Heading into the holiday season, it was a fairly slow week in the Northwest for deals. But there was still some substantial activity in software and biotech—and some activity about the activity (see immediately below). —Bellevue, WA-based software and services firm Bsquare (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BSQR]]) acquired TechQuest, a test-automation software maker in Minneapolis, MN, for $2.2 … Continue reading “Datacastle Gets $5.3M, Geospiza Goes Gene-Sifting, Bsquare Buys TechQuest, & More Seattle-Area Deals News”
Author: Gregory T. Huang
Greg is a veteran journalist who has covered a wide range of science, technology, and business. As former editor in chief, he overaw daily news, features, and events across Xconomy's national network. Before joining Xconomy, he was a features editor at New Scientist magazine, where he edited and wrote articles on physics, technology, and neuroscience. Previously he was senior writer at Technology Review, where he reported on emerging technologies, R&D, and advances in computing, robotics, and applied physics. His writing has also appeared in Wired, Nature, and The Atlantic Monthly’s website. He was named a New York Times professional fellow in 2003.
Greg is the co-author of Guanxi (Simon & Schuster, 2006), about Microsoft in China and the global competition for talent and technology. Before becoming a journalist, he did research at MIT’s Artificial Intelligence Lab. He has published 20 papers in scientific journals and conferences and spoken on innovation at Adobe, Amazon, eBay, Google, HP, Microsoft, Yahoo, and other organizations. He has a Master’s and Ph.D. in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT, and a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Layoffs and New Lives: Hubspan, CarDomain, and Jobster Join the Seattle Layoff Litany
Two weeks ago, Xconomy published our first iteration of what we call the Seattle Layoff Litany. It’s a document that tracks tech and life sciences job cuts in the Northwest. Here is a quick update about three local companies that have gone through layoffs since then (one is unconfirmed). I thought it was especially interesting … Continue reading “Layoffs and New Lives: Hubspan, CarDomain, and Jobster Join the Seattle Layoff Litany”
Zumobi Floats App on iPhone
Mobile-media startup Zumobi, based in Seattle, has announced the availability of its iPhone application, called Ziibii. The free software lets you interact with information from other users and social networks, such as photos, videos, and blogs, in the form of “rafts” floating by on the screen (see video). Zumobi is a Microsoft Research spinoff founded … Continue reading “Zumobi Floats App on iPhone”
Surviving the Downturn: Advice from Seattle-Area Firms Atlas Accelerator, Geospiza, and Mercent
Updated Nov. 24 with corrections from Mike Crill: Last Thursday, the Seattle-based Alliance of Angels hosted a panel discussion on “managing through an economic downturn,” otherwise known as “Downturnapalooza.” The panelists were Eric Best of Seattle-based e-commerce firm Mercent, Mike Crill of Bellevue, WA-based consulting company Atlas Accelerator, and Rob Arnold of Seattle-based bio-software firm … Continue reading “Surviving the Downturn: Advice from Seattle-Area Firms Atlas Accelerator, Geospiza, and Mercent”
Yieldex Wins $100K Amazon Startup Challenge
Last night, Amazon Web Services announced the winner of its second annual AWS Startup Challenge: Yieldex, based in Colorado, California, and New York, helps advertisers and publishers manage their inventory by predicting how ads will perform on different websites. The company receives $100,000 in cash and Web services credits, plus a potential investment offer. Yieldex … Continue reading “Yieldex Wins $100K Amazon Startup Challenge”
Where Innovators Meet Up: The Greater Seattle Coffee Cluster, Part Two
A week ago, Xconomy Seattle published a list and an interactive map of the coffee hotspots around town where entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators like to gather. It generated a fair bit of attention and a really great response from our readers. So I thought we should post an updated list here with a bunch of … Continue reading “Where Innovators Meet Up: The Greater Seattle Coffee Cluster, Part Two”
Bsquare CEO Brian Crowley: TestQuest Acquisition “Really Important”
Today’s news that Bellevue, WA-based software firm Bsquare (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BSQR]]) is buying Minneapolis, MN-based TestQuest for $2.2 million has sparked some lively discussion. Bsquare founder and former CEO Bill Baxter, who left the company in 2004, wrote in to say “the investment is not a huge thing for the company” and that “they might benefit … Continue reading “Bsquare CEO Brian Crowley: TestQuest Acquisition “Really Important””
Bsquare Founder Bill Baxter Comments on TestQuest Acquisition—Sees Marginal Benefit
This morning, there was news about Bellevue, WA-based Bsquare buying the assets of TestQuest, a Minneapolis, MN-based mobile software firm, for $2.2 million. It made me think about the strategy behind the deal, and whether it signifies a shift in Bsquare’s business. So I pinged Bill Baxter, who founded Bsquare as CEO in 1994 and … Continue reading “Bsquare Founder Bill Baxter Comments on TestQuest Acquisition—Sees Marginal Benefit”
Bsquare Buys TestQuest for $2.2M
Bellevue, WA-based Bsquare (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BSQR]]) announced today it has acquired the assets of TestQuest, a mobile test automation and management company based in Minneapolis, MN. The purchase price is about $2.2 million. The acquisition helps Bsquare, which makes software for smart devices, add new customers in the U.S., Asia, and Europe.
Mayonnaise Wrestling, Flavor Fanaticism, and Social Media on Steroids: The Bacon Salt Story
Sometimes the best stories are the hardest to tell. This isn’t one of them. I’m not quite sure where to begin, but here goes. There is a startup in South Seattle called Bacon Salt. Maybe you’ve heard of it, maybe you haven’t. But the name says it all: Bacon Salt is a zero-calorie, vegetarian, kosher … Continue reading “Mayonnaise Wrestling, Flavor Fanaticism, and Social Media on Steroids: The Bacon Salt Story”
Datacastle Closes $5.3M Series A Financing, Gets New Leadership
It’s been a busy week for data-protection companies around here. Two days after Decho was formed out of Seattle-based Pi and Utah-based Mozy, information security firm Datacastle of Seattle has announced a $5.3 million Series A financing round. The investment was led by the Australian venture firm CM Capital Investments. No other investors were disclosed. … Continue reading “Datacastle Closes $5.3M Series A Financing, Gets New Leadership”
Avion, Kinetic Vehicles, and Western Washington University Compete for $10M Automotive X Prize
The Automotive X Prize in Los Angeles announced today it has chosen its first 22 teams to compete for $10 million in prizes that will be awarded for developing super fuel-efficient vehicles (100 miles per gallon or equivalent is the nominal goal). Among this first wave of contenders are three Northwest teams: Bellingham, WA-based Avion; … Continue reading “Avion, Kinetic Vehicles, and Western Washington University Compete for $10M Automotive X Prize”
Ambric Closes Down, Goes on Sale
Ambric, a Beaverton, OR-based semiconductor company, has announced it is shutting down and looking for a corporate buyer. The firm has suspended all operations not having to do with its sale or existing customer agreements. Ambric has developed software-programmable parallel processor chips that are used in video coding, wireless base stations, and medical and military … Continue reading “Ambric Closes Down, Goes on Sale”
TeachStreet Expands to Bay Area
Seattle-based TeachStreet announced today it has moved into the San Francisco Bay Area in a major expansion of its service, which helps local teachers and students connect with one another online. The company’s initial Bay Area site has more than 65,000 listings of classes, teachers, and experts in everything from aikido to yoga. TeachStreet, which … Continue reading “TeachStreet Expands to Bay Area”
Going Global: Ken Myer of WTIA Talks China Trip, Mobile Market, and Achievement Awards
Last month, Xconomy reported on a visit to China by five Seattle-area tech companies as part of a mobile-telecom mission organized by the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA). The goal of the trip was to open up business opportunities for the companies by setting up meetings with potential partners, investors, and customers. On Friday, I … Continue reading “Going Global: Ken Myer of WTIA Talks China Trip, Mobile Market, and Achievement Awards”
Mobui, VH1 Do Mobile Chat on AT&T
Redmond, WA-based Mobui, a mobile applications firm, announced today it has partnered with VH1 (a division of Viacom’s MTV Networks) to deliver a live-chat service that is available from the AT&T Media Mall. The mobile application, which lets you instant-message your friends while watching VH1 programs, is currently supported on 37 AT&T phones and is … Continue reading “Mobui, VH1 Do Mobile Chat on AT&T”
Electricity Economy Expert Jesse Berst Weighs In on EnerG2 Startup
I pinged energy expert Jesse Berst, the managing director of Redmond, WA-based GlobalSmartEnergy, to get his take on EnerG2, the venture-backed energy-storage startup we profiled earlier today. EnerG2 has developed a nanotech approach to building better batteries and “ultracapacitors” for storing electricity. Berst, an Xconomist, replied with some insights into the startup’s prospects for becoming … Continue reading “Electricity Economy Expert Jesse Berst Weighs In on EnerG2 Startup”
Accelerator Accepts $4.5M, EMC Merges Mozy and Pi, EnerG2 Tells All, & More Seattle-Area Deals News
It was another slow week in the Northwest for deals. Still, there was a trickle of activity in energy, biotech, and software. —Seattle-based EnerG2 and its lead investor, Kirkland, WA-based OVP Venture Partners, told Xconomy the full story of the energy-storage startup’s $8.5 million Series A financing. Turns out EnerG2 needed to refocus on a … Continue reading “Accelerator Accepts $4.5M, EMC Merges Mozy and Pi, EnerG2 Tells All, & More Seattle-Area Deals News”
EnerG2, Backed by OVP and Firelake, Wants to Own Energy Storage in the Electricity Economy
Two weeks ago, Xconomy broke the news of the Seattle startup EnerG2’s $8.5 million first-round venture deal with Kirkland, WA-based OVP Venture Partners and Palo Alto, CA-based Firelake Capital Management. Today, the energy storage and advanced materials company is officially announcing its approach and giving the story behind its financing. I had a chance to … Continue reading “EnerG2, Backed by OVP and Firelake, Wants to Own Energy Storage in the Electricity Economy”
How to Start a Company: Advice from Seattle Entrepreneur T.A. McCann
On Friday, there was a really good talk by the noted tech entrepreneur and investor T.A. McCann at a Northwest Entrepreneur Network breakfast in Bellevue, WA. The topic was how to get a startup off the ground: he called it “0-25 mph.” What with the economy these days, advice from someone like McCann seems more … Continue reading “How to Start a Company: Advice from Seattle Entrepreneur T.A. McCann”
Talisma Bought by Campus Management
Bellevue, WA-based Talisma announced today its customer relationship management business has been acquired by Boca Raton, FL-based Campus Management, which makes a software platform for e-learning. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Talisma, which was founded in 1999, was bought by Austin, TX-based nGenera last May.
EMC Forms New Company, Decho, to Help Customers Take Control of Personal Data Online
EMC, the software and data-storage giant based in Hopkinton, MA, is announcing today it has formed a new company called Decho. The new organization is composed of two formerly separate EMC businesses—American Fork, UT-based Mozy and Seattle-based Pi. The merged operation will focus on cloud computing services having to do with managing people’s digital information, … Continue reading “EMC Forms New Company, Decho, to Help Customers Take Control of Personal Data Online”
Where Innovators Meet Up: The Greater Seattle Coffee Cluster
Map and list updated Dec. 19: Want to know where your favorite VC gets his or her morning latte? How about where tech and life sciences entrepreneurs gather to network and discuss ideas? If you’re looking to rub shoulders with the technological elite—or if you’re just looking for a quiet cafe to have a meeting … Continue reading “Where Innovators Meet Up: The Greater Seattle Coffee Cluster”
Ontela Goes Live on Verizon
Seattle-based Ontela announced today that it has partnered with Denver, CO-based Photobucket to provide automatic photo uploading to the Web on Verizon Wireless phones. Verizon is the largest wireless carrier to adopt Ontela’s technology so far. The service, which costs $2.99 a month, sends users’ pictures from their phone to their Photobucket account.
Microsoft Spins Out Sabi
Microsoft announced today that it has helped launch an educational gaming startup called Sabi, which is based in Kirkland, WA. Sabi’s technology has its origins in Microsoft Research and was licensed through Microsoft’s IP Ventures program. The startup, led by Margaret Johnson, has launched its first interactive drawing and reading game, called ItzaBitza.
Smartsheet Aims to Become the Google of Outsourced Team Management
Collaborative work management—it’s not the sexiest topic, but it’s a big business. Seattle-area entrepreneur Brent Frei estimates that his newest startup, Smartsheet, is the “301st company in the space.” The basic idea is to make software that companies can use to manage team-based projects and keep track of things like workflow, file storage, discussion threads, … Continue reading “Smartsheet Aims to Become the Google of Outsourced Team Management”
Delve Launches Video Site for U.S. Troops
Seattle-based Delve Networks, a video management and media platform company, has launched a video-sharing site called TroopTube for U.S. military personnel and their families. Delve partnered with Texas-based Marion, Montgomery to deliver the service as part of Military OneSource, which is run by the Department of Defense.
Long Live Microsoft, Farewell Yahoo, and Flat Is the New Up: A Panel of Predictions for 2009
Everyone loves a good prediction. Well, last night there were many of them. I attended the Washington Technology Industry Association’s “Predictions for 2009” dinner event at the Westin Hotel in Seattle. Before I get to the panel discussion, just a couple of tidbits overheard around the room: —Ben Elowitz, co-founder and CEO of Wetpaint, told … Continue reading “Long Live Microsoft, Farewell Yahoo, and Flat Is the New Up: A Panel of Predictions for 2009”
Puget Sound Energy Buys Wind Turbines, Voyager Backs Video Ads, 10 Reasons Why Startups Fail, & More Seattle-Area Deals News
It was a pretty slow week for tech deals in the Northwest—chalk it up to the election and the Veteran’s Day holiday. Nevertheless, there was a trickle of activity in software, digital media, and energy. —Seattle-based Voyager Capital has led an investment in Keystream, a Mountain View, CA-based online video advertising startup. The deal closed … Continue reading “Puget Sound Energy Buys Wind Turbines, Voyager Backs Video Ads, 10 Reasons Why Startups Fail, & More Seattle-Area Deals News”
Puget Sound Energy Buys Vestas Wind Turbines
Bellevue, WA-based utility Puget Sound Energy, announced today it has purchased 22 wind turbine generators from turbine manufacturer Vestas, which has U.S. headquarters in Portland, OR. The order is for an expansion of the utility’s Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility in eastern Kittitas County, WA, and it accounts for most of the project’s $100 … Continue reading “Puget Sound Energy Buys Vestas Wind Turbines”
Backed by Voyager Capital, Keystream Takes on Video Advertising
Seattle-based Voyager Capital has been investing pretty aggressively in software and digital media startups up and down the West Coast, as we reported back in September. Today, one of its portfolio companies, Mountain View, CA-based Keystream, emerged from stealth mode to announce its new product, management team, and investors. Voyager Capital led a funding round … Continue reading “Backed by Voyager Capital, Keystream Takes on Video Advertising”
Livemocha Wins Startup Award, Wants to Teach You the International Language
“Language lessons,” says the Korean sportscaster in his Howard Cosell voice at the end of Better Off Dead. It’s what allowed Lane Meyer (played by John Cusack) to ski the K-12 on one ski, and 23 years later, it’s still the key to building relationships in global business. So when we heard on Friday that … Continue reading “Livemocha Wins Startup Award, Wants to Teach You the International Language”
Entrance Controls Buys 1Pointe
Tukwila, WA-based Entrance Controls, a technology firm that manages electronic security for businesses, announced today it has acquired Portland, OR-based 1Pointe. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in 2005, 1Pointe delivers secure networking, wireless, and storage technologies to businesses in the Northwest.
New Customers in Tow, Apptio Wants To Help Manage Your Skyrocketing IT Costs
Whether you’re a startup or a big company, your IT costs are probably going up these days. And what with all the laptops, desktops, mobile phones, servers, and data centers to keep track of—not to mention e-mail systems, software applications, and tech support—it’s getting harder to predict what those costs are going to be, or … Continue reading “New Customers in Tow, Apptio Wants To Help Manage Your Skyrocketing IT Costs”
Where Is the Seattle Cloud: No Local Startups Among Amazon Web Services’ $100K Finalists
Today, Amazon announced the seven finalists in its Amazon Web Services (AWS) startup challenge. These are young companies that are using the Seattle giant’s cloud-computing platform to build their businesses, and Amazon is rewarding the ones it thinks are the most promising. The grand prize is $50K in cash and $50K in AWS credits and … Continue reading “Where Is the Seattle Cloud: No Local Startups Among Amazon Web Services’ $100K Finalists”
Why Startups Fail: A Top 10 List From Geoff Entress, Seattle’s Prolific Angel Investor
Despite the post-election glow in some circles, the financial reality for most people remains gloomy (along with the weather here in Seattle). As Geoff Entress succinctly puts it, “The economy still sucks…Nobody’s writing any checks right now at all.” I sat down with the Seattle-based angel investor yesterday in between his appearances at the University … Continue reading “Why Startups Fail: A Top 10 List From Geoff Entress, Seattle’s Prolific Angel Investor”
Ruling to Block “Business Method” Patents May Spur Innovation, Say Entrepreneurs and Investors
It’s what everyone has been talking about lately. No, not the election—software patent reform. (Bear with me, non-IP folks.) Last Thursday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit rejected a patent application from a company called WeatherWise for a method of managing the risk involved with energy costs. The court ruled that in … Continue reading “Ruling to Block “Business Method” Patents May Spur Innovation, Say Entrepreneurs and Investors”
Microsoft Research Asia Turns 10, Looks to Innovate in Multimedia, Cloud Computing, Ads
Updated Nov. 5 with comments from senior vice president Rick Rashid (see below): You did good, Bill Gates. When you decided to build a new computer-science research lab in Beijing in 1998, you probably saw it as a relatively low-risk venture with a high upside. It would be challenging and take a lot of work … Continue reading “Microsoft Research Asia Turns 10, Looks to Innovate in Multimedia, Cloud Computing, Ads”
Vidoop Lays Off 9 Workers
Portland, OR-based Vidoop, a maker of Internet security and authentication technology, has laid off 9 of 37 employees, according to the Portland Business Journal. Vidoop’s company blog was less specific, saying it told “several members of the Vidoop family goodbye.” The company moved to Portland from Oklahoma in September.
WildTangent Closes Studio, Changes CEO
Redmond, WA-based WildTangent, a developer and publisher of online games, has closed its development studio and laid off 20 employees, or one-fifth of its staff, as first reported by TechFlash. Co-founder Alex St. John has stepped down as chief executive but remains chairman, according to Gamasutra and others. Mike Peronto is the new CEO.
Kashless Cashes In, InEnTec Gets $150M, EnerG2 Energized by Venture Investment, & More Seattle-Area Deals News
Heading into Election Day (have you voted yet?), the deal flow has really picked up in the Northwest. Cleantech and energy were the big winners this week, followed by Web software and biomedical hardware. —Xconomy broke the news of Seattle-based EnerG2, a startup out of the University of Washington, raising an $8.5 million Series A … Continue reading “Kashless Cashes In, InEnTec Gets $150M, EnerG2 Energized by Venture Investment, & More Seattle-Area Deals News”
Napera Networks Nabs $6M
Mercer Island, WA-based Napera Networks, a maker of network security systems for businesses, closed a $6 million round of funding led by OVP Venture Partners, as reported by TechFlash, which cites a state regulatory filing. It wasn’t immediately clear when the deal had closed, but an OVP spokesperson said it wasn’t new. Margaret Dawson, Napera’s … Continue reading “Napera Networks Nabs $6M”
EnerG2, a University of Washington Startup, Raises $8.5M for Energy Storage, Led by OVP
Xconomy has learned that EnerG2, an advanced materials company in Seattle, has closed an $8.5 million round of Series A financing, led by Kirkland, WA-based OVP Venture Partners and Palo Alto, CA-based Firelake Capital Management, according to multiple sources familiar with the deal. The news suggests that energy venture deals could be hot, even in … Continue reading “EnerG2, a University of Washington Startup, Raises $8.5M for Energy Storage, Led by OVP”
Ascentium Adds Cash
Bellevue, WA-based Ascentium, a Web design and marketing firm, announced today it has raised additional funds from Kirkland, WA-based WestRiver Capital. The amount was not disclosed. Ascentium said it will continue to invest in talent and business expansion worldwide.
CultureMob, Expanding Across the U.S., Says Get Out and Vote, Then Party
Want to find out where the best election parties will be on Tuesday night? Check out CultureMob’s top 10 list for Seattle here. The list includes a big drinkfest, the Stranger’s Election Party at Showbox at the Market downtown, as well as the more serious Election Night Special at Town Hall Seattle, complete with political … Continue reading “CultureMob, Expanding Across the U.S., Says Get Out and Vote, Then Party”
Second Ave Re-ups with Ice Energy
Seattle-based Second Avenue Partners has participated in a $33 million Series B funding for Colorado-based Ice Energy, a cleantech company that helps manage electricity usage for air conditioning. Second Avenue was an original investor in Ice Energy. The latest funding round was led by Energy Capital Partners.
Supporter of Seattle Startups Raises $800K for “Social Analytics,” Wants To Improve Your Website
One of the most influential people in the Seattle tech-innovation scene doesn’t even live in the area. He’s Neil Patel, and if you’re in the Web analytics or Internet marketing business, you already know who he is. That’s because Patel has done marketing and search engine optimization for everyone from giants like General Motors, AOL, … Continue reading “Supporter of Seattle Startups Raises $800K for “Social Analytics,” Wants To Improve Your Website”
Kashless No More: Martin Tobias Raises $5M for New Startup
[Updated Oct. 30 with comments from Tobias, who’s surfing in Hawaii (see below)] Although he has been stingy with details about his new startup, Kashless, I figured Seattle entrepreneur Martin Tobias had to have raised some money (he’s been hiring). Yesterday, Dan Primack of PEHub reported that Kashless recently closed a $5 million Series A … Continue reading “Kashless No More: Martin Tobias Raises $5M for New Startup”
NxtGen Emission Nets $15.4M
Burnaby, BC-based NxtGen Emission Controls announced today it has closed a $15.4 million Series B round, led by Denver, CO-based Altira Group. Other investors included Itochu, an undisclosed Japanese auto maker, and return investors Yaletown Venture Partners, GrowthWorks Capital, BC Advantage Funds, and Polygon Financial Investments. NxtGen Emission specializes in “syngas” technology for reducing emissions … Continue reading “NxtGen Emission Nets $15.4M”
Financial Crisis Already Having Moderate Impact on Washington Tech Businesses, Survey Says
Three weeks ago, the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) launched a survey on the effects of the economic downturn on the technology community. The specific goal was to get feedback on how tech businesses are being directly affected by the nation’s financial crisis. Xconomy was the exclusive media partner on the survey; we had early … Continue reading “Financial Crisis Already Having Moderate Impact on Washington Tech Businesses, Survey Says”