Author: Jeff Buchanan

Jeff formerly led Xconomy’s Seattle coverage since. Before that, he spent three years as editor of Xconomy Wisconsin, primarily covering software and biotech companies based in the Badger State. A graduate of Vanderbilt, he worked in health IT prior to being bit by the journalism bug.

Providence Ventures Raises $150M to Invest in Healthtech Startups

Providence Ventures, the venture investing arm of Renton, WA-based health system Providence St. Joseph Health, says it has raised a $150 million fund to invest in early- and mid-stage healthcare technology businesses. The venture firm says it will consider making investments across several areas of digital health, including healthcare information technology and Internet-connected medical devices. … Continue reading “Providence Ventures Raises $150M to Invest in Healthtech Startups”

Microsoft, Kroger Advance Grocery Tech to Fend Off Amazon

From the cloud on down to the floors of supermarkets, the rivalry between Microsoft and Amazon spans many sectors in software, gadgets, and increasingly, retail. The Seattle-area tech giants are battling—both with one another, and other competitors—to further digitize grocery shopping. The latest salvo came on Monday from Microsoft (NASDAQ: [[ticker:MSFT]]), which announced new details … Continue reading “Microsoft, Kroger Advance Grocery Tech to Fend Off Amazon”

Seattle Startup Funding News: Immusoft, TurboPatent, VYRTY & More

Catch up on funding news in the Seattle area’s early-stage business ecosystem from late December and early January: —Immusoft, which is developing technology to genetically reprogram patients’ B cells outside the body to produce therapeutic proteins, said it raised $20 million from investors. The Seattle-based company said a mix of new investors and return backers … Continue reading “Seattle Startup Funding News: Immusoft, TurboPatent, VYRTY & More”

Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics to Invest $21M in Facility Near Madison HQ

Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics said it plans to invest about $21 million to establish a facility for developing and manufacturing stem cells in Madison, WI, where the company is based. The firm, which was acquired by Japan-based Fujifilm in 2015, said it expects the facility to begin operating by March 2020. It plans to use the … Continue reading “Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics to Invest $21M in Facility Near Madison HQ”

Joann to Install Glowforge 3D Printers, Helping Grandma Go High-Tech

Arts and crafts shops aren’t typically thought of as cutting-edge retail environments. But one chain of sewing and hobby supplies stores, Joann, is signaling it doesn’t want to be an afterthought in conversations about high-tech brick-and-mortar shopping experiences. Joann said this week that it has invested an undisclosed sum in Glowforge, a Seattle-based startup that … Continue reading “Joann to Install Glowforge 3D Printers, Helping Grandma Go High-Tech”

Following Sale of Haiku Deck, Adam Tratt Reflects on Startup Life

The idea for Haiku Deck, a Seattle startup that makes software for putting together short, image-heavy presentations, only came about after its founders’ original plan to build a development shop for social network games failed to gain sufficient traction. Now, years later, Haiku Deck co-founders Adam Tratt and Kevin Leneway’s decision to switch to developing … Continue reading “Following Sale of Haiku Deck, Adam Tratt Reflects on Startup Life”

Remote Exercise Startup FitOn Grabs $4.6M to Ride Home Workout Wave

More Americans work from home than ever before, and there’s a parallel trend of people increasingly ditching trips to the gym to instead work out at home. Companies like Peloton and FitOn, a new startup that recently raised a round of venture funding to support its growth, are using software to host virtual classes during … Continue reading “Remote Exercise Startup FitOn Grabs $4.6M to Ride Home Workout Wave”

Kineta Gets $15M in New Cancer Drug Partnership with Pfizer

Seattle biotech company Kineta continues to expand its roster of drug development partners, announcing on Monday it has entered into a collaboration and licensing agreement with Pfizer to develop therapies that use the body’s disease-fighting capabilities to attack cancerous tumors. Pfizer (NYSE: [[ticker:PFE]]) will pay Kineta $15 million upfront for the exclusive rights to therapies and … Continue reading “Kineta Gets $15M in New Cancer Drug Partnership with Pfizer”

DataCloud Raises $4M to Guide Miners’ Drilling, Blasting Decisions

DataCloud, a developer of sensors and software to help guide mine operators’ decision-making around drilling and blasting, has raised $4 million in new financing to support the Seattle-based startup’s continued growth. The company’s system combines cloud-based software with connected sensors that are attached to drills and collect data as blast holes are drilled into a … Continue reading “DataCloud Raises $4M to Guide Miners’ Drilling, Blasting Decisions”

Female-Centric Coworking Firm The Riveter Raises $15M to Fuel Growth

The outlook appears to be rosy for The Riveter. The Seattle-based startup, which bills itself as a “membership network built by women, for everyone,” says it has raised $15 million in new funding. The Riveter, which launched in May 2017, operates coworking spaces and organizes events and workshops for its members and the public. It … Continue reading “Female-Centric Coworking Firm The Riveter Raises $15M to Fuel Growth”

Survey: Microsoft’s Collaboration Tools Now More Popular Than Slack

Many young professionals like to reminisce about technologies that were popular during their teenage years, like Nokia cellphones and AOL instant messenger. While AIM’s best days seem to have passed, many modern workplaces still use software with built-in chat tools, which tend to have a less formal feel than e-mail. One such offering, Microsoft Teams, … Continue reading “Survey: Microsoft’s Collaboration Tools Now More Popular Than Slack”

Membrion Gets $2.2M for Materials to Help Store Energy, Purify Water

[Updated 12/10/18 10:21 a.m. See below.] Inspiration can come from unlikely places—like the bottom of a bag of beef jerky, for instance. Membrion, a Seattle-based cleantech startup, recently raised $2.2 million in new funding to give the company a boost along the path to commercialization. It engineers flexible membranes using silica gel, the same material … Continue reading “Membrion Gets $2.2M for Materials to Help Store Energy, Purify Water”

Impel Raises $67.5M to Advance Intranasal Drugs for CNS Disorders

Impel NeuroPharma, which is developing technology to deliver certain therapeutics more effectively to the brain, says it has raised $67.5 million in new funding to support clinical trials of its drug candidates. Seattle-based Impel has three drug candidates currently undergoing clinical studies, all designed to treat a variety of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including … Continue reading “Impel Raises $67.5M to Advance Intranasal Drugs for CNS Disorders”

Manufacturing Gig Platform FactoryFix Raises $1.5M, Relocates to WI

This year, the state of Wisconsin rolled out a marketing campaign aimed at wooing young professionals from Chicago, claiming the Badger State tends to offer cheaper rents, shorter commutes, and easier access to outdoor activities than the Windy City. But for FactoryFix CEO and founder Patrick O’Rahilly, whose manufacturing staffing software startup recently relocated its … Continue reading “Manufacturing Gig Platform FactoryFix Raises $1.5M, Relocates to WI”

Amazon Wants to Help Doctors and Patients Process Healthcare Data

Amazon intends to wade deeper into healthcare. The company announced Tuesday that it is working with groups in the industry to help them make sense of unstructured medical data using Amazon’s software tools. The Seattle e-commerce and technology giant unveiled what it calls Amazon Comprehend Medical, which the company says could help hospitals, clinics, and … Continue reading “Amazon Wants to Help Doctors and Patients Process Healthcare Data”

Shine Raises $30M, Could Add $150M More After Inking Deerfield Deal

[Updated 11/28/18 10:52 a.m. See below.] Shine Medical Technologies, a Janesville, WI-based company that’s working to resume domestic production of a vital medical isotope, said Tuesday that Deerfield Management, a New York-based investing firm, has agreed to pour up to $150 million into Shine’s coffers in the coming years. Shine executives had previously told company shareholders … Continue reading “Shine Raises $30M, Could Add $150M More After Inking Deerfield Deal”

After Deal Stalled, Shine Medical Eyeing Up to $160M from Deerfield

[Update 11/27/18 8:34 p.m.] Following the publication of an Xconomy report that Shine Medical Technologies appeared to be on the verge of landing a nine-figure investment from Deerfield Management, the two companies said Tuesday that Deerfield will invest up to $150 million in Shine to support the construction of a radioisotope-manufacturing facility. [Story originally published … Continue reading “After Deal Stalled, Shine Medical Eyeing Up to $160M from Deerfield”

With $23M in Hand, Rock River Shifts from Fundraising to Investing

A young Wisconsin venture capital firm has raised more than $23 million for its first fund, and plans to soon begin drawing on the pool of money to back startups based in the state. Rock River Capital Partners said in a document filed with federal securities regulators last week that the size of its first … Continue reading “With $23M in Hand, Rock River Shifts from Fundraising to Investing”

Cellectar Announces Resignation of Chief Medical Officer John Friend

John Friend, vice president and chief medical officer of Cellectar Biosciences (NASDAQ: [[ticker:CLRB]]), on Tuesday tendered his resignation from the company, Cellectar said in a regulatory filing. Friend’s last day is Nov. 27, according to the filing, which did not specify reasons for his departure. Madison, WI-based Cellectar is developing drugs with the potential to … Continue reading “Cellectar Announces Resignation of Chief Medical Officer John Friend”

Shyft Raises $6.5M for Staffing Tools Used by Workers and Employers

Shyft Technologies, a Seattle-based startup that has developed a software platform for retail and hospitality workers, and their employers, says it has raised $6.5 million in new funding to further develop its product. Two venture capital firms based in the Seattle area, Ignition Partners and Madrona Venture Group, led the Series A round, Shyft says. … Continue reading “Shyft Raises $6.5M for Staffing Tools Used by Workers and Employers”

Amazon Ends “HQ” Search, Pledges to Spend $5B on New Sites in NY, VA

The wait is finally over. Amazon said Tuesday it plans to significantly expand its presence in the New York City and Washington, DC, metropolitan areas beginning next year. The announcement was widely expected following news reports identifying the locales as likely winners of Amazon’s lengthy search process for an additional “headquarters,” as the company is … Continue reading “Amazon Ends “HQ” Search, Pledges to Spend $5B on New Sites in NY, VA”

Eyeing Foxconn, Manufacturing Gig Platform FactoryFix Expands in WI

Foxconn’s planned $10 billion electronic display factory in southeastern Wisconsin could be a boon for local workers vying for the potential 13,000 jobs. The facility could also be a headache for other area manufacturers, possibly sparking a heated competition for engineers, electricians, machinists, and other skilled laborers. The talent war could also spell opportunity for … Continue reading “Eyeing Foxconn, Manufacturing Gig Platform FactoryFix Expands in WI”

Invenra, Madison Firm Developing Therapeutic Antibodies, Adds $7.1M

Invenra, a Madison, WI-based startup that develops therapeutic antibodies for pharmaceutical companies and other clients, has raised more than $7.1 million from investors, according to a regulatory filing. Twenty-three investors participated in the equity funding round, according to the filing, which was made public earlier this week. Founded in 2011, Invenra has now raised more … Continue reading “Invenra, Madison Firm Developing Therapeutic Antibodies, Adds $7.1M”

Exact Sciences Acquires San Diego Lab Equipment Supplier Biomatrica

Exact Sciences has gone from being a customer of Biomatrica, a San Diego-based vendor of equipment for storing and preserving blood and saliva samples, to now being the company’s owner. Madison, WI-based Exact (NASDAQ: [[ticker:EXAS]]), which is developing diagnostic tests for several types of cancer, said Thursday that it has acquired Biomatrica for an undisclosed … Continue reading “Exact Sciences Acquires San Diego Lab Equipment Supplier Biomatrica”

Wisconsin Insurance Software Firm Dynamis Sold to Applied Systems

Applied Systems, a Chicago-area company that sells its cloud-based software to groups in the insurance industry, announced Wednesday that it has acquired Dynamis Software. West Allis, WI-based Dynamis develops software that insurance brokers and agents can use to compare the different health plans available to their customers, most of whom are employers. A news release … Continue reading “Wisconsin Insurance Software Firm Dynamis Sold to Applied Systems”

Startups, Eh? Latest Gener8tor Class Includes 2 Canadian Companies

Gener8tor went north of the border to find some of the participants in its latest Wisconsin startup accelerator program. The organization, which trains entrepreneurs and invests in some of the companies they run, appears to have picked two startups headquartered in Canada for Gener8tor’s current accelerator session in Milwaukee. The latest group of participants haven’t … Continue reading “Startups, Eh? Latest Gener8tor Class Includes 2 Canadian Companies”

Paul Allen’s Contributions, Far Beyond Microsoft, Touched the Brain, AI & More

Technology and life sciences leaders say they’ll remember Paul Allen, the Microsoft co-founder, philanthropist, and investor who passed away Monday at age 65, as an “inspiration” whose work will impact the fields he worked in for years to come. Allen died from complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, according to a statement from Vulcan, the Seattle-based philanthropy … Continue reading “Paul Allen’s Contributions, Far Beyond Microsoft, Touched the Brain, AI & More”

Stratatech Gets $26M More to Develop Skin Tissue for Treating Burns

An agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Stratatech, a Madison, WI-based maker of human skin tissue, $26 million in new funding. Stratatech, which is developing cell-based regenerative skin tissue for burn victims and others, said the award will support pediatric studies of StrataGraft, the company’s flagship product. Stratatech is … Continue reading “Stratatech Gets $26M More to Develop Skin Tissue for Treating Burns”

Ahead of WARF Keynote, Gigaom’s Reese Talks Academia’s Startup Push

Byron Reese, the Gigaom publisher and successful entrepreneur who has written extensively on how technology impacts society, says he believes the biggest future breakthroughs are likely to come from universities and startup companies, rather than large, publicly traded ones. “I think really disruptive things will always come from universities and entrepreneurs,” says Reese, whose most … Continue reading “Ahead of WARF Keynote, Gigaom’s Reese Talks Academia’s Startup Push”

Swabbing DNA on Phones Reveals Mysteries of Microbial World Around Us

Ask someone “What’s on your phone?” and he or she might respond with some combination of photos, music, contacts, and mobile apps. But a series of interactive experiments co-led by a prominent geneticist are answering the question in a different way, by swabbing the surface of smartphones and telling their owners what bacteria, viruses, fungi, … Continue reading “Swabbing DNA on Phones Reveals Mysteries of Microbial World Around Us”

Understory Nabs $6.5M to Expand Network of Weather Tracking Stations

Understory, a Madison, WI-based weather technology startup, has raised more than $6.5 million in new equity funding from eight investors, according to a securities filing. Understory operates networks of weather stations in the U.S. and other countries that can measure wind, temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and various forms of precipitation. The company says the hardware … Continue reading “Understory Nabs $6.5M to Expand Network of Weather Tracking Stations”

Janssen Reaches $250M Deal for Rights to Arrowhead’s Hep B RNAi Drug

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is licensing one of its drug candidates, a hepatitis B treatment, to a subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson in a cash and stock deal valued at $250 million up front. The agreement announced Thursday comes one month after Pasadena, CA-based Arrowhead, which operates its laboratories in Madison, WI, reported encouraging early … Continue reading “Janssen Reaches $250M Deal for Rights to Arrowhead’s Hep B RNAi Drug”

Apptio Acquires FittedCloud to Broaden Enterprise IT Analytics Tools

Apptio, a Seattle-area company that helps corporate technology leaders manage their IT spending, said Wednesday that it has acquired FittedCloud, a Boston-based developer of cloud optimization software. Apptio’s (NASDAQ: [[ticker:APTI]]) news release announcing the deal did not contain any financial terms. However, the company said its acquisition of FittedCloud “is not material from a financial … Continue reading “Apptio Acquires FittedCloud to Broaden Enterprise IT Analytics Tools”

Madison Startup Asto CT Raises $1.1M for Large Animal Imaging Device

Asto CT, a startup developing a computed tomography (CT) device for performing diagnostic scans of animals, has raised nearly $1.1 million in new funding, according to a document filed with federal securities regulators. Madison, WI-based Asto CT has now raised more than $1.7 million from investors, all of which has been debt financing, SEC filings … Continue reading “Madison Startup Asto CT Raises $1.1M for Large Animal Imaging Device”

Report: Apple Wins Appeal of $234M Ruling in Patent Dispute with WARF

Apple has persuaded a federal appeals court to toss out a 2015 ruling that ordered the company to pay the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s technology transfer office $234 million for infringing a computer processing technology patent held by the organization, Reuters reported. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. ruled in … Continue reading “Report: Apple Wins Appeal of $234M Ruling in Patent Dispute with WARF”

ImageMoverMD Nabs Another $1.6M For Secure Patient Photo-Sharing App

ImageMoverMD, a Madison, WI-based startup developing software applications that allow clinicians and patients to securely transmit pictures and videos taken with mobile devices, has raised $1.6 million from two investors, according to a document filed with federal securities regulators. The company has now raised more than $4.3 million since launching in 2013, according to SEC … Continue reading “ImageMoverMD Nabs Another $1.6M For Secure Patient Photo-Sharing App”

Somna Rebrands Acid Reflux Band in Bid to Reach More Patients

There’s a long list of products named after their inventors: everything from the diesel engine to Jacuzzi tubs to the leotard. For years, the list had also included Reza Band, a medical device co-developed by gastroenterologist Reza Shaker and sold by Germantown, WI-based Somna Therapeutics. Somna’s medical device is no longer on that list. This … Continue reading “Somna Rebrands Acid Reflux Band in Bid to Reach More Patients”

Packers, Microsoft Drop Accelerator Plans; TitleTownTech Still a Go

TitleTownTech, a soon-to-be-launched joint venture between the NFL’s Green Bay Packers and tech giant Microsoft, has hit the brakes on a startup accelerator the two organizations had previously said they planned to run together. Craig Dickman, whom the Packers named managing director of TitleTownTech earlier this week, says the goal of the joint venture—spurring digital-age … Continue reading “Packers, Microsoft Drop Accelerator Plans; TitleTownTech Still a Go”

Packers, Cool Products, Cellectar & More: This Week’s WI Watchlist

Catch up on news from Wisconsin’s innovation community with these recent headlines: —The NFL’s Green Bay Packers said Craig Dickman has been named managing director of TitleTownTech, a joint venture between the team and Microsoft that’s aimed at spurring digital-age economic activity in northeastern Wisconsin. Dickman is the founder and former CEO of Breakthrough Fuel, … Continue reading “Packers, Cool Products, Cellectar & More: This Week’s WI Watchlist”

Jamf Buys Austin, TX-Based Enterprise Software Firm Orchard & Grove

Jamf, an enterprise IT company based in Minneapolis but with roots and employees in Eau Claire, WI, said Wednesday that it has acquired Orchard & Grove, an Austin, TX-based software developer. Jamf helps businesses set up and manage Apple (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AAPL]]) computers and mobile devices that employees use to do their jobs. Orchard & Grove … Continue reading “Jamf Buys Austin, TX-Based Enterprise Software Firm Orchard & Grove”

NorthStar Names Merrick CEO, Appoints Hendricks as Board Chair

NorthStar Medical Technologies, which is seeking to become the first U.S. company in decades to domestically produce a widely used medical radioisotope, said it has appointed Stephen Merrick as CEO. Merrick joined Beloit, WI-based NorthStar in 2016 as the company’s chief operating officer and was later given the title of president, which he’ll continue to … Continue reading “NorthStar Names Merrick CEO, Appoints Hendricks as Board Chair”

German Conglomerate Buys OnCourse Learning in Reported $500M Deal

Bertelsmann, a large media and publishing conglomerate headquartered in Germany, said Monday that it has acquired OnCourse Learning, a Brookfield, WI-based provider of online professional training programs. Bertelsmann said Monday in a news release that the amount it’s acquiring OnCouse for is in the “mid-nine-digit euro range,” meaning roughly halfway between €100 million and €1 … Continue reading “German Conglomerate Buys OnCourse Learning in Reported $500M Deal”

Autism Study Supports Stemina Diagnostic, Test to Ship by Year-End

Most children aren’t diagnosed with autism until they’re at least 4 years old, and that’s something many experts hope can change. As with many conditions, treating autism earlier in life is believed to boost a child’s cognitive and social skills in most cases. Yet there’s currently no medical test to diagnose autism spectrum disorder, often called ASD, … Continue reading “Autism Study Supports Stemina Diagnostic, Test to Ship by Year-End”

Epic, Kiio, HealthMyne & More: This Week’s Wisconsin Watchlist

Stay current on news from Wisconsin’s innovation community with these recent headlines: —Epic Systems, a Verona-based developer of record-keeping tools for the healthcare industry, said virtual assistant software it created in tandem with Nuance Communications is now commercially available. The tools allow doctors and other care providers at hospitals and clinics that use Epic’s software … Continue reading “Epic, Kiio, HealthMyne & More: This Week’s Wisconsin Watchlist”

Gener8tor Picks Four Artists for First Class of Music Accelerator

In the five-plus weeks since a new music “accelerator” program for Milwaukee-area artists kicked off, the four participating artists have been traveling to places like London and Los Angeles to visit recording studios and meet with industry leaders, according to the program’s organizers. The program, called Backline, is a joint venture between 88Nine Radio Milwaukee … Continue reading “Gener8tor Picks Four Artists for First Class of Music Accelerator”

Madison Human Resources Firm TASC Creates Venture Investing Arm

Total Administrative Services Corp. (TASC), a Madison, WI-based business that administers employee benefit plans for businesses across the country, has formed a venture capital arm that will invest in startups developing technologies for use in industries such as human resources, insurance, and financial services. TASC Ventures plans to make about eight to 12 investments by … Continue reading “Madison Human Resources Firm TASC Creates Venture Investing Arm”

Arrowhead Shares Pop on Early Clinical Data for Hepatitis B Drug

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals on Thursday made public select initial data from an early-stage clinical study of a hepatitis B drug it’s developing, sending the company’s stock price (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ARWR]]) to a four-year high. Arrowhead shared data from a study aimed at evaluating the safety and tolerability of a drug candidate it’s developing to treat chronic hepatitis … Continue reading “Arrowhead Shares Pop on Early Clinical Data for Hepatitis B Drug”

Forward Bio Initiative Launches with $750K Grant from WI Jobs Agency

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) said Thursday that it has awarded $750,000 in grant funding to help launch a new biomanufacturing collaboration that aims to promote technological innovation and job creation in the Badger State. As Xconomy reported in August, the groups behind the collaboration—which they’re calling the Forward Bio Initiative—are seeking to assist … Continue reading “Forward Bio Initiative Launches with $750K Grant from WI Jobs Agency”

Harley, Gener8tor, Allergy Amulet & More: This Week’s WI Watchlist

Keep up with news from Wisconsin’s innovation community with these recent headlines: —Harley-Davidson, the iconic Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer, said Wednesday that it plans to open a new research and development center in Silicon Valley. Harley (NYSE: [[ticker:HOG]]) said the facility will house about two dozen of its workers—most of whom the company intends to hire … Continue reading “Harley, Gener8tor, Allergy Amulet & More: This Week’s WI Watchlist”