Both Sides of the Table

AUGUST 23, 2012

This is one of the best episodes of This Week in VC for a long time. I had the chance to speak with Andrew Siegel who runs corp dev & strategy for Condé Nast (aka Advance Publications). In case you don’t know, they are one of the biggest media companies in the world. They are best known for their magazine titles such as The New Yorker, Wired, Vanity Fair and Vogue.

Media 285

Media Company Companies Venture Capital 285

InfoChachkie

AUGUST 20, 2012

Rapidly and repeatedly hiring star employees is a competitive advantage. Although this is a core competency that must be honed over time, there is a cadre of SaaS hiring tools that the world’s leading tech companies deploy to their advantage. No matter how rapidly a startup is growing, it can never afford to sacrifice employee quality as a means of achieving its hiring goals.

SaaS 209

SaaS Tool Startup Screening 209

socalTECH

AUGUST 23, 2012

Chip giant Intel is looking to bolster its mobile talent with a new office in San Diego, and has just begun posting a number of new jobs in the location. Intel--which said it was opening an office in San Diego earlier this month--now lists a significant number of engineering positions focused on HSDPA and LTE. Intel explained earlier this month that it would be setting up the office as part of its Mobile and Communications Group, to bolster its operations in Munich.

San Diego 204

San Diego Mobile 204

Berkonomics

AUGUST 23, 2012

There is a major trend shaping up that is worldwide, already identified by hundreds of thousands of startup and small business CEOs. By carefully recognizing and focusing upon the very core of the business, these CEOs are allocating their scarce cash resources to hire the best talent they can find to support that core business, and then reaching out to partners, independent contractors, and other small businesses to provide all other functions.

Patents 159

Patents Training Resource Advertising 159

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

SoCal Tech Calendar

AUGUST 24, 2012

Monday, August 27, 2012 -- How To Create The Next Facebook. Tech Coast Angels. Join Barbara and Forbes writer and entrepreneur Tom Taulli as we discuss what he learned as he researched and wrote his upcoming book, "How to Create the Next Facebook." Hosted by Barbara Seymour Giordano. See [link].

Tech Coast Angels 113

Tech Coast Angels Research Entrepreneur Angel 113

InfoChachkie

AUGUST 22, 2012

The following guest post comes from Sean Percival, CEO of Wittlebee , a kids clothing club that sends its customers a new customized box of clothes every month, based on their children's age, color preferences and geographic location. I am an investor in Wittlebee via Rincon Venture Partners. In case you missed it, Pinterest is a new website capable of curing the common cold, solving world peace and doing your taxes.

Blogging 178

Blogging RSS Social Network Screening 178

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 19, 2012

Some people are not cut out to be entrepreneurs. This is a good thing, or the business world would be chaos, with everyone trying to do their own thing. So what about you? How do you know if you should be running your own company, or concentrating on that queue of work that someone else has built for you? I’ve hit this before, but I still hear from too many unhappy entrepreneurs.

Startup 113

Startup Entrepreneur Satisfaction Organization 113

SoCal Tech Calendar

AUGUST 24, 2012

Thursday, August 30, 2012 -- TechCrawl. It?s like a bar crawl, but with startup/Accelerator/Incubator offices instead of bars. Each venue will host a group of developers, designers, entrepreneurs and other startups in their office for 45 minutes or so then feel free to move on to the next stop.

Incubator 113

Incubator Design Entrepreneur Startup 113

Frank Addante

AUGUST 18, 2012

Why you should hire the absolutely best person you can find, and not a whole bunch of average ones. People are a company’s most expensive asset. It costs a lot to recruit, train, manage, communicate with, and retain employees. I’m a fan of quality over quantity with everything I do, but I find that with people it’s especially important.

Training 73

Training Invest Product Networking 73

socalTECH

AUGUST 23, 2012

Los Angeles-based MYMUSAIC , a new startup, said this morning that it has just closed an angel funding round, and launched an online software service to turn photos and music into movies. The startup did not provide details on its angel round. MYMUSAIC's site allows users to import photos from Facebook or upload them from a persona library, select music, and then automatically creates a video matched to the tempo and beat of that music track.

Services 196

Services Funding Los Angeles Sites 196

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 23, 2012

Assuming no one would demotivate their team intentionally, then why do we see it happen so often? I believe it’s because too many entrepreneurs and leaders are so self-centered that they really don’t see what impact their actions have on others. What these leaders need to do is spend more time eliminating their own demotivating habits, rather than delivering more motivation.

Entrepreneur 105

Entrepreneur Email Competition Startup 105

SoCal Tech Calendar

AUGUST 23, 2012

Wednesday, August 29, 2012 -- Crowd Funding Tips and Tricks. Coloft Academy. Learn everything there is to know about crowdfunding for your business, from co-Founder and CEO of crowdfunder Chance Barnett. This class is for any entrepreneur, or future entrepreneur, who is interested in using crowdfunding as a real alternative for early stage funding. In this class you?

Tips 113

Tips Funding Class Entrepreneur 113

Tech Zulu Event

AUGUST 18, 2012

As IBM goes flash with its acquisition of Texas Memory Systems and the recent public launch of Data Collective for Big Data entrepreneurs DNA was the least expected move for storage. A Harvard researcher says data can now be stored in human DNA devices with more capacity to store exploding quantities of digital data. The research team on Thursday encoded what it says an entire textbook into the genetic molecules of DNA and read back the text word by word.

JavaScript 72

JavaScript IBM IBM Journal 72

socalTECH

AUGUST 23, 2012

In a major coup for Los Angeles-based Eventup , the online marketplace for event venues, said today that it has hired former Group VP of Business Development Jayna Cooke to run the firm's Chicago office. Eventup, which is now running in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Miami, said that Cooke will help launch various national and local sales strategies, growth and market planning, in addition to growing the sales team, revenue and overall day to day operations in the Eventup Chi

Incubator 189

Incubator Los Angeles Sales Invest 189

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 21, 2012

When you are not presenting to investors or your team, try to spend more time listening than talking. You can’t learn anything new while you’re talking, yet many entrepreneurs seem to never stop. It’s a sad spiral, since the more you talk, the less people really hear, meaning they don’t learn anything either. If someone left this article on your desk, read extra carefully.

Entrepreneur 98

Entrepreneur Competition Marketing Customer 98

SoCal Tech Calendar

AUGUST 23, 2012

Wednesday, August 29, 2012 -- Lunch and Learn: Venture Capital and Investments. Asian Business Association. When companies want to grow revenue streams with new clients and customers, what are the options? How can businesses secure the funds and how should they spend the money? This program will focus on the various sources of fundings such as venture capital and different types of investments.

Venture Capital 113

Venture Capital Capital Invest Entrepreneur 113

Tech Zulu Event

AUGUST 22, 2012

Formerly an area considered PayPal ‘s domain, new companies are setting up shop in the online payments sector and capitalizing on what they say is the giant’s weaknesses. TechZulu caught up with the founders of WePay and bring you the latest. What is WePay and why the name? WePay is the easiest way to accept payments online. We provides a suite of simple tools to allow individuals, small businesses, and non-profits to get up and running quickly and accepting payments online.

Startup 71

Startup Tool Capital Customer 71

socalTECH

AUGUST 24, 2012

A list of the top ten cities for startups was released by USA Today and the National Venture Capital Association today, naming both Los Angeles and San Diego among the best cities for startup companies. Los Angeles was ranked number 4, and San Diego was ranked number 6, based on a ranking provided to the National Venture Capital Assocation to USA Today.

San Diego 188

San Diego Los Angeles Break.com CitySearch 188

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 22, 2012

If you are an entrepreneur today, and not using social media to promote your business, you are missing out on a huge opportunity. But, contrary to what most people preach, it isn’t entirely free. Most social media outlets don’t require a subscription charge, but they certainly require an investment – in people, in technology, your reputation, and your time.

Social Media 95

Social Media Media Startup Platform 95

SoCal Tech Calendar

AUGUST 22, 2012

Tuesday, August 28, 2012 -- Social Media 201. Join us for an immersive journey into advanced social media and how it can help you personally and professionally. We teach you how to use advanced platforms such as IFTTT, Quora, Paper.li and others to thrive personally and professionally. Email Amani@woodsidemediagroup.com.

Social Media 113

Social Media Media Email Platform 113

Tech Zulu Event

AUGUST 20, 2012

Goko, a new HTML5 games company based in Redwood City California is set to help game developers easily distribute and monetize social games. Goko was founded by Ted Griggs as CEO and Kevin Binkley as CTO. Goko is backed by Redpoint Ventures and Aslop Louie Partners from whom it raised raised $8m in Series A funding. According to the launch statement last week, Goko has licenses for 150 games, Mayfair Games, Rio Grande Games and Reiner Knizia’s Forbidden City, War Factory and All the King’s Men.

Redpoint 65

Redpoint HTML Funding Company 65

socalTECH

AUGUST 23, 2012

A new list ranking the top accelerators in the nation have ranked Launchpad LA as number nine in the nation, based on comparisons of a number of accelerators across the U.S. The list , from Tech Cocktail, ranked the top three accelerators in the nation as Y Combinator (1), TechStars Boulder (2), and KickLabs (3). The numerous other accelerators in Southern California, including many in Los Angeles, were not included in the ranking project, based on the list released by Tech Cocktail.

Southern California 184

Southern California Study Los Angeles Startup 184

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 18, 2012

All true entrepreneurs operate off a set of tenets that are built into their psyche, or drilled into them from training and mentors. These are represented by sayings like “You never get anywhere unless you take a chance” and “Passion and persistence are the keys to success,” Unfortunately, there are still other old, reliable tenets that don’t work anymore.

Startup 94

Startup Design Entrepreneur Ideas 94

SoCal Tech Calendar

AUGUST 21, 2012

Friday, August 24, 2012 -- Tech4Obama. This August, io/LA is teaming up with Tech4Obama to showcase "Politics Goes Social." Hill Harper, Sharon Lawrence, Amy Smart and Carter Oosterhouse with SoCal CoChairs will be holding a panel discussion on "Politics Goes Social.

SoCal 113

SoCal Southern California 113

Tech Zulu Event

AUGUST 22, 2012

GraphEffect today unveiled the latest version of its social network for marketers with an open API for developers. GraphEffect is a collaboration platform for social marketers which had only been available to large marketing partners including American Express, Toyota, Estee Lauder, Clorox, and Samsung. Venture Funding. GraphEffect was founded in 2010, and has raised over $14 million in financing from venture capital firms including Lerer Ventures, Thrive Capital, Founder Collective, Rincon Ve

Social Network 65

Social Network Marketing Networking Social Media 65

socalTECH

AUGUST 21, 2012

Vista-based Aperio , the developer of digital pathology equipment, is being acquired by German company Leica Biosystems , the companies said today. Financial details of the buy were not announced by the companies. The two said the move will help the companies to grow and expand into the global Life Science and Healthcare market. Aperio is venture backed by HLM Venture Partners, Galen Partners, Advanced Technology Ventures, Acadia Woods Partners and BlackRock Alternative Advisors.

Help 180

Help Marketing Technology Develop 180

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 20, 2012

Why is it that most of the business plans I see are really product plans? I define a product plan as a detailed description of your product or service, with a bit of business thrown in at the end. A business plan is a detailed description of your business, with a bit of product description thrown in near the front. Don’t get me wrong. It’s definitely positive to have a product plan.

Product 92

Product Outsource Development Competition High Tech 92

SoCal Tech Calendar

AUGUST 19, 2012

Saturday, August 25, 2012 -- LA Mobile Arts Festival. The LA Mobile Arts Festival is a week long display of art originated through the lens of an iPhone and celebrating what become known as iPhoneography. Much more than citizen photography, iPhoneography is true and real art.

Mobile 113

Mobile 113

Tech Zulu Event

AUGUST 23, 2012

BMW’s ParkNow is an online mobile parking solution developed in partnership with Urban Mobility. ParkNow debuts in September and will enable drivers pay for parking in advance, with guaranteed access and clearly defined rates, based on their personal preferences. ParkNow allows search for parking space either using the mobile app or website then they can pay to reserve for the same.

Services 63

Services Mobile Sites Entertainment 63

socalTECH

AUGUST 22, 2012

Irvine-based Local Corporation has debuted a new digital marketing software suite aimed at local businesses this morning. The firm said its new Launch by Local product is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, and helps customers with digital marketing. The product includes web hosting, social media, mobile, content creation, website creation, SEO, and other services for those businesses.

Marketing 169

Marketing Services SEO Social Media 169

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 24, 2012

A good entrepreneur is not necessarily born a good salesman. In fact, they are often the opposite, more focused on building things rather than selling them. Yet, in today’s world of information overload, marketing and selling skills are critical to the success of every startup. The alternative “If we build it, they will come” approach has long been relegated to the field of dreams , after Kevin Costner’s movie by the same name.

Product 91

Product Mentor Customer Custom 91

SoCal Tech Calendar

AUGUST 18, 2012

Friday, August 24, 2012 -- LA Mobile Arts Festival. The LA Mobile Arts Festival is a week long display of art originated through the lens of an iPhone and celebrating what become known as iPhoneography. Much more than citizen photography, iPhoneography is true and real art.

Mobile 113

Mobile 113

Tech Zulu Event

AUGUST 23, 2012

PayPal and Discover have partnered to serve millions of their clients shipping from in-store locations starting in 2013. Don Kingsborough, VP of Retail and Prepaid Products at PayPal says that the partnership will bring the convenience, security and functionality of PayPal to them. Discover’s 50+ million users. PayPal is being enabled as a payments option for Discover’s 50 million plus active users in the U.S.

Sales 63

Sales Commerce Mobile Networking 63

socalTECH

AUGUST 20, 2012

West Hollywood-based CityGrid , the unit of IAC which operates CitySearch, Insider Pages, and Urbanspoon, said this morning that it has acquired Felix , a performance-based, local advertising service for small and medium-sized businesses. Financial terms of the buy were not disclosed. According to CityGrid, Felix will operate as another independent business under CityGrid, reporting to CityGrid CEO Jason Finger.

Advertising 168

Advertising West Hollywood CitySearch Technology 168

Steve Reich

AUGUST 24, 2012

I was lucky enough to be at LaunchPad LA last night to hear Dustin Dolginow from Atlas Ventures/ AngelList.co coach the incoming class on how best to use AngelList to fund their companies. Much of the advice was basic–have your elevator pitch down, raise enough $$ for 18 months runway, etc. Then Dustin shifted to “crowdfunding SEO” — how to get discovered, understood, and funded on AngelList.

SEO 45

SEO Tips Coach Class 45

SoCal Tech Calendar

AUGUST 24, 2012

Tuesday, August 28, 2012 -- Driving Innovation: Business and Policy Leaders Discuss How California Can Benefit from the Historic New Federal Fuel Efficiency Standards. Please join CleanTECH San Diego, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols for an event to discuss the new federal fuel efficiency standards and how California's businesses and economy can benefit.Join them to discuss the critical role that California played in the development of the new f

San Diego 100

San Diego Resource Help Develop 100