the co-founders of Accelsor for a night of stories, questions, and networking. As one of nine startups out of Startup UCLA's first batch, Accelsor has gained press from the likes of the Wall Street Journal for their innovative way to rapidly develop websites without code.
socalTECH
OCTOBER 3, 2012
Venice-based Mogreet officially announced its new application programming interface (API) services this morning, saying it will provide APIs will let developers deliver MMS, SMS, video, in-app messaging, as well as access mobile user lookup services. Mogreet's new APIs make it much easier for application developers to send MMS services, at a cost of only $0.01 per MMS message sent.
socalTECH
OCTOBER 2, 2012
Los angeles-based online search marketing provider The Search Agency said it has released a new offering today, which it is calling h(SEO). The firm said the new offering helps brands improve their brand visibility, and addresses both traditional search sites as well as social media, review sites, mobile, and niche publishers. The Search Agency called its new product a "new holistic approach to search engine optimization (SEO)".
socalTECH
OCTOBER 2, 2012
Santa Monica startup, Gravity --headed by former MySpace COO Amit Kapur--announced this morning that it has raised $10.6M in a Series B financing round for its personalization technology. The funding was led by GRP Partners, and also included Redpoint Ventures and August Capital. Gravity develops real-time, personalized web pages based on what consumers are most interested in, serving up personalized content on everything from iPad apps to web pages.
socalTECH
OCTOBER 1, 2012
Los Angeles-based Playsino , which develops social casino games, said today that it has acquired two social gaming firms, including Popover Games and Foghorn Games. Financial terms of the buy were not disclosed. Popover Games develops social casino games such as Popover Poker. Foghorn Games is a developer of Popover's social casino game Bingo Around the World.
socalTECH
OCTOBER 2, 2012
Southern California's technology community--despite all of the recent excitement around Silicon Beach--continues to be underserved in terms of capital, with a lack of venture capital funds (with money), and other private technology investors. One issue has been a difficulty by indigenous funds to raise their own capital from their limited partners. One of the few local funds to recently raise a fund is TVC Capital (www.tvccapital.com), which just closed TVC Capital II, a $75 million growth equit
socalTECH
OCTOBER 2, 2012
Nimble , the customer relationship management software developer headed by Jon Ferrara, has updated its online, social CRM tool today, saying that it has added new features such as ways to filter and cut through the noise of online social activity, plus new task management tools to link tasks with contacts and deals. The firm also said it will be soon offering up a feature to help remind people of the last communications with a contact, and when a contact is slipping away.
socalTECH
OCTOBER 1, 2012
Viewdle , a developer of computer vision technology which is venture backed by Anthem Ventures and Qualcomm, among others, is in the midst of an acquisition by Google , according to reports today. The original report came via Forbes, with followup from TechCrunch. TechCrunch said the acquisition is worth around $30M. Viewdle, which was originally backed by Santa Monica based venture firm Anthem Venture Partners, was originally founded in Kiev, and now has operations sprinkled around the globe.
socalTECH
OCTOBER 2, 2012
In a move into creating its own video content, Los Angeles-based Fandango , the movie ticketing and movie information site, said this morning that it plans its first ever, original video development slate. The company said its original video series will be made for Fandango, spearheaded by new Fandango Chief Correspondent Dave Karger. The company said those videos will include Fanticipation, focused on weekend box office contenders; Honored, focused on awards season; and Unsung, featuring the un
socalTECH
OCTOBER 2, 2012
LeisureLink , the developer of vacation rental management software which is backed by Clearstone Venture partners, Mission Ventures, and Wyndham Worldwide, said Tuesday afternoon that it has upgraded its MarketSpan Guest Generation product. The product is used by small and independent vacation properties to market their properties online. LeisureLink said its latest upgrade includes new algorithms for suggesting room rates based on real-time marketplace data; faster processing and page loading;
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