Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

When most people think of John Shahidi two words come to mind. Bieber & Mayweather. Yes, that Bieber (67 million Twitter followers, 73 million on FB) & that Mayweather (6.4 million Twitter followers, 12 million on FB). The reason being – John Shahidi counts both as investors and friends. So. You’re probably thinking, “slick talking, super confident, tall, extroverted, arrogant, LA kinda dude.” You’d be dead wrong.

Social Media 253

Social Media Media Technical Review Startup 253

Berkonomics

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Dave’s note: For the second time, we invite Basil Peters, author of “Early Exits,” back as our guest – to provide more of his insight into the “when” to exit by selling your business. In future weeks, we’ll add the voices of other well-known professionals in the field of exits to my own, and try to give you a compendium of useful advice in the process. .

Newsletter 196

Newsletter Startup Entrepreneur Blogging 196

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Los Angeles-based dating app developer Tinder has launched a new feature for all of those users hungry for a hot date: a new "Super Like" option, which lets users "swipe up" to indicate "heightened level of interest" in another user. According to Tinder, the new feature will only allow a limited number of "Super Likes", with an indication to those users that someone has "Super Liked" them showing up on profiles.

Los Angeles 172

Los Angeles Help Services Marketing 172

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

There is an old saying that good lawyers run away from risk, while good businessmen run towards risk. Entrepreneurs see “no risk” as meaning “no reward.” In reality, all risks are not the same. Many risks can be managed or calculated to improve growth or provide a competitive edge, while others, like skipping quality checks to save money, are recipes for failure.

Startup 115

Startup Resource Metrics Customer 115

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

Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

My partner Greg Bettinelli is an avid sports fan who throughout his career has developed an expert understanding in online ticketing (at eBay has was a champion of the StubHub acquisition) and online marketing. Greg knows consumer businesses and customers, which has added tremendously to our team where I admittedly have more of a background in enterprise software, data and online video.

Startup 251

Startup Outsource Development Mobile Southern California 251

Tech Zulu Event

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Young entrepreneurs are modernizing senior care for the better and creating more reliable ways to support the aging generation. With Grandparents Day approaching on September 13th , we wanted to share a quick roundup of a few ways to improve the lives of our aging loved ones. Whether it be the issue of finding a trustworthy caregiver to take care of your grandparents or making it easier for seniors to live chat via webcam, we’re hoping the following services can inspire a story on the ty

Entrepreneur 82

Entrepreneur Social Media Tips Design 82

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 7, 2015

Entrepreneurs often ask me why investors expect financial projections for a new startup even before the product is built and while the market is still being defined. I tell them that the projection process and results are most important for you the founder, to evaluate if there really is a business that can be built from the idea. You shouldn’t invest in an undefined business.

Startup 107

Startup Equity Invest Acquisition 107

Tech.Co

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

We are excited to host our first meetup on September 10. We’ll have discussions on all things related to building and running an eCommerce business as well as how to do business and dropship for major online retailers i.e Walmart, Sears & Kmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Costco, Overstock, Wayfair, GILT etc… Topics include: How To Get Started on Selling Online, eCommerce Best Practices, Sourcing Products, Email Marketing, Technologies Used to Streamline the Process, Online Marketing, Mana

Los Angeles 70

Los Angeles Angel Email Platform 70

Tech Zulu Event

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Congrats guys and happy to say we knew you when ( Spotlight: LA Tech Demo Company ) and taking part in the first ever and some of the most EPIC TechZulu #TechCrawl’s. INRIX a leading provider of real-time traffic information and connected driving services worldwide, announced it has completed the acquisition of ParkMe , a Santa Monica, CA company that helps consumers find parking, make reservations and mobile payments worldwide.

Los Angeles 77

Los Angeles Company Companies Angel 77

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Looking for some super fast Internet? Google said Thursday that it is exploring extending its ultra-fast, gigabit Internet service to both Irvine and San Diego--two of three cities Google says it is now working with on the service. Google said the two, Southern California cities--plus Louisville, Kentucky--are just starting a "joint planning process" with the company on bringing the ultra-fast fiber connectivity to their cities.

San Diego 158

San Diego Google Southern California Study 158

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 6, 2015

Successful entrepreneurs like Tony Hsieh of Zappos and Chris McCormick of L.L.Bean have long realized that networking is no longer something that you do to get what you want, but requires listening and relationship building to do what the other party wants, with a win-win outcome. We now live in a world where even subtle persuasion efforts are suspect, so it’s a bad idea to go into a networking situation thinking you’re going to talk somebody into doing your bidding.

Networking 106

Networking Entrepreneur Social Media Coach 106

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

San Diego-based medical device manufacturer KFx Medical , whichi s venture backed by Alloy Ventures, Charter Life Sciences, Arboretum Ventures, Montreux Equity Partners, and MB Venture Partners, has filed a lawsuit again, against Arthrex. KFx Medical said its new patent infringement lawsuit comes as a direct response to another, lawsuit, filed by Arthrex earlier this year against KFx Medical, alleging misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, breach of contract and conspiracy.

Patents 153

Patents San Diego Equity Competition 153

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Human resources outsourcing provider ADP is launching a new location in Pasadena, looking to tap into the wealth of technical talent with a new Innovation Center on Lake Avenue. According to ADP, the new Innovation Center will bring 350 employees to the new center, which will give it a West Coast location for its international business. The company says it specifically is looking to capitalize on the existing tech business community in Pasadena and the surrounding Los Angeles area, along with lo

Pasadena 147

Pasadena Outsource CalTech Technology 147

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

San Diego-based Orexigen Therapeutics , the publicly held biotech developer, said Thursday that it has raised $60M in a private placement. The funding came from The Baupost Group, LLC. Orexigenn Therapeutics said the new funding will go towards strengthening its balance sheet, ahead of commercial launch of its products. Orexigen said The Baupost Group purchased 5 million shares of its common stock at $3 per share, plus 0.25 of a warrant, which are exercisable for five years at $6 per share.

San Diego 132

San Diego Funding Product Develop 132

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Santa Monica-based The Black Tux , which provides online tuxedo and formalwear rentals, has raised $25M in a Series B funding. The funding was led by Stripes Group, and also included First Round Capital and Menlo Ventures. According to the company, the funds go to scaling out its infrastructure and to widen its customer base, along with growing its team.

Santa Monica 132

Santa Monica Funding Capital Customer 132

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Santa Barbara-based property management software developer Yardi said this morning that it has released a new software product, called RentCafe Senior Living. The new software provides an online portal, which allows residents and other responsible parties to manage payments, review resident health and wellness information, communicate with care providers, and more.

Software Review 131

Software Review Software Santa Barbara Software Development 131

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Irvine-based fitness chain Fitwall has been acquired by Jeff Greenberg , the co-founder of Skechers , along with investor Jake Silverstein , the two said today. Financial details of the buy were not disclosed. The two said they now have a controlling stake in Fitwall, wiith Greenberg joining the company's board as Chairman. Greenberg was already an investor in Fitwall, which focuses on using technology like Bluetooth heart rate monitors and iPads to improve fitness.

Technology 125

Technology Company Companies 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Santa Ana-based transportation and agriculture information provider Iteris reported this week that it is in a deal with Valent U.S.A. , to provide field-level weather, soil content, and crop protection via an API. According to Iteris, Valent is tapping into its ClearAg application programming interface, professional services, and more. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Content 125

Content Report Services Product 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Los Angeles-based molecular diagnostics company NantOmics , which is one of the group of companies owned by biotech billionaire Patrick Soon Shiong, said Thursday that it has acquired OncoPlex Diagnostics , which is an accredited clinical laboratory focused on testing tumor cell proteins using mass spectrometry analysis. Financial termsd of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Acquisition 125

Acquisition Los Angeles Invest Help 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

San Diego-based Chalk Digital , a provider of location-based, mobile advertising technology aimed at local businesses, said today that it has raised a seed funding round. Size of the funding was not announced. The funding came from Composite Capital Partners, Kernal Capital Inc., KLab Ventures, Tallwave Capital along with angels Peter L. Corsell (Gridpoint), Ron Garret (Spark Innovations), and Dale Okuno (EZ Data).

Seed Funding 125

Seed Funding Mobile Technology Funding 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Cool Planet , the startup which is developing technology that converts carbon dioxide into an agricultural soil amendment, announced this morning that it has raised an additional financing round. The company--which was started in Camarillo, and continues to have a production office in the city--said the funding came from Northbridge Venture Partners, and also included Hong Kong-based Yung's Enterprise.

Funding 125

Funding Google Invest Technology 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Culver City-based cloud health information and software developer NantHealth said today that positive results from using its systems have been published in the Journal of Oncology Practice. The company said that COME HOME, a program which is using NantHealth's cloud-based systems to improve the health outcomes of its patients, published results of a study, showing improved patient care and reduced costs from deploying NantHealth's systems.

Study 125

Study Culver City Journal Software Development 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Securematics , a Silicon Valley-based distributor of IT security products, said Tuesday that it has expanded its operations in Carlsbad, California. The company said it has moved into expanded office space for sales, marketing and engineering personnel. Size of the expansion was not announced. The company carries Dell SonicWall, Juniper Networks, other other security hardware.

San Diego 125

San Diego Sales Networking Marketing 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Aliso Viejo-based semiconductor developer Microsemi announced this morning that it is taking aim at the cybersecurity market, with the creation of what it calls a Security Center of Excellence. The company said its new unit will be staffed with security and systems analysts and cryptography, hardware and software engineers. Microsemi--which is best known for its analog and mixed signal integrated circuits, systems-on-a-chip (SoCs), FPGAs, and other related products--said it has also been develop

Marketing 125

Marketing Software Engineering Software Services 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Long Beach-based Energy Datametrics , a developer of software for managing utility energy efficiency programs, has launched a new, consumer-focused app called Homeselfe , to help consumers better manage their home energy use. According to Homeselfe, its new tool helps families calculate and understand their energy use, using a smartphone app, and gives homeowners some practical advice on how to reduce their energy consumption.

Long Beach 125

Long Beach Tool Help Software 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Costa Mesa-based Astro Pak , a provider of precision cleaning and passivation services for the medical devices, semiconductor, laser, biopharma, and other markets, said it as named a new CFO. The company said that Todd Dean has been name Chief Financial Officer, heading up finance, accounting and administration. Dean has previously served at KPMG, LG&E Energy, HomeWord, as well as a pastor of Coast Hills Community Church.

Services 125

Services Marketing Company Companies 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

San Diego-based Cytori Therapeutics said this morning that it has named John D. Harris as the company's new Vice President and General Manager of Cell Therapy. The company said Harris will be based in Tokyo, Japan. Harris was previously at Becton Dickinson, and also has served at Tyco Electronics and Kimberly-Clark/Ballard Medical Products, all while living in Japan.

San Diego 125

San Diego Product Company Companies 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Los Angeles-based Cyvenio Biosystems > , which provides lab testing services for characterizing cancer cells, reported today that it has received accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP). The new accreditation comes on top of existing, certification that the company has held from the CLIA since 2013. Cynvenio said the new CAP Laboratory Accreditation is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, and came after inspectors examined the laborat

Guide 125

Guide Los Angeles Design Report 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Los Angeles-based Factual , which operates a giant data source for business and location database, said last week that it is providing its data to Apple Maps. According to Factual, it is expanding its data in Apple Maps, providing more timely data and better data to Apple Maps, including locations of businesses and more, through a deal with Apple. Other details of the link were not disclosed.

Los Angeles 125

Los Angeles Angel 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Valencia, California-based SetPoint Medical , which is developing medical devices for treating inflammatory diseases, said this morning that it has raised $15M in a Series C1 funding round. The funding came from an un-named, sstrategic investor, three of its existing strategic investors, plus Action Potential Venture Capital (APVC). SetPoint Medical said that Juan-Pablo Mas of APVC joins the company's board along with the funding.

Venture Capital 125

Venture Capital Funding Capital Product 125

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Los Angeles-based venture capital investor Upfront Ventures ‭is one of the participants in a new funding for online used clothing marketplace thredUP , which announced a big $81M funding today. thredUP said this morning that the $81M, Series E funding was led by Goldman Sachs Investment Partners (GSIP). The funding also included prior investors Trinity Ventures, Redpoint Ventures, Highland Capital Partners and Upfront Ventures.

Funding 116

Funding Redpoint Venture Capital Los Angeles 116

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Playa Vista-based computer accessory and products maker Belkin has been pushing the limits of technology lately, with such products as its Wi-fi enabled water sensors and MIMO routers. However, its latest products--announced on Wednesday--tackle a far less high tech issue: the lack of pockets in workout gear. Belkin said it has launched two new products, a new Fitness Belt and its Storage Plus Armband , which are specifically designed to help users with a place to put their smartphones and other

Belkin 109

Belkin High Tech Screening Design 109

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Most aspiring entrepreneurs believe that a great idea alone will assure business success. Experts argue that it’s more important to have a great plan, and personal business acumen. Hardly anyone mentions selling principles. Yet in this age when customers have a thousand alternatives, and are overwhelmed by a multitude of messages, sales efforts can make or break a business.

Sales 106

Sales Entrepreneur Customer Custom 106

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

San Diego-based Qualcomm has launched a new reference platform, specifically aimed at helping designers incorporate its chips into drone aircraft, the company said Thursday. According to Qualcomm, its subsidiary, Qualcomm Technologies, has launched a new reference platform called Qualcomm Snapdragon Flight , which is specifically aimed at use in consumer drones.

Platform 132

Platform Marketing San Diego Design 132

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Joe Shapira, the founder of online Jewish dating site Jdate , said today that he is about to launch a new mobile dating app called Jfiix. According to JFiix, its new app is aimed at helping the Jewsih community, eliminating things like tedious initial questionnaires, price subscriptions, and staged photos, to help bring the convenience of modern apps like Tinder and Hinge to a more, specialized market.

Pricing 139

Pricing Mobile Sites Help 139

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Santa Monica-based parking information provider ParkMe , which was founded by Sam Friedman and Alexander Israel, has been acquired by traffic information provider INRIX , the two announced this morning. Financial details of the acquisition were not announced. INRIX said that ParkMe will remain in Santa Monica, and that it will continue to offer ParkMe's services.

Santa Monica 116

Santa Monica Acquisition Help Services 116