All this week, the venture capitalists over at OVP Venture Partners in Kirkland, WA, have been posting their thoughts on 2009—such as the biggest surprises in tech and life sciences—as well as their predictions for 2010. It’s a common theme these days, sure, but it’s always fun to get VCs on the record about such … Continue reading “Apple Vs. Google, Genome Sequencing Goes Commercial, and More OVP Predictions for 2010”
Author: Gregory T. Huang
TechStars Expansion to Seattle Fueled by Boston Success, Says Brad Feld
Yesterday’s official announcement that TechStars, the startup boot camp and seed-stage investment fund, is coming to Seattle next fall has a lot of us here buzzing with anticipation. Founded in Boulder, CO, in 2007, the program invites about 10 small tech startups for three months of training and mentorship, and awards $6,000 per founder in … Continue reading “TechStars Expansion to Seattle Fueled by Boston Success, Says Brad Feld”
Zulily Zips Out of Stealth and Raises $4.6M, Led by Maveron and Ex-Blue Nilers
I’m no expert in online retail, but this seems pretty interesting. Seattle-based Zulily has emerged from stealth mode and is announcing today a $4.6 million Series A funding round led by Maveron, the Seattle venture capital firm founded by Howard Schultz and Dan Levitan. Maveron is known for its investments in consumer and tech businesses … Continue reading “Zulily Zips Out of Stealth and Raises $4.6M, Led by Maveron and Ex-Blue Nilers”
TechStars, the Startup Boot Camp, Coming to Seattle Next Fall, Led by Andy Sack
Yes, it’s another big rumor confirmed today… TechStars, the two-year-old seed-stage investment fund and boot camp for tech startups, announced it is expanding to Seattle in the fall of 2010. Seattle entrepreneur and investor Andy Sack will lead the local effort as executive director. Sack has previously served as a mentor in Boston and in … Continue reading “TechStars, the Startup Boot Camp, Coming to Seattle Next Fall, Led by Andy Sack”
Ontela Merges with Newly Independent Photobucket, Looks to Combine Companies’ Reach on Web and Mobile
OK, so there was truth to the rumors. But this is no ordinary merger or acquisition. Seattle-based Ontela, the mobile imaging startup focused on getting pictures off your camera phone, announced today it is merging operations with Photobucket, the Denver, CO-based photo sharing site. Financial details of the merger weren’t announced. The new, combined entity … Continue reading “Ontela Merges with Newly Independent Photobucket, Looks to Combine Companies’ Reach on Web and Mobile”
iPhone Goes Bing
Microsoft announced yesterday that Bing search is now available as a free app on the iPhone and iPod Touch. It includes features like voice search, news, maps, and other location-based services. Bing is already available on BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and a few other mobile platforms. The move to Apple’s iPhone signifies the importance of mobile … Continue reading “iPhone Goes Bing”
AltAir in Biofuels Deal with 14 Airlines
Seattle-based AltAir Fuels announced yesterday it has signed agreements with 14 airlines to negotiate the purchase of up to 750 million gallons of camelina-based jet fuel and diesel. AltAir plans to produce the biofuels at a new facility in Anacortes, WA, which is slated to open in 2012. The participating airlines (which entered into a … Continue reading “AltAir in Biofuels Deal with 14 Airlines”
Google Senior Exec Alan Eustace on Innovation Strategy and the Technology of the Next Decade
If ever a company defied hyperlocal coverage, it’s Google. Whether you live in Boston or Bosnia, Seattle or Shanghai, Google is a big deal—and it’s getting bigger every day. Whether it’s attracting or gobbling up the best companies and talent in New England or Southern California, or competing with giants like Microsoft (Bing) and Amazon … Continue reading “Google Senior Exec Alan Eustace on Innovation Strategy and the Technology of the Next Decade”
Microsoft Buys Opalis and Sentillion, Swype and Widevine Raise Cash, Dendreon Rakes In $409M, & More Seattle-Area Deals News
It was a busy week for Northwest deals, as companies tried to beat the holiday rush. Lots of action in software, mobile, and biotech. —Seattle-based Swype, maker of text-input software for touch screens, raised $5.6 million in a Series B round led by Samsung Ventures, Nokia Growth Partners, and Benaroya Capital. Swype released its first … Continue reading “Microsoft Buys Opalis and Sentillion, Swype and Widevine Raise Cash, Dendreon Rakes In $409M, & More Seattle-Area Deals News”
Azure Reorganization Raises Questions About the Future of Ray Ozzie at Microsoft
Last week, we reported that Microsoft is moving Windows Azure, its cloud computing platform, into a new business unit called the Server and Cloud Division, as the company gears up to offer a paid cloud service early next year. Azure now falls under the authority of Bob Muglia, president of the company’s Server and Tools … Continue reading “Azure Reorganization Raises Questions About the Future of Ray Ozzie at Microsoft”
Swype Raises $5.6M, Looks to Go Global with Text Input Software for Smartphones
Seattle-based Swype, a maker of text-input software for touch screens, has raised $5.6 million in Series B equity financing from new investors Samsung Ventures and Nokia Growth Partners, and returning investor Benaroya Capital. The funding should help Swype expand its technology to more mobile phones around the world, and eventually explore other types of devices … Continue reading “Swype Raises $5.6M, Looks to Go Global with Text Input Software for Smartphones”
Widevine Closes $15M in Growth Capital for Online Video Platform
Seattle-based Widevine Technologies announced today it has raised $15 million in equity funding from strategic partners Liberty Global, Samsung Ventures, and an unnamed corporation. The round looks to be an extension of a smaller amount of funding reported last month. Widevine makes a software platform for delivering Internet video to consumer electronic devices including TVs, … Continue reading “Widevine Closes $15M in Growth Capital for Online Video Platform”
Top 10 Fails, Five New Startups, and More Seattle Tech Tidbits
Catching up on a bunch of tech startup news from around the blogosphere this week, most of it not very serious, but notable nonetheless… —Brier Dudley at the Seattle Times took a considered look at the local video game industry and its outlook heading into 2010. Three things caught my eye: the comparison of the … Continue reading “Top 10 Fails, Five New Startups, and More Seattle Tech Tidbits”
Microsoft Acquires Opalis for IT Automation
Microsoft announced today it has acquired Opalis Software, a Toronto-based maker of data center and IT management software. Financial terms of the deal were not given, but Opalis CEO Todd DeLaughter provided some details about how Opalis’s IT process automation technology will fit with the Microsoft System Center product line, in a blog post. The … Continue reading “Microsoft Acquires Opalis for IT Automation”
AdReady CEO and Former aQuantive Exec Karl Siebrecht on His Big New Opportunity
AdReady is one of those startups that everyone talks about but no one really understands. At least not most lay readers, whose eyes glaze over once they get past the words “online advertising.” I can’t really blame them. After all, can most people explain why Seattle online ad firm and local success story aQuantive was … Continue reading “AdReady CEO and Former aQuantive Exec Karl Siebrecht on His Big New Opportunity”
Microsoft to Buy Sentillion, Looks to Strengthen Efforts in Electronic Medical Records
Let the healthcare-IT acquisitions begin. Microsoft announced today it plans to buy Sentillion, a healthcare software company based in Andover, MA. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close early next year. Microsoft says it plans to incorporate Sentillion’s technology into the Microsoft Amalga Unified Intelligence System that’s supposed … Continue reading “Microsoft to Buy Sentillion, Looks to Strengthen Efforts in Electronic Medical Records”
GoodData, Bizo Among AWS Winners
Amazon Web Services announced today that the winner of its third annual AWS Start-up Challenge is GoodData, a business intelligence and analytics firm based in San Francisco. The company was awarded $50,000 in cash, $50,000 in AWS credits, and an investment offer from Amazon (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AMZN]]). The runner-up was Bizo, a San Francisco-based online audience … Continue reading “GoodData, Bizo Among AWS Winners”
Microsoft Inks NetApp Partnership in Virtualization, Forms New Server and Cloud Division for Azure
It has been a busy week for Microsoft in cloud computing and virtualization. For starters, the Redmond, WA-based company (NASDAQ: [[ticker:MSFT]]) announced on Tuesday a three-year strategic alliance with data storage firm NetApp to collaborate on products and technical integration in virtualization, storage and data management, and cloud computing and hosted services. Financial terms of … Continue reading “Microsoft Inks NetApp Partnership in Virtualization, Forms New Server and Cloud Division for Azure”
Washington Firms Raised $44.4M in 10 Venture Deals (Six Software) in November
If last month is any indication, 2009 is going out with a whimper when it comes to the number of dollars in new venture deals for Washington companies. Though there has been a mini-comeback of small software financings since October. That’s according to the latest roundup figures from ChubbyBrain, a New York-based maker of tools … Continue reading “Washington Firms Raised $44.4M in 10 Venture Deals (Six Software) in November”
RealGames’ Collapse! Goes Social
Seattle-based RealGames, the gaming division of RealNetworks (NASDAQ: [[ticker:RNWK]]), announced today its puzzle game Collapse! is now available on Facebook and a number of mobile platforms including BlackBerry, iPhone, and Android, along with downloadable versions for PC and Mac. The move is part of a broader trend of casual game makers releasing social and mobile … Continue reading “RealGames’ Collapse! Goes Social”
Solar Nation Raises $2M, Inks Partnership
Portland, OR-based Solar Nation, a developer of solar energy technologies for government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits, has raised $2 million in equity financing, according to an SEC filing. The financing appears to be part of a $5 million commitment from Luxembourg-based Lynx Industries to help expand Solar Nation’s North American operations, as the company announced … Continue reading “Solar Nation Raises $2M, Inks Partnership”
Blackbox Republic, No Longer Just Sex Positive, Opens Alternative Social Site
I wish I could say this is just about sex, but it isn’t. Nevertheless, a lot has changed since we last heard from Blackbox Republic, the Portland, OR-based niche social network that is trying to be a more private and intimate alternative to Facebook and Match.com, for helping manage your personal life. The paid site … Continue reading “Blackbox Republic, No Longer Just Sex Positive, Opens Alternative Social Site”
Sammsoft Bought for $8.5M
Redmond, WA-based Sammsoft, which makes security and privacy software for personal computers, has been acquired by support.com (NASDAQ: [[ticker:SPRT]]), an online technology firm based in Silicon Valley, for $8.5 million in cash. The assets of Sammsoft’s parent company, Xeriton, were also acquired in the deal. Sammsoft was operated by former Microsoft employees, most of whom … Continue reading “Sammsoft Bought for $8.5M”
PopCap Releases Chuzzle on iPhone
Seattle-based PopCap Games announced today it has released its puzzle game Chuzzle on the iPhone and iPod Touch, available for $4.99. It’s part of PopCap’s expansion into more types of mobile devices and social platforms. The casual game company’s other titles for the iPhone include its hits Bejeweled and Peggle. PopCap was founded in 2000 … Continue reading “PopCap Releases Chuzzle on iPhone”
Apple Buys Ignition-Backed Lala, Appature Gets Funded, Free & Clear Gets Celebrated, & More Seattle-Area Deals News
It was another fairly quiet week for deals in the Northwest. But there were a couple of first-round venture financings for established software startups, and one notable acquisition. —Portland, OR-based software startup JanRain closed $3.25 million in Series A financing led by DFJ Frontier, with participation from Anthem Venture Partners and RPM Ventures. JanRain’s software … Continue reading “Apple Buys Ignition-Backed Lala, Appature Gets Funded, Free & Clear Gets Celebrated, & More Seattle-Area Deals News”
Amazon Highlights: Jeff Bezos Interview, an E-Commerce Competitor, and Nook Reviews
With the holiday shopping season here, it’s a good time to recap how Amazon (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AMZN]]) is doing in the marketplace. No, not with a frothy piece about the company’s best sales quarter yet or its latest flashy Kindle update. In case you missed it, there have been a number of informative media stories in … Continue reading “Amazon Highlights: Jeff Bezos Interview, an E-Commerce Competitor, and Nook Reviews”
JanRain Lands $3.25M, Looks to Expand Web Identity Offerings, Push Social Publishing
It has been a busy fall for JanRain. The Portland, OR-based software startup is announcing today it has closed a $3.25 million Series A financing round led by West Coast firm DFJ Frontier. RPM Ventures and Anthem Venture Partners also participated in the round, which had its first close in late summer. The company also … Continue reading “JanRain Lands $3.25M, Looks to Expand Web Identity Offerings, Push Social Publishing”
Appature Raises $3.5M, Led by Ignition and Madrona, to Expand Healthcare Customer Base
Well, it’s about time we confirmed this deal. Seattle-based Appature is announcing today a Series A equity financing round, worth $3.5 million, co-led by Ignition Partners and Madrona Venture Group. It’s an all-Seattle investor group, as seed-stage fund Founder’s Co-op also participated in the financing. Appature, which has generated some buzz in recent months, makes … Continue reading “Appature Raises $3.5M, Led by Ignition and Madrona, to Expand Healthcare Customer Base”
Reports: Apple to Buy Lala, Backed by Ignition, Bain
Apple (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AAPL]]) is in talks to acquire Lala, a Palo Alto, CA-based online music service backed by Bellevue, WA-based Ignition Partners and Boston-based Bain Capital Ventures, according to Bloomberg and CNET, which each cite anonymous sources. No financial terms were reported, and Ignition has declined to comment. Lala’s service is different from Apple’s iTunes … Continue reading “Reports: Apple to Buy Lala, Backed by Ignition, Bain”
Seattle Layoff Update: Adobe, Microsoft, Real, ZymoGenetics, and Others Cut Staff
‘Tis the season for layoffs, we’re sorry to say. In the past month, we’ve seen some major staff cuts from the big tech and life sciences companies, as well as startups, around Seattle (see our updated Northwest layoff tracker here). The carnage has really picked up in the past week. Here’s a rundown of notable … Continue reading “Seattle Layoff Update: Adobe, Microsoft, Real, ZymoGenetics, and Others Cut Staff”
Imperium Shuts Biodiesel Plant After Explosion
Seattle-based Imperium Renewables said it has shut down operations at its Grays Harbor biodiesel plant in Hoquiam, WA, following an explosion of a 10,000-gallon glycerin processing tank yesterday afternoon. No injuries were reported, and there was no fire. The cause of the blast is still under investigation, but the company says the rupture was caused … Continue reading “Imperium Shuts Biodiesel Plant After Explosion”
Report: Wetpaint Lays Off 9, Shifts Focus
Seattle-based Wetpaint, a social publishing startup, has laid off nine employees today, as part of an unspecified refocusing of company resources, according to TechFlash. The company laid off 15 staffers in July, and is now down to about 30 people, according to the report, which says co-founders Kevin Flaherty and Alex Berg are among the … Continue reading “Report: Wetpaint Lays Off 9, Shifts Focus”
Five Parting Thoughts on Google, Bing, and the Future of Search
Remember when Google was the good guy, with the motto “Don’t be evil”? When did it officially become Public Enemy No. 1? OK, I’m exaggerating a little, but at Monday night’s Xconomy Forum on the Future of Search and Information Discovery at the UW, it sure seemed like people were piling on. It was Brian … Continue reading “Five Parting Thoughts on Google, Bing, and the Future of Search”
Vulcan Backs Bizo, EndoGastric Closes Financing, Datacastle Raises $3M, & More Seattle-Area Deals News
It was a pretty quiet week for deals in the Northwest, what with the Thanksgiving holiday. But there was some activity in the software, Internet, and medical device sectors. —Paul Allen’s Vulcan Capital participated in a $6 million equity funding round for San Francisco-based Bizo, an online ad network and audience targeting platform. Bessemer Venture … Continue reading “Vulcan Backs Bizo, EndoGastric Closes Financing, Datacastle Raises $3M, & More Seattle-Area Deals News”
Vulcan Re-ups with Bizo
Seattle-based Vulcan Capital has participated in a $6 million equity funding round for Bizo, an online advertising network and audience targeting platform based in San Francisco. Bessemer Venture Partners led the round, with participation from existing investors Venrock, Vulcan, and Ascent. Bizo, which spun out of ZoomInfo in May 2008, has also been named one … Continue reading “Vulcan Re-ups with Bizo”
Swype, Following T9 Model, Releases Text Input Software on Samsung Phone
It’s been seven years in the making, but we might be looking at the biggest new text-input technology for mobile phones since T9 predictive texting. At least that’s what Swype is hoping. The Seattle startup is releasing its software for the first time today, on the Samsung Omnia II, an advanced smartphone with a touch … Continue reading “Swype, Following T9 Model, Releases Text Input Software on Samsung Phone”
Report: Smith & Tinker Lays Off 30 Percent
Bellevue, WA-based gaming company Smith & Tinker has cut about 30 percent of its staff, according to a report in VentureBeat. The company has confirmed an unspecified number of layoffs. Led by co-founders Jordan Weisman and Joe Lawandus, Smith & Tinker had some 50 employees as of August, when it released its flagship game, Nanovor. … Continue reading “Report: Smith & Tinker Lays Off 30 Percent”
The Future of Search Photo Gallery
We spend a lot of time at Xconomy reporting, analyzing, writing, and editing stories about technology in the Northwest, but when it comes to photography—well, we can’t be experts at everything. So Luke asked (politely) whether his lovely and talented wife, Tracy Cutchlow, might want to take some photos for our “Future of Search and … Continue reading “The Future of Search Photo Gallery”
Clearwire Rolls Out Seattle WiMax
Kirkland, WA-based Clearwire (NASDAQ: [[ticker:CLWR]]) switched on its WiMax wireless broadband service in the Puget Sound region of Washington today. The coverage area for fast Internet access is about 1,300 square miles around Seattle, extending as far as Arlington, Lakewood, North Bend, and Silverdale. Clearwire’s service is expected to go live in more than 25 … Continue reading “Clearwire Rolls Out Seattle WiMax”
Three Lessons on Startups, As Told By Ron Wiener From Earth Class Mail
Ron Wiener is best known these days as the founding CEO (now chairman) of Earth Class Mail, a Seattle-based software firm that digitizes postal mail for companies. He is a successful and outspoken entrepreneur who has run five investor-backed tech companies in the past 20 years—besides Earth Class Mail, he was previously CEO of Azure … Continue reading “Three Lessons on Startups, As Told By Ron Wiener From Earth Class Mail”
Future of Search Is Sold Out; See You Tonight
Tonight’s Xconomy Forum on The Future of Search and Information Discovery is now officially sold out. Thanks for all the interest—it’s going to be a great evening, with some really great networking. For those of you who grabbed tickets before they ran out, registration starts at 5:30 pm at the Walker-Ames Room in Kane Hall … Continue reading “Future of Search Is Sold Out; See You Tonight”
EVO Media Raises $1.5M
Seattle-based EVO Media, creator of the DevHub Web publishing platform for managing and monetizing niche websites, has closed a $1.5 million round of equity financing. The investors include Jeff Schrock, Geoff Entress, John Cunningham, Alex Algard, Richard Wolpert, and an undisclosed private equity group. EVO Media CEO and co-founder Geoff Nuval says the money will … Continue reading “EVO Media Raises $1.5M”
Only a Few Tickets Left for Monday’s Future of Search Event
Going… going… I can count on one hand the number of tickets left for our Monday, Nov. 30 event on The Future of Search and Information Discovery at the UW. Other than the fact that it conflicts with the titanic Monday Night Football game between the Patriots and Saints, it should be a great night. … Continue reading “Only a Few Tickets Left for Monday’s Future of Search Event”
Microsoft CFO Liddell Leaving
Redmond, WA-based Microsoft (NASDAQ: [[ticker:MSFT]]) said today that chief financial officer Chris Liddell is leaving the company at the end of this year to pursue other opportunities. He will be succeeded by Peter Klein, who is currently the CFO of Microsoft’s Business Division. Liddell joined Microsoft in 2005 and helped lead the company’s $6 billion … Continue reading “Microsoft CFO Liddell Leaving”
Datacastle Raises $3M More to Provide Data Backup and Security
Seattle-based Datacastle, the data backup and recovery software firm, has closed a $3 million funding round, according to CEO and president Ron Faith. The round was led by existing investor CM Capital Investments, a leading venture firm in Australia. The funding was disclosed in a regulatory filing. “We plan to use the funds for sales … Continue reading “Datacastle Raises $3M More to Provide Data Backup and Security”
Seattle Game Developers and Startups Go Social and Mobile, As Industry Shifts
Heading into the holidays, it seems like a good time to look at what’s going on in the gaming space around Seattle. While the core gaming giants like Xbox, Nintendo, Valve, and Bungie are gearing up for a busy shopping season, the mid-size casual game makers and publishers are actively trying to broaden their audience. … Continue reading “Seattle Game Developers and Startups Go Social and Mobile, As Industry Shifts”
Cozi Teams Up with MWV, Naverus Acquired by GE, Bio Architecture Lab Raises $8M, & More Seattle-Area Deals News
It was a fairly busy week for deals heading into the Thanksgiving holiday. The Northwest saw some action across aviation, alternative fuels, wireless, software, and biotech. —Kent, WA-based Naverus was acquired by GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric (NYSE: [[ticker:GE]]). Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Naverus, founded in 2003, makes aviation navigation … Continue reading “Cozi Teams Up with MWV, Naverus Acquired by GE, Bio Architecture Lab Raises $8M, & More Seattle-Area Deals News”
Naverus, a Company That Makes Flight Paths Greener, Gets Acquired by GE
Kent, WA-based Naverus, which develops navigation technologies for airplanes, has been acquired by GE Aviation, a Cincinnati-based division of General Electric. Financial terms weren’t disclosed today in GE’s official announcement of the deal. Naverus was founded in 2003 and focuses on “required navigation performance,” a technique that uses advanced avionics and GPS technology to guide … Continue reading “Naverus, a Company That Makes Flight Paths Greener, Gets Acquired by GE”
Do Seattle Startups Care Too Much About Retail, Too Little About Building a Huge Audience?
Oh no you didn’t. Come on, Andrew Chen, you know better than to call out Seattle tech startups for not producing a world-changing consumer Internet company in the past few years. You’re an outsider now, having left Seattle for the San Francisco Bay Area after 2006. And now you’re telling us why you left? Them’s … Continue reading “Do Seattle Startups Care Too Much About Retail, Too Little About Building a Huge Audience?”
Root Wireless Raises $3.25M Series B
Bellevue, WA-based Root Wireless, a maker of technologies that analyze and map the performance of cellular networks and devices, announced today it has closed $3.25 million in Series B funding co-led by Fred Warren and Oliver Grace, Jr. Also participating in the round were existing investors Scott Anderson, Jack Roberts and John Stanton. Root Wireless … Continue reading “Root Wireless Raises $3.25M Series B”