Author: Bruce V. Bigelow

In Memoriam: Our dear friend Bruce V. Bigelow passed away on June 29, 2018. He was the editor of Xconomy San Diego from 2008 to 2018. Read more about his life and work here. Bruce Bigelow joined Xconomy from the business desk of the San Diego Union-Tribune. He was a member of the team of reporters who were awarded the 2006 Pulitzer Prize in National Reporting for uncovering bribes paid to San Diego Republican Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham in exchange for special legislation earmarks. He also shared a 2006 award for enterprise reporting from the Society of Business Editors and Writers for “In Harm’s Way,” an article about the extraordinary casualty rate among employees working in Iraq for San Diego’s Titan Corp. He has written extensively about the 2002 corporate accounting scandal at software goliath Peregrine Systems. He also was a Gerald Loeb Award finalist and National Headline Award winner for “The Toymaker,” a 14-part chronicle of a San Diego start-up company. He takes special satisfaction, though, that the series was included in the library for nonfiction narrative journalism at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. Bigelow graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 1977 with a degree in English Literature and from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in 1979. Before joining the Union-Tribune in 1990, he worked for the Associated Press in Los Angeles and The Kansas City Times.

Insurance Software Developer Ebix Buys ConfirmNet

Atlanta-based Ebix announced yesterday that it signed a deal to buy San Diego’s ConfirmNet, the latest in a series of acquisitions in the certificate of insurance tracking industry. Ebix, which develops software and e-commerce capabilities for the insurance industry, said it signed a deal to purchase ConfirmNet on Nov. 1. In a later filing with … Continue reading “Insurance Software Developer Ebix Buys ConfirmNet”

San Diego’s “Predictive Analytics” Companies—The Map

Already you are probably asking yourself, “What the heck is predictive analytics?” It encompasses a variety of disciplines and technologies, typically using software that applies advanced mathematics or statistics to analyze pools of data and make forecasts about current or future events. Who would have predicted that San Diego would emerge as one of the … Continue reading “San Diego’s “Predictive Analytics” Companies—The Map”

Torrey Pines Therapeutics Sells Alzheimer’s Program to Partner

TorreyPines Therapeutics (NASDAQ:TPTX) says it has agreed to sell its Alzheimer’s disease genetics research program for $1.5 million to partner Eisai Co. TorreyPines will record the payment from the Nov. 6 deal in its fourth quarter financial results, the company said today in a filng with government regulators. 

San Diego Makes Stem Cells a Rallying Cry for New Era in Life Sciences

It has been seven years since the Bush Administration restricted federal funding on human embryonic stem cells, and four years since California voters responded by passing Proposition 71. The initiative jump-started stem cell research here by providing $3 billion in state funding for “regenerative medicine” over the next decade. Since then, the term “stem cells” … Continue reading “San Diego Makes Stem Cells a Rallying Cry for New Era in Life Sciences”

Bracing for Storm, Veoh Lays Off 18 Percent

Updated Nov. 6, 2:45 PST; See below for details about Veoh San Diego’s Veoh, one of the top Web-based providers of video and TV programming, has laid off 20 people, or 18 percent of its 110-employee payroll. The cutbacks, reported by PaidContent, TechCrunch, and others, apparently are intended to help the startup survive hard times … Continue reading “Bracing for Storm, Veoh Lays Off 18 Percent”

Innovation Through Compromise: Alfredo Ramirez and the Global Hawk Robot Spy Plane

The way Alfredo Ramirez talks, the Global Hawk does not epitomize an avant-garde aerospace design—even though the robotic spy plane operates at the uppermost boundaries of advanced military aircraft. The 46-year-old Ramirez is the lead designer for the Global Hawk, a high-altitude UAV, or unmanned aerial vehicle. I recently sat down with him to discuss … Continue reading “Innovation Through Compromise: Alfredo Ramirez and the Global Hawk Robot Spy Plane”

TelCentris Unlox Product Box with VoxOx

Updated Nov. 5, 4 pm PST: See below for details on funding TelCentris, a new San Diego company, says it has released a beta version of its free consumer service called VoxOx, which combines Voice-over-Internet telephony and other types of communications into a single screen on a computer desktop. The company says its universal communicator service is … Continue reading “TelCentris Unlox Product Box with VoxOx”

The Resurrection of a Onetime Internet Incubator—Not!

Some folks might have felt like it was déjà vu all over again when San Diego-based IdeaEDGE announced the launch of its new online services product, called the “Socialwise Group Gifting Platform.” In its statement Monday, IdeaEDGE said it plans to launch its Web-based Socialwise platform on Nov. 10. The company says its technology makes … Continue reading “The Resurrection of a Onetime Internet Incubator—Not!”

Metabasis Updates Findings on Diabetes Drug

San Diego’s Metabasis Therapeutics said in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday that a diabetes drug it has under development was found to be safe and well-tolerated in a phase 2a clinical trial. The findings reported by the company at the World Congress on Controversies to Consensus in Diabetes, Obesity and Hypertension follow its initial proof-of-concept trial for MB07803, which … Continue reading “Metabasis Updates Findings on Diabetes Drug”

They’re Mad as Hell, And You’re Not Paying Attention Anymore

It seems only fitting that on this Monday, the day before an important Presidential election, that we should turn our attention to the important issue of property taxes. Don’t you think our property taxes are too high? Don’t you agree with those campaign ads urging you to VOTE NO! on propositions that would hike our … Continue reading “They’re Mad as Hell, And You’re Not Paying Attention Anymore”

San Diego and von Liebig Center Award First Grants Under New Cleantech Initiative

San Diego has been looking into the expanding pool of renewable “cleantech” technologies and trying to see a reflection of itself. To make that vision a reality, city and economic development officials embarked last year on an initiative intended to promote cleantech in this sun-drenched land.  The initiative began with a study that found 148 cleantech companies in the region, the beginnings … Continue reading “San Diego and von Liebig Center Award First Grants Under New Cleantech Initiative”

Accumetrics Adds ‘CEO’ to Still’s Title

San Diego’s Accumetrics has named Tim Still, who has been serving as president and chief operating officer since earlier this year, to the additional position of chief executive. Accumetrics provides doctors with an automated device for measuring platelets, enabling them to assess their patients’ response to anti-platelet drugs prescribed to help prevent heart attack, strokes … Continue reading “Accumetrics Adds ‘CEO’ to Still’s Title”

Grim San Diego Panel Urges Venture Community and Entrepreneurs to Get Realistic

The turnout was heavier than expected as the San Diego Venture Group convened its monthly breakfast meeting yesterday for a program on “Company Financing Alternatives in a Challenging Environment.” Coordinators had arranged tables for 300 in the outdoor pavilion at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla. But interest was so high in the topic that several … Continue reading “Grim San Diego Panel Urges Venture Community and Entrepreneurs to Get Realistic”

Genomatica Brewing a Green Revolution for the Petrochemical Industry

It is hard to decide what to say first about San Diego’s Genomatica. Is it more amazing that Genomatica has genetically engineered microbes to produce mass quantities of butanediol, a hydrocarbon widely used by the petrochemical industry to make plastics, solvents, pharmaceuticals, textiles and automotive components? Or is it more impressive that the laboratory researchers … Continue reading “Genomatica Brewing a Green Revolution for the Petrochemical Industry”

San Diego’s Startups Benefit From Aerie of Angels

After seeing two San Diego startups get crucial, early stage funding this month from members of Southern California’s Tech Coast Angels, I arranged to have coffee with their archangel, Michael Elconin. Elconin, who is about halfway through his two-year term as president, was among the 30 or 40 members of San Diego’s erstwhile “Band of … Continue reading “San Diego’s Startups Benefit From Aerie of Angels”

Venture Returns Beat the Markets Through Q2—But Got Nowhere to Go But Down

The National Venture Capital Association usually prefers to track VC performance over a decade-long period, or possibly a five-year span. That’s because measuring performance over a one-year period, say, usually isn’t as useful since investment returns gyrate all over the place in the short term, according to Emily Mendell, the NVCA’s vice president for strategic … Continue reading “Venture Returns Beat the Markets Through Q2—But Got Nowhere to Go But Down”

SAIC Gets Contract to Overhaul Online System for Federal Student Aid

SAIC, the San Diego-based government contractor also known as Science Applications International Corp., said today it received a five-year contract that could be worth as much as $300 million to modernize the web-based system for federal student aid. The contract awarded by the Department of Education calls for overhauling the online system used to process FAFSA, … Continue reading “SAIC Gets Contract to Overhaul Online System for Federal Student Aid”

Drew Senyei, the VC behind the Movie on Hungary’s Class of ’56

The long journey that Drew Senyei began in 1956 presently ends in San Diego, where he is well-known as the managing director of Enterprise Partners Venture Capital. As a physician and erstwhile biomedical researcher, Senyei holds more than 20 patents and specializes as a venture investor in emerging life sciences companies. (He also is an Xconomist.) … Continue reading “Drew Senyei, the VC behind the Movie on Hungary’s Class of ’56”

Huntington Capital and Other Venture Lenders Thriving, Despite Credit Crunch

Unlike a lot of bankers these days, Tim Bubnack of San Diego’s Huntington Capital is pretty upbeat about his business. “It’s an exciting time for us,” Bubnack said between meetings yesterday. “While the credit markets are seizing up, we’re providing growth capital that allows companies to continue to expand, grow their businesses, and in some … Continue reading “Huntington Capital and Other Venture Lenders Thriving, Despite Credit Crunch”

Appeals Court Gives Qualcomm a Repreive

Qualcomm says the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington D.C. has vacated a finding by the International Trade Commission that the San Diego wireless company induced other companies to infringe a Broadcom patent that helps reduce power consumption. The case is among several patent disputes between the two companies. A San Diego Union-Tribune report on … Continue reading “Appeals Court Gives Qualcomm a Repreive”

San Diego’s Startup Pace Strong Despite Economic Chills

A survey of technology startups in San Diego County shows 76 new companies were launched here during the second quarter of 2008, suggesting entrepreneurs kept busy despite broader economic declines locally and nationwide. The study released by Connect, a local non-profit that supports innovative technology and life science businesses, found that San Diego County ranked … Continue reading “San Diego’s Startup Pace Strong Despite Economic Chills”

UCSD Supercomputing Center Looks to Create More Business Partnerships

The new five-story building that doubles the size of the San Diego Supercomputer Center is more than just concrete, steel, and glass. As Fran Berman, SDSC director (and an Xconomist) said yesterday, the new building also represents the next generation in supercomputing—and she wants to ensure that San Diego’s emerging companies feel like they’re part … Continue reading “UCSD Supercomputing Center Looks to Create More Business Partnerships”

Scenes from the Solar Power International Conference

One measure of the burgeoning interest in solar energy and the cleantech industry is the record turnout this week for Solar Power International 2008, which is being held at the San Diego Convention Center. Organizers say more than 20,000 people are expected to register for what’s billed as “the largest solar energy industry event in the … Continue reading “Scenes from the Solar Power International Conference”

Johns Hopkins’ President Moving to Salk Institute

The Salk Institute yesterday named Dr. William R. Brody, outgoing president of Johns Hopkins University, as its new president. Brody, 64, is retiring from Johns Hopkins in December and will assume his new job in La Jolla on March 1. As a successful entrepreneur who co-founded three biotechnology companies, Brody is expected to provide his business … Continue reading “Johns Hopkins’ President Moving to Salk Institute”

Fallbrook Follows Qualcomm’s Patent Strategy With Innovative Transmission For Vehicles

Bill Klehm may not be aware of his wordplay when he says, “We’re seeing significant traction in the European bicycle market and in light electric vehicles.” Klehm, 45, is the chief executive of San Diego’s Fallbrook Technologies, a startup that has been developing an innovative transmission without gears. The company says its “NuVinci” technology is … Continue reading “Fallbrook Follows Qualcomm’s Patent Strategy With Innovative Transmission For Vehicles”

SpaceDev Founder Jim Benson Dies

Jim Benson, an impatient visionary and aerospace entrepreneur, died today of a brain tumor, according to a statement issued by SpaceDev, the San Diego-based company he founded. SpaceDev developed the hybrid rocket engine used to power SpaceShipOne, the Burt Rutan-designed spacecraft, in its historic 2004 suborbital flight, which won the $10 million Ansari X-Prize. Benson, who was 63, … Continue reading “SpaceDev Founder Jim Benson Dies”

Nventa Pharmaceuticals Cuts Deep, Looks For Lifeline

San Diego-based Nventa Pharmaceuticals Corp., a public biotech that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange, says it is cutting costs to conserve cash, refocusing on its best drug candidates and searching for “synergistic merger and acquisition opportunities.” The startup has been developing new drugs to treat viral infections and cancer. Nvena said it is laying … Continue reading “Nventa Pharmaceuticals Cuts Deep, Looks For Lifeline”

Invitrogen Sees Improved Synergies in Acquisition

Carlsbad-based Invitrogen Corp. says it expects to save $20 million more than originally thought when it acquires Applied Biosystems Inc., according to San Diego’s North County Times. In a filing with government regulators, Invitrogen says a more detailed integration plan shows the combined companies will save $80 million and drive higher-than-expected growth in earnings per share. … Continue reading “Invitrogen Sees Improved Synergies in Acquisition”

Ethanol Entrepreneur Marks His Comeback

After years of disappointment, Mike Lewis is finding encouragement in small signs that business is coming back to life for Pearson Fuels. Lewis opened Pearson Fuels in a blighted San Diego neighborhood in 2003, with financial backing from the owners of a local Ford dealership, where he had worked in finance. It was part of … Continue reading “Ethanol Entrepreneur Marks His Comeback”

Garamendi Takes Soft Energy Path in San Diego

California Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, who announced an early start to his 2010 gubernatorial bid in July, signaled his support yesterday for a new technology cluster emerging in San Diego. The new cluster is focused on cleantech and renewable energy in the cross-border region of San Diego and Imperial Counties and Baja California, which Garamendi … Continue reading “Garamendi Takes Soft Energy Path in San Diego”

Broadcom Fires Another Round Against Qualcomm

San Diego’s Qualcomm and Irvine’s Broadcom continue to exchange legal blows like a pair of prize fighters in a slugfest. In the latest round, Broadcom asked a federal judge in San Diego yesterday to declare that Qualcomm’s patents and patent licenses are unenforceable. Broadcom argues that Qualcomm’s sales and marketing practices constitute “patent misuse.” As … Continue reading “Broadcom Fires Another Round Against Qualcomm”

Tech Coast Angels Fund Startup Developing Shock-Absorbing Nano Particles

AgileNano, a San Diego startup that was conceived doing research on energy-absorbing nano-composites for use in bumpers, helmets and body armor, said today it got seed funding from the Tech Coast Angels. The technology is used to minimize blunt-force trauma injuries among military service men and women and to increase comfort and protection in sporting … Continue reading “Tech Coast Angels Fund Startup Developing Shock-Absorbing Nano Particles”

Biochemistry Tool-Maker Roger Tsien Looks for the Pass Through the Mountains (Update: Tsien Wins Nobel Prize)

Updated, Oct. 8, 5 am PST: Roger Tsien was not only on the short list for the Nobel Prize in chemistry—he won it! See below for more details: Was it me, or did researchers’ heads whip around yesterday as I walked through Roger Tsien’s biochemistry laboratory at U.C. San Diego? If there was an atmosphere … Continue reading “Biochemistry Tool-Maker Roger Tsien Looks for the Pass Through the Mountains (Update: Tsien Wins Nobel Prize)”

Qualcomm Founder Irwin Jacobs Urges Entrepreneurs to “Keep Running Fast”

Irwin Jacobs is the chairman and founder of Qualcomm, the San Diego-based giant in digital wireless communications. With sales of more than $10 billion a year, Qualcomm now has a market valuation of roughly $66 billion—more than McDonald’s. Yet Jacobs, who will celebrate his 75th birthday later this month, seemed remarkably unpretentious for a wireless … Continue reading “Qualcomm Founder Irwin Jacobs Urges Entrepreneurs to “Keep Running Fast””

Avaak Raises $7M

San Diego, CA-based Avaak, which is developing wireless mesh networking technology to offer Web-based video monitoring, has raised $7 million in venture funding. Avaak says the Series A financing, led by Trinity Ventures, will help launch its product early next year.

Military Orders Audio Devices

San Diego’s American Technology Corp. said today that U.S. military forces have placed additional orders totaling $400,000 for its Long Range Acoustic Device, or LRAD, for use at security checkpoints in Iraq. Unlike an ordinary loudspeaker, the LRAD emits a focused sound beam, which can carry  warnings or instructions beyond 500 meters. 

UCSD Touts Its Economic Impact, Including 193 Companies and $37 Billion in Annual Spending and Personal Income

It’s a curious thing, when a major public research university commissions an independent study to assess its economic impact, especially when we’re talking about an individual school in the University of California system. In this case, the University of California, San Diego, hired a consulting firm in San Francisco to remind the public just how … Continue reading “UCSD Touts Its Economic Impact, Including 193 Companies and $37 Billion in Annual Spending and Personal Income”

Venture Exits Drop 66 Percent in Third Quarter: Sign of “Nuclear Winter?” To Come

When the tech boom of the 1990s began to evaporate at the end of the last millennium, a handful of VCs-turned-meteorologists predicted the climate was turning into a “nuclear winter” for many startup ventures. Well, it’s getting cold again. Exits by venture-backed companies nationwide declined 66 percent in the third quarter of 2008, according to … Continue reading “Venture Exits Drop 66 Percent in Third Quarter: Sign of “Nuclear Winter?” To Come”

Qualcomm Co-Founder, Andrew Viterbi, Wins National Medal of Science For Key Wireless Innovation

Wireless pioneer and UC San Diego professor emeritus Andrew Viterbi received a National Medal of Science from President Bush in a White House ceremony Monday, in part for work that later became known as “the Viterbi algorithm.” That might sound like a sequel to “The Bourne Ultimatum,” but the algorithm is actually used in virtually … Continue reading “Qualcomm Co-Founder, Andrew Viterbi, Wins National Medal of Science For Key Wireless Innovation”