socalTECH

DECEMBER 8, 2009

Recently, San Diego-based Rippol (www.rippol.com) launched its web site, a service which uses social networking to help people find and discover interesting videos related to their interests. So is this more social networking, or is this search? Finally, how is the firm funded? Aaron, thanks for the interview.

UCSD 145

UCSD Social Network Content Sites 145

Both Sides of the Table

NOVEMBER 8, 2010

The formation of Hulu was defensive – designed to stop another YouTube or Napster from emerging and causing disruption to the TV industry. The founders felt that having a legitimate site for content would discourage Silicon Valley VC’s from funding entrepreneurs to create the next big TV killer. So what does this have to do with OPEC?

Hulu 292

Hulu Technical Review Content Advertising 292

Both Sides of the Table

MARCH 17, 2010

Funding is different – In Silicon Valley you have mega venture capital funds and many of them. They not only have gotten bigger but they have an amazing track record of funding the biggest names in the sector: Cisco, Apple, Google, Facebook. As a result many funds are OK with big bets.

Company 290

Company Companies Technology Startup 290

Both Sides of the Table

AUGUST 3, 2009

In SoCal we are also leaders in affiliate marketing (Commission Junction), Internet video (Hulu) and bringing local businesses online (ReachLocal). We had an excellent opening panel on early-stage investing with Dave McClure (Founders Fund – NorCal), Brad Feld (Foundry Group, Boulder) and Andy Sack (Founders Co-Op, Seattle).

Twiistup 228

Twiistup SoCal Southern California Yammer 228

Both Sides of the Table

OCTOBER 29, 2009

My firm GRP Partners recently funded a young LA based company named Ad.Ly Advertising is also what allows you to watch Hulu for free, use Yahoo! People mistook the fact that these text advertisements worked in Google to say they would work in social networks. Advertising has driven the majority of Internet innovation.

Ideas 286

Ideas Advertising Google Technical Review 286

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 2, 2010

They point to YouTube as the big gorilla, but also social networking with video (Bebo), and video job sites (VisualCV). The largest video social network, Bebo , purchased for $850 million, was just sold by AOL in a “fire sale,” after it lost half its membership of 10 million users last year.

Hulu 84

Hulu Social Network Blogging Netflix 84