Berkonomics

SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

In my life as an early stage investor, I’ve been closely involved with so many businesses, there were bound to be numerous stories of failures, hopefully from which to learn lessons for all of us as we go forward. Several times in my investing life, as the final board member making the arrangements to dispose of remaining assets, I have literally been the one to turn out the lights, carry out the books and records to my car, and become the only remaining contact between the failed business and t

Email 208

Email Invest Entrepreneur Help 208

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 15, 2015

Los Angeles-based Local ID , the startup which develops local store marketing technology for brick-and-mortar brands, released a long list of brand name clients this morning, including Jersey Mike's, Drybar, Pinkberry, Rubio's Coastal Grill and Pizza Studio. The startup--backed by Crosscut Ventures, Technicolor, TenOneTen, Baroda Ventures, Double M Partners, Tallwave, Wavemaker Partners and Queens Bridge Venture Partners--said its products are being used to create highly specific marketing campa

Los Angeles 179

Los Angeles Customer Custom Marketing 179

InfoChachkie

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

A version of this article previously appeared in Forbes. In the 1998 movie The Big Lebowski, Jeff Bridges’ character, The Dude, laments the destruction of his favorite rug by repeatedly stating, “That rug really tied the room together.” In homage to The Dude’s sentiment, tech startup Akanda Virtual Networking named its open source project The Rug because it “ties together” OpenStack networks by managing orchestration, routing and other key network services.

IBM 170

IBM IBM Networking Software 170

Eric Greenspan

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

I often hear about balance, recharging, relaxing, and rest. These are wonderful things. When you’ve achieved your goals, please, do all of these things. Until then, work your ass off, constantly, and without anymore of this nonsense talk. As we age, we get tired earlier, we sleep less, we get sore, our eyes weaken and in general, it’s just harder to get the same amount of work done as we could when we were young.

Writing 133

Writing Resource Funding Entrepreneur 133

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

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

A few years ago, before the Internet was pervasive, before everyone carried a smartphone and before do-it-yourself software tools were available for free, it was difficult to reach a critical mass of new customers without spending a million dollars on a website, custom software and television advertising. Now you can match a big company with worldwide reach for a few thousand dollars.

Startup 108

Startup Search Engine Optimization Social Media Outsource Development 108

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Amazon.com has expanded its one hour, instant delivery service, Amazon Prime Now , to Los Angeles and Orange County, saying Wednesday that it has begun offering customers in the area with the near-instant delivery of products from Amazon warehouses to Amazon Prime members. Amazon said it will make "thousands" of products from its catalog available for delivery from four new Prime Now hubs in Southern California.

Los Angeles 160

Los Angeles Orange County Angel Southern California 160

Tech.Co

SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

I think that the value of a well-built API is somewhat underrated these days. I’m not saying that people don’t appreciate them – I just think that they’ve become so commonplace we tend to forget just how much they simplify life for a lot of entrepreneurs. Not to mention that almost every business in our modern, digital age is using this technology. That is, businesses are using APIs like crazy to stay competitive and communicate with both partners and customers more effectively.

Software 78

Software Netflix Competition Design 78

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Entrepreneurs have always believed that their product or service must show real value to customers, but today the smart ones are even able to make their marketing valuable. The days are gone when marketing was all “pushing product.” Now customers seek out people who are willing and able to add value, with expertise and insight, even before they have a product.

Marketing 106

Marketing Startup Content Advertising 106

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

Outdoorsy , an online marketplace which lets people rent RVs, motorhomes, and trailers, is tackling the Los Angeles market, and is taking on the Los Angeles market with a big promo push starting today. The startup said it will be offering up a free tailgate at the USC vs. Stanford game next weekend on Saturday, in an Airstream trailer provided by the company, via a promotion to be launched today sometime.

Startup 155

Startup USC Los Angeles Marketing 155

Tech Zulu Event

SEPTEMBER 15, 2015

It has come down to the top 20 companies that will be battling it out to be top dog of REACH NeXT. What’s REACH NeXT? Well, let us refresh your memory (incase you’ve been living under a rock :)). REACH NeXT is a one day pitch showdown to spring board the most brilliant and pioneering minds in tech. Complemented with inspirational talks and a s a collaboration between TechZulu, Gadget Review and Rhubarb Studios, our mission with REACH NeXT is to deliver a day of VALUE and awarenes

Technical Review 78

Technical Review Startup Software Review Pricing 78

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

A new, Los Angeles-based mobile app developer, BUCKiTDREAM said this morning that it has launched a new app, aimed at sharing your dreams with others. According to the company, which says it is being endorsed by Sir Richard Branson, said its app will help people share their dreams, discover the dreams of others, and ultimately, transact with merchant partners to make those dreams come true.

Los Angeles 152

Los Angeles Mobile Help Angel 152

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 15, 2015

Los Angeles-based MeUndies , the e-commerce provider focused on undergarments, has raised $5.7M as part of an ongoing, $12.0M funding round, according to a recent regulatory filing by the company. Details on that funding have yet to be announced by the company. The company, which is one of the companies out of startup studio Science Inc., offers up both men's and women's underwear.

Funding 152

Funding Commerce Los Angeles Startup 152

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 15, 2015

Venice, California-based instant messaging app developer Snapchat launched a new feature, "Lenses" Tuesday, allowing users to overlay cute selfie filters and overlays on snaps. The new feature comes courtesy of the acquisition of Looksery , a developer of facial recognition tools, which develops a selfie filter tool which modify how you look on screen, including filters to make you look thinner and more attractive.

Snapchat 146

Snapchat Venice Screening Tool 146

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

Los Angeles-based electronics and computer e-commerce provider Newegg announced this week that it has launched a new program,w hich will provide computer, networking, and other IT support to small businesses. Newegg said its new NeweggNET service, run out of its NeweggBusiness arm, will provide small businesses and entrepreneurs with computer network support, helping them to set up their routers, computers, printers, and more.

NewEgg 142

NewEgg Commerce Los Angeles Pricing 142

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

San Diego-based residential solar provider OneRoof Energy announced earlier this week that it has expanded into Maryland. According to OneRoof Energy, it will provide residential solar installation services to homeowners in Maryland who are serviced by Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE), PEPCO and Delmarva Power. OneRoof also said it will add southern New Jersey homeowners who use Atlantic City Electric.

San Diego 138

San Diego Services Customer Custom 138

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

San Diego-based Portfolium , which develops a cloud-based service to help students showcase their student projects to prospective employers, has raised $1.2M in a seed funding round. The funding came from University Ventures, Seed San Diego, and Vertical Venture Partners. Portfolium is looking to help employers better understand the potential of student applicants, who typically lack the employment history that hiring managers rely on to help evaluate candidates.

San Diego 135

San Diego Seed Funding Help Funding 135

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 15, 2015

San Diego-based HouseCall , which develops mobile software to let consumers book home services appointments, along with offering up home services contractors with scheduling and related tools, has raised $6M in a funding round. The company disclosed the funding on Tuesday, saying that August Capital led the funding. e.ventures also participated in the funding.

Mobile 135

Mobile Services Software San Diego 135

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

La Jolla-based venture capital investor Avalon Ventures has just received a $103M commitment to a new, $300M fund, according to a regulatory filing by the firm. The filing indicates that, so far, the fund has 26 investors in the first sale. General Partners listed on the new fund are Tighe Reardon, Braden Bohrman, Kevin Kinsella, Richard Levandov, and Jay Lichter.

Avalon 135

Avalon Funding Venture Capital Invest 135

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

Los Angeles-based NantPharma , one of the companies that is part of Patrick Soon-Shiong's NantWorks companies, said this morning that it has entered into a license agreement with Thousand Oaks-based Amgen. NantPharma said it has acquired exclusive rights to develop and commercialize worldwide, excluding Japan, Russia and certain other Central Asian countries, AMG 337, a compound Amgen hhas been developing for cancer therapy.

Thousand Oaks 135

Thousand Oaks Los Angeles Angel Develop 135

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

San Diego-based biotechnology developer Ignyta said this morning that it hass named Igor Bilinsky, Ph.D., as its new General Manager, Immuno-Oncology and Senior Vice President, Special Operations. Bilinsky joins from Vical Incorporate, where he had been Senior Vice President, Corporate Development. Bilinsky also served at Halozyme, Androclus Therapeutics, and Boston Consulting Group.

San Diego 132

San Diego Develop Development 132

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Los Angeles-based Fullscreen announced plans to launch its own, subscription video-on-demand service on Wednesday, with plans to show both its own original and third party content. Details on the release date and pricing have not been announced. Fullscreen, which is led by George Strompolos, is now part of Otter Media, which is backed by AT&T and the Chernin Group.

Demand 132

Demand Services Content Los Angeles 132

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Los Angeles-based HelloTech , the in-home, IT and technology help service founded by tech veteran Richard Wolpert, has raised $12.5M in a new funding round. The funding was led by Madrona Venture Group, and also included Upfront Ventures, CrossCut Venturs, and Accel partners. HelloTech said it will use the funding to aggressively expand its tech support service.

Orange County 132

Orange County Technical Support Los Angeles Activity 132

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

Los Angeles-based toy and kids' activity provider Seedling said Thursday that it has launched a new product, a new mobile app called Seedling Comic Studio , which helps kids create their own original comic strips. Seedling said the product is its first, all-digital product. The app is free and runs on iOS. According to Seedling, the new app will tie into its existing line of physical products, and also will include in-app purchases for stickers and backgrounds to add to those comics.

Activity 131

Activity Mobile Los Angeles Product 131

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Los Angeles-based social game developer SGN said Tuesday that it has launched a new, advertising campaign for its hit Cookie Jam, featuring actor/comedian Dr. Ken Jeong. SGN said it will be using the advertising spots on TV, mobile, and social to promote its Cookie Jam game and further broaden the audience for its title. SGN did not say how much it is investing in those ads, but said it is funding the push via its recent, $130M strategic investment deal.

Advertising 131

Advertising Los Angeles Invest Mobile 131

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 15, 2015

Irvine-based Enevate , which is developing Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology, said this morning that it has raised $30M in a Series B funding. The funding came from Infinite Potential Technologies, Tsing Capital and Mission Ventures along with Presidio Ventures. Enevate, led by Brian Wong, is developing Li-iion batteries which the company says have "significantly higher" energy density than existing batteries.

Technology 131

Technology Mission Ventures Funding Capital 131

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

FLIR , an Oregon manufacturer of infrared detectors and heat-detecting cameras, is expanding its operations in Goleta, and is moving into a new, 170,000 square foot space in the city, according to a report. The Pacific Coast Business Times says that FLIR has around 450 employees in Goleta, developing its thermal imaging sensors. FLIR had actually acquired the new property back in 2010 , from SARES-REGIS Group.

Report 131

Report Develop Development 131

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

Irvine-based Broadcom announced a new navigation chip aimed at offloading the work currently done by hardware devices such as fitness bands and smartphones, the company said today. According to Broadcom, its new Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chip is aimed at the Internet-of-Things (IoT), and helps figure out position, velocity, and time on chip, freeing up microcontrollers from those tasks--saving power and processing cycles for other things.

Help 131

Help Marketing Company Companies 131

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

Hawthorne-based commercial space vehicle developer SpaceX said this morning that it has added two new orders, for a Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch. Financial details of the contracts were not announced. SpaceX said the contracts cover a launch of a communications satellite for HISPASAT, on a Falcon 9, and a launch of the Saudi Arabian Arabsat 6A communications satellite on the Falcon Heavy.

Outsource Development 131

Outsource Development SpaceX Hawthorne Develop 131

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

Los Angeles-based financial close automation software developer BlackLine has scored a big customer win, with Shell , the company said this week, saying it has signed a new, multi-year contract with the big multinational. BlackLine said that it will help shell optimize its financial close process, working along side of Shell's current installation of AP.

Outsource Development 125

Outsource Development Software Development Los Angeles Customer 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

Los Angeles-based online advertising technology provider OpenX says this morning that it has been selected by Townhall Media , to help supply "header bidding" for Townnhall's mobile and web properties. Financial impact of the win was not disclosed. OpenX said that Townhall, which provides conservative news, has more than 17 million monthly unique visitors.

OpenX 125

OpenX Media News Advertising 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

Santa Monica-based SolarReserve , the developer of utility-scale solar power projects, reported Wednesday that it has received an award from the U.S. Department of Energy, to develop advanced concentrating solar technology. SolarReserve said it will receive $2.4M from the Energy Department, and also co-fund e effort, to improve the performance and efficiency of concentrating solar power plants.

Santa Monica 125

Santa Monica Activity Report Funding 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Los Angeles-based startup accelerator Amplify.LA and local Los Angeles venture investment firm TenOneTen Ventures have both scored an exit, at mapping visualization technology developer Mapsense. According to multiple reports, Mapsense was just acquired by Apple , in a deal worth between $25M and $30M. Neither Mapsense, its investors, nor Apple have commented on the deal.

Company 125

Company Companies Los Angeles Report 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Thousand Oaks-based Amgen announced this morning that it is in a deal to acquire Netherlands-based Dezima Pharma B.V. , in a deal worth up to $1.55 billion. Dezima Pharma is a biotechnology company developing cholesterol-lowering drugs. Amgen said it will pay $300M in cash at closing, and up to $1.25 billion in additional payments based on development and sales milestones for Dezima.

Thousand Oaks 125

Thousand Oaks Sales Product Develop 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Moviepilot , the movie and entertainment website led by Tobi Bauckhage, has raised $16M to help the company expand into gaming content and social video. According to Moviepilot, the funding was led by French publisher Webedia, and also included T-Venture of America and the company's other investors. Moviepilot's entertainment site is aimed at millennials, and offers up movie-related content.

Funding 125

Funding Entertainment Content Sites 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

A new, Los Angeles mobile app, Giftfund , said Tuesday that it has launched a new, mobile gifting app, which can help users crowdfunding group gifts. The mobile app developer, led by Mel Basar, said its app lets users band together to contribute money toward joint gifts to others. The app runs on iOS and Android, and offers up its own catalog of products and gifts, letting users pool their funds to buy those products.

Mobile 125

Mobile Startup Los Angeles Product 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Thousand Oaks-based Amgen , and Monrovia, California-based Xencor said this morning they are in a strategic collaboration worth as much as $1.7 billion to Xencor, to develop and commercialize cancer immunotherapy and inflammation drugs. The two said that Amgen will pay Xencor $45M upfront, with the potential of up to $1.7 billion based on certain regulatory and sales milestones, to combine Amgen's target discovery and protein therapeutics efforts with Xencor's XmAb b ispecific technology platfor

Thousand Oaks 125

Thousand Oaks Monrovia Platform Sales 125