Sat.Jun 01, 2013 - Fri.Jun 07, 2013

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How OneRoof Energy's Solar Leases Save Money, Not Just The Planet

socalTECH

'There''s been a subtle--but very significant shift--in the solar power market in recent years, particularly in California, where it''s actually cheaper in many cases to lease solar panels on your roof, than to pay the power company. One of the companies that has taken advantage of that is OneRoof Energy (www.oneroofenergy.com), a San Diego company headed by David Field.

Equity 234
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From Startup Newsletter To Best Selling Book: How This Entrepreneur Pulled It Off

InfoChachkie

'A version of this article previously appeared on Inc. John Lusk, along with his Co-Author Kyle Harrison, leveraged their humble company''s newsletter into The MouseDriver Chronicles , a New York Times bestselling book. Along the way, they created a supportive community of emotionally attached stakeholders that would be the envy of any Social Media Manager.

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Refresh your enthusiasm for the job.

Berkonomics

'So you’ve been at this for years through thick and thin, great days and days in which you’ve had better times. Much of your job has become routine. But it feels good to see your “baby” grow and others buy into your vision. direct lender cash advance. It is human nature for you and every entrepreneur to fall into a routine of taking care of day to day issues, meetings, communicating with customers and shareholders.

Email 166
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6 Ways Entrepreneurs Become Great Problem Solvers

Startup Professionals Musings

'If you can’t solve problems and enjoy it, you won’t make it as an entrepreneur. By definition, an entrepreneur is the first to undertake a given business, and firsts never happen without problems and people frustrations. The toughest problems are people problems, like personnel issues, but there are tough operational problems as well, such as vendor delays.

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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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Helping Electric Vehicle Drivers Plug In Wherever They Are, With EV Connect

socalTECH

'It seems like there are more and more electric vehicles on the road every day--particularly here in Southern California. However, it''s still not the easiest thing to charge them, particularly at work or outside of home. One local company which is looking to change that is EV Connect (www.evconnect.com), which installs and runs charging stations for companies.

Help 233
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From Startup Newsletter To Best Selling Book: How This Entrepreneur Pulled It Off

InfoChachkie

'A version of this article previously appeared on Inc. John Lusk, along with his Co-Author Kyle Harrison, leveraged their humble company''s newsletter into The MouseDriver Chronicles , a New York Times bestselling book. Along the way, they created a supportive community of emotionally attached stakeholders that would be the envy of any Social Media Manager.

More Trending

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10 Rules for Survival in the Startup Lifestyle

Startup Professionals Musings

'As we recover from some tough economic times, more and more people seem to be turning to entrepreneurship as an alternative to traditional employment. I applaud this trend, but caution all of you thinking this direction to approach entrepreneurship with your eyes wide open. It is not for everyone, as the entrepreneur’s path is fraught with challenges.

Startup 104
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iCrumz Launches Social Bookmarking Tool

socalTECH

'A new, Los Angeles-based startup, iCrumz , said today that it has launched a new, free social bookmarking tool aimed at helping users find their way back to websites and share content with others. The startup, headed by serial entrepreneur Matthew Graczyk, says its tool gives users access to all of the sites they''ve bookmarked on a single page, making it easier to save and navigate to a user''s favorite sites.

Tool 230
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Why Startups Need a Well Articulated Strategy (And How to Think About Yours)

Both Sides of the Table

'I recommend you read Fred Wilson’s recent blog post about the need for a well articulated business strategy before pushing a particular business model. Since Arrested Development is back I thought I’d resurrect Gob Bluth’s answer when he was told he needed a “business model” – he quickly figured out that he was missing one so he asked Starla, the Bluth company secretary, if she would be his business model.

Startup 401
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Stained Glass Labs Patners With Exitround, Unveils App Directory for Google Glass

Tech Zulu Event

'Stained Glass Labs (SGL), the first Glass and wearable technologies accelerator has launched the world’s first comprehensive app directory and a self-service app publishing portal for Google Glass pre-launched applications. According to SGL, developers can now submit their apps for review and have their press releases and updates distributed on the Stained Glass Labs website, which gives them the quick feedback from other developers and the ability to submit press releases, which are sent to me

Google 87
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Learn the Laws of the Jungle for Business Startups

Startup Professionals Musings

'It’s a jungle out there. In 2012, total entrepreneurial activity in the United States hit its highest level since their survey started in 1999, according to Babson College. That’s the good news and the bad news. The opportunity for change is huge, with everyone taking a new look at the world after the recession, but the competition is also huge, since the cost of entry is at an all-time low.

Startup 99
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Why The New Brighter.com Is Looking To Modernize Dental Care

socalTECH

'Dental insurance--if you''re lucky enough to have it--is complex, doesn''t cover very much, and not all that satisfying to patients or dentists--according to Jake Winebaum , the founder and CEO of LA''s Brighter (www.brighter.com), which is looking to turn dental insurance on its head. Brighter relaunched its services Monday, so we spoke with Winebaum to learn what the new Brighter is offering to consumers.

Pricing 227
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Scopely Dangles Chance At Trip For Zynga Recruits

socalTECH

'Ever wanted to see one of the seven wonders of the world? Scopely is dangling a chance to win a free trip to one of the seven wonders of the world, to anyone who helps recruit Zynga developers to the company. In a twitter posting, Scopely said it is looking for developers from Zynga''s New York and Los Angeles offices to join the videogame developer.

Anthem 223
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Amazon.com Plans Grocery Delivery In Los Angeles

socalTECH

'E-commerce giant Amazon.com is getting ready to start providing fresh grocery delivery in Los Angeles, according to reports Tuesday. In a report, Reuters said that Amazon plans to offer up its grocery business in Los Angeles as early as this week. Amazon is currently only offering those delivery services under the AmazonFresh name in Seattle. The expansion plans apparently are part of a move by Amazon to provide grocery delivery across the nation.

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Emerald Ocean Capital Launches New Venture Capital Fund, With A Twist

socalTECH

'There''s been a constant drumbeat from both local entrepreneurs and investors on the lack of venture capital sources in Southern California. So, anytime a new, Southern California venture capital investor show ups, technology entrepreneurs usually flock to their doorstep. However, that might not be the case with a new venture capital firm, Ghost Group , which launched today.

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Amazon Studios Lures In Writers, Filmmakers With Storyboarding Tool

socalTECH

'Amazon Studios , Amazon.com''s Los Angeles-based content production and development studios, is hoping to lure in more content creators to its efforts, through the release of a new storyboarding tool-- Amazon Storyteller. Amazon said Friday that the tool is aimed at content creators, letting them turn their scripts into storyboards, complete with characters and tools to develop their stories.

Tool 210
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Playsino Poker Hits Facebook

socalTECH

'Santa Monica-based Playsino , the social casino games developer, has released a new game, Playsino Poker , on Facebook, the firm said today. Playsino''s free-to-play game lets users play poker games at multiple tables, chat with friends, and play alongside other players. Playsino develops a growing list of casino games that users can play on Facebook, and on their iPhone or iPad.

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Siemer Ventures Backs Southeast Asian Startup Incubator

socalTECH

'Los Angeles-based technology investor Siemer Ventures has funded an investment firm in Southeast Asia, which is looking to invest in and create e-commerce and digital media companies in the Southeast Asia region. According to Ardent Capital , it received its first, external round of funding, which came from Siemer Ventures, Recruit Strategic Partners, and GMO Venture Partners.

Incubator 199
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Report: Snapchat Raising $100M

socalTECH

'Venice-based photo messaging service Snapchat is reportedly raising $100M in funding, at a valuation of half a billion dollars, according to a report Friday. Snapchat--which operates a mobile photo messaging service which is very popular with the teenage set--is backed by Benchmark Capital, and had previously raised $12.5M in its Series A , earlier this year.

Snapchat 187
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Science Raising New $30M Fund For LA Startups

socalTECH

'Science, Inc. , the startup incubator headed by former MySpace CEO Mike Jones, is reportedly raising another $30M in funding to put towards its startups. According to a report this morning, the fund will also invest in non-Science incubated startups. Science has been one of the more active acceleration/incubation efforts in the region, and has been behind such companies as DogVacay, Dollar Shave Club, Eventup, MeUndies, Uncovet, and Wittlebee.

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DogVacay Ties With Cesar Millan On Giveaway

socalTECH

'Are you a fan of the "dog whisperer", Cesar Millan? DogVacay , one of Silicon Beach''s promising startups, said this week that it has launched a giveaway with Cesar Millan, which will award a combination dog and human vacation getaway. According to the pet care marketplace, it will give a dog a weekend with Cesar Millan at the Dog Psychology Center in Santa Clarita, and a luxury resort weekend in Southern California for the dog''s humans, a rental car, and a Visa prepaid card with $400 to cover

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Insights: How to Survive the Series A Crunch--From Someone Who Didn't

socalTECH

'For today''s Insights and Opinions article, we share the cautionary advice of Sean Pervical , the former founder/CEO of WittleBee, in How to Survive the Series A Crunch--From Someone Who Didn''t. CEO/Founder''s only jobs:1) Don''t run out of $$2) Recruit AND retain best talent3) Set & spread the vision It''s harder than you think.  Jason Evanish (@Evanish) May 3, 2013.

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Surf Air Gets New Funding, FAA Clearance

socalTECH

'Los Angeles-based membership-based airline Surf Air said today that it has raised a Series B round of funding, and also received its FAA Operating Certificate -- a huge step in getting the company''s services off the ground. The startup, led by Wade Eyerly, has been working for the last year working on all the paperwork involved with FAA certification.

Funding 182
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SpaceX Test Fires New Rocket

socalTECH

'Hawthorne-based SpaceX , the commercial rocket and spacecraft firm headed by tech mogul Elon Musk, has just fired off a test on a new, Falcon 9 rocket. According to Musk, in a tweet, the firm just had its first firing of its Falcon 9-R advanced prototype rocket, which has over 1 million pounds of thrust, enough to "life a skyscraper". The firing this morning by SpaceX is part of a series of tests SpaceX has been running on its rockets on its new, more powerful Merlin 1D engines--for use on the

SpaceX 180
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ClubLocal Debuts In Bay Area, As ReachLocal Ramps Services

socalTECH

'ClubLocal , the home services booking company which is owned by ReachLocal, said today tha tit has launched its services in the Bay Area. According to ClubLocal, it allows users to book home services both through their mobile phone and online, and also handles payments and a guarantee for the work booked with service professionals through the service.

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Brighter Relaunches Up Front Dental Discounts Program

socalTECH

'Brighter.com , the online, upfront dental pricing and referral service based in Santa Monica, and headed by longtime Silicon Beach entrepreneur Jake Winebaum, has relaunched, swizzling its model away from a monthly membership program and towards direct, upfront pricing and referrals to local dentists. The startup, which had begun by offering up access to its network of dentists and discounted dental plans via a monthly subscription plan, now lets users directly find and book appointments with d

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Hack4LA Winners Get $25,000 For Civic Hacking Efforts

socalTECH

'Hack4LA , the recent hackathon which pitted Los Angeles developers, students, and residents to come up with ideas an apps to tap into open government data, has create a site listing out the winners and participants in the event. The Hackaton, which awarded over $25,000 in prizes to participants, said that the top project at the recent event was Hack4Jobs , an app which helps match resumes with available jobs; second place was Urbanfruit.Ly , which lets gardeners exchange produce with others; wi

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eHarmony: We're Number One For Online Marriages

socalTECH

'Looking to not just find a date, but a spouse? It looks like Santa Monica-based eHarmony might be the place to go. eHarmony said that it ranks number one in terms of the number of marriage created by an online dating site, based on a scientific study published in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). eHarmony said that it had the largest number of marriages surveyed who met via online dating, with 25.04% of marriages. eHarmony also said the study was tops in te

eHarmony 174
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Cornerstone OnDemand Adds New Social, Recruiting Features

socalTECH

'Cornerstone OnDemand , the developer of talent management software which is headed by Adam Miller, has rolled out some enhancements to its service today, including adding a new social collaboration feature to the company''s software suite, as well as enhanced recruiting tools. According to Cornerstone OnDemand, the company has rolled out a new, completely redesigned social collaboration platform and new social performance and employee recognition tools, as well as expanded its mobile functional

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olloclip's New Case, Adapter Supports Tripods, Lens

socalTECH

'Further blurring the line between your iPhone and a camera, Huntington Beach-based olloclip , the manufacturer of the enhanced lenses for the iPhone, has launched a new case and adapter which makes the iPhone even more like a camera. olloclip has launched a Quick-Flip Case and a corresponding adapter, which not only allows users to easily clip on their olloclip lenses, but also lets users mount their iPhone on any camera tripod. olloclip''s users have previously had to remove their phone from t

Company 166
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Cool Planet Raises $29.9M More On Way To $100M Round

socalTECH

'Camarillo-based Cool Planet Energy Systems said Friday that it has raised $29.9M in funding, part of an ongoing, $100M Series D financing round. According to Cool Planet, the funds will go towards the construction of its first, commercial production facility. Cool Planet Biosystems is developing biofueld technology, which is being applied to the renewable fuels industry.

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Famous Birthdays Launches On iPhone

socalTECH

'Fans of Famous Birthdays , the online site which features a wealth of information on celebrities and famous people--in addition to letting you know who''s having a birthday today--has launched a new iOS app, the firm said today. The new Famous Birthdays app , which is available on iTunes, shows off the profiles and information on over 30,000 famous people, sorted by date, birthplace, birth sign, and more.

Mobile 164
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PublishThis Ties Into WordPress

socalTECH

'PublishThis , the developer of content management and publishing tools for online publishers and businesses, has tied into WordPress.com with a new WordPress Plugin, the company announced this morning. PublishThis, which is based in Los Angeles and headed by Matt Kumin, said it has launched a new plugin which allows businesses to discover, curate, and distribute content via WordPress, and in particular WordPress.com''s "VIP" clients.

Blogging 164
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ParkMe Powers Audi, INRIX

socalTECH

'Santa Monica-based ParkMe , the developer of parking information apps and databases, has further extended its reach this week, saying that it has inked a deal to supply its information to Audi and traffic information provider Inrix. According to ParkMe, Audi and INRIX have added new, real-time parking information to their navigation systems, by pulling in live, parking data from ParkMe.

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Enervee Tops 50,000 Products

socalTECH

'Enervee , the online energy efficiency and electronics comparison site headed by Matthias Kurwig, told its users today that it now has over 50,000 products listed on its site. The company said the expansion came due to increased coverage of its AC, dryer, and TV products, as well as other categories. Enervee, which is based in Santa Monica, provides an "Enervee Score" to help consumers purchase and choose appliances and other products based on their energy efficiency and energy costs.

Product 164
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Hulu Debuts Updated iPad App

socalTECH

'Hulu said Thursday that it has updated its iPad application, with better discoverability and user experience for users of the popular tablet. According to Hulu, it has added such features as providing summaries of shows for unfamiliar shows, movies, or episodes; saving where you are in videos you are watching if you exit to another app; better navigation of episodes in a season; and more.

Hulu 159